Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Ethan update

Last night I wrote my blog around 9pm, and as I mentioned, Ethan was fighting for his life. With a very heavy heart, I am sad to report that Ethan passed away at 6:15 this morning......

I would like to thank all of you for all your prayers, cards, and well wishes. All your support has meant the world to me.

Dear Ethan,
Thank you for making the world a better place, and letting us be a part of your world. You were a amazing little boy, and you will forever be in our hearts. We will miss you!

As you can imagine, Amy (Ethan's Mom), and Sierra (Ethan's sister), still have a long road ahead of them. Please keep them in your prayers. Thank you!

Going Grey Challenge: Be Thankful

It's Tuesday, and Tuesday= Going Grey with Scrap-Creations challenge! I am afraid, I do not have a card for you today. It has been a really rough week. As I mentioned last weeek on my blog, my Cousins Son Ethan is fighting for his life. He has been battling Neuroblastoma (Cancer) for the past 5 years, and has been in critical condition for the past week and 1/2. Today the hospital informed Amy (Ethan's Mom), that he is in kidney and liver failure and that there is nothing left they can do, and he most likely will not make it through the night. As soon as I heard the news, I knew I had to see him one last time. So, as hard as it was, I went and visited Ethan for most likely, the last time. As hard as it was, I knew I needed to see him and kiss him for the last time.
Sweet Ethan, you are a amazing little boy, with more courage than anyone I have ever met. You make the world a happier place, and I thank you for letting me be a part of your life! Love you always!


With that being said, it brings me to this weeks challenge! Be thankful! It can be a thanksgiving card, or a thank you card, whatever you like. This week and always, I am thankful for the time I've shared with Ethan!

Once again, last weeks cards were amazing. Such talented ladies you all are!!! As you know, last weeks challenge was sponsored by Kenny K (Thank you so much), and they have so very geneorously, are giving away 3 prizes. I used Random.org to pick the winners, and they are......


1st place (3 free images):



Carolyn



4 Timestamp: 2010-10-26 01:55:36 UTC


2nd place (2 Free images):


Dorte
16 Timestamp: 2010-10-26 01:57:00 UTC


3rd Place (1 Free Image):


Peri
21 Timestamp: 2010-10-26 01:58:13 UTC


Congrats Ladies. Please e-mail me @ k.catalano@comcast.net with your e-mail address.


This weeks TOP 3.......


Chris Dickeson:


Brenda Brown:
Nikki BBryne:
Congrats Ladies, your cards are wonderful. Please feel free to grab the top 3 badge on the left side of my blog.

Without Further A Du, here are the DT's cards for this weeks challenge:


Peggy Regan:
Lorie Ames:
Mary Castonquay:

Jackie Randolph:
Kristine Breach:
weren't those fabulous? Don't be afraid to head to their blogs and leave them a little love. You will have until next Monday @ 6pm to get your card in for the challenge. We only allow 2 entry's per person. Also, we have new Blog Badges, please feel free to take one and post on your blog. I will be picking the top 3 next week, and I will award 3 people with the new top 3 badge! When posting to a gallery's, please use the key words GGSC31.......Have a great day and happy creating








Saturday, October 23, 2010

Have a Magical Holiday!

Happy Saturday! I hope you are enjoying the weekend. The weather in here in New Hampshire is COLD, but sunny, so I will take it. This past week has been a bit of a tough one, but I am happy to have everyday I get. For all of you that have said prayers and sent cards for Ethan and his family, I say thank you. As of today he is still fighting for each day. His breathing is a bit better, but his lab work is still way off, and he continues to be very confused. I have been heart broken all week. I can't even begin to imagine what Amy is going through. On a happier note, I think we are going to spend tomorrow afternoon with Sierra. I am hoping to do something fun with her and my kids. Just a little something to occupy her mind for a bit. I will let you know what we come up with.

So, I was supposed to post this card yesterday, but time got away from me, and before I knew it, it was 11:00pm and I was exhausted. I made this card for this weeks challenge at Wags N Whiskers. The challenge is to make a Christmas card. I do love Christmas and all that comes with it (even black Friday). I just purchased this new Holiday Christmas paper (can't remember the name), and I am determined to use it all up. I used Laila, which is one of the new fairy images that Wags N Whiskers just released. We would love for you to join us in this weeks challenge. Just think, One more Christmas card you have made!

Well, I am off to our neighborhood Halloween Party. I hope you have a fabulous weekend, and Happy Creating!


Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Prayer Request....Please read me!

This is not a easy post for me to write, as you can imagine. A while back, I posted a card drive for my Cousins son Ethan, and I have to say, it turned out amazing!!!! Thank you to each and everyone one of you that sent cards and special items. If you are not familiar with Ethan, let me tell you a little about him. He is 8 years old and is absolutely the strongest little boy I have every met. He has been fightening Neuroblastoma (Cancer) for the last 5 years. Every time he has been down, he fought like a champ and bounced back up. I can't even begin to tell you all that Ethan and his family have been through. No one should ever have to experience the things that they have been through, never mind a little boy! To top it all off, Amy (Ethan's mom), is a single mom to Ethan and Sierra (Ethan's big sister, whom is 11). Here is Ethan's full story (from his caringbridge page:

Ethan was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma Stage 4 on March 5th, 2005. This devastating news came just days after his 3rd Birthday. The doctors told us that Ethan’s overall chance of survival was only 25%. Who would have ever thought that his leg pain and unexplained fever was cancer.
The worst of the worst…a deadly form of cancer where there is no specific treatment meant just for Neuroblastoma. Instead, trial studies and experimental therapies were in our future.

Ethan underwent 6 rounds of extremely high dose chemotherapy, surgery to remove the tumor in his abdomen, a stem cell transplant and 12 rounds of radiation to the tumor site. This trial study was followed up by an experimental therapy at Sloan Kettering in New York called 3F8 Antibody Treatment. Ethan received 5 rounds of this treatments before becoming “Hama” positive, which means his immune system is trained to fight neuroblastoma cells.

Today, Ethan is cancer free and is back to enjoying all the childhood fun and games that was taken from him for over a year and a half. Doctors have also increased his overall chance of survival to 50% (considering the high rate of relapse).

UPDATE:

In November 2007, a lump was found on Ethan's left shoulder blade...later to be diagnosed as osteochondroma, a benign tumor growth in the bone. This is in part, a side effect of having Total Body Irridation for his Stem Cell Transplant.

Around June of 2008, several benign tumors were discovered on Ethan's liver.

On Nov. 21, 2008, we found out that Ethan's cancer had returned, Recurrent Neuroblastoma. MIBG uptakes were discovered in one shoulder, his leg, his spine and chest...along with in his bone marrow. There were a total of 12 spots at re-diagnosis

Ethan underwent 2 rounds of high dose chemo followed by a set of scans. The scans showed that the chemo was not acting effectively.

Ethan then underwent one round of maintenance chemo before becoming the first patient in a New England hospital to recieve MIBG therapy (aka liquid radiation). The first round was scheduled the week of Ethan's 7th Birthday (feb 17th). Follow up scans show a HUGE improvement, leaving residual uptake on MIBG scan and small traces in the bone marrow. Then Ethan underwent a 2nd round at the beginning of May 2009, scan results show "stable with limited improvement".

At this time, Ethan only had two more spots to take care of. So he underwent more chemotherapy, using irinotecan, carboplatin and temodar...followed up by a much needed stem cell rescue. Results "stable with no improvement". At that point, we decided to allow Ethan's body to rest and put him on a treatment known for stability called ABT-751 at the beginning of Sept. 2009. However, in November 2009, Ethan's cancer showed 2 new spots of progression and we had to discontinue the use of the ABT-751.

From there, Ethan began a treatment using Temodar and Thalidomide, which consists of taking pills at home...everyday. Also, at this point, I added Harmazone, a form of"Essiac" to Ethan's daily routine. Later, I added the use of a DHA supplement. Thus far, the DHA has proven to rid Ethan of his mood swings and temper tantrums.

After 4 rounds of Thalidomide/Temodar treatment, On March 18, 2010 scan results showed massive "widespread" progression throughout Ethan's entire skeletal system, from his shoulders down his arms, down his spine and chest cavity, to his pelvis, and down his legs, right down to his ankles.

We then decided to try out a new phase 1 protocol using both IV and oral cyclophosphomide, with Avastin and Zometa. This treatment is primarily used for bone metastesis. Unfortunately Ethan's LFT's remained too elevated to remain on protocol.

Scans were conducted in Vermont, as preparation for a new study. Results show even more progression to several area's in skull and soft tissue mass on spine. Radiation was conducted to the orbital area and spine, along with etoposide and velcade treatments. Biopsies were perfomed for DNA and RHA testing for Personalized Medicine Study in Vermont.

During a routine platelet transfusion in June 2010, Ethan failed the neurological exam sending us directly in for an admit into the ICU. Tumor progression was found in the entire skull, putting pressure on Ethan's brain and brain stem. 10 rounds of full brain radiation was conducted. We were sent home on hospice care...and no further treatment options.

At the beginning of July 2010, we decided to start Ethan on the chemo regiment perposed by the Personalized Medicine Study by Dr. Sholler (Vermont). Scans were conducted prior to starting the drugs...further progression in lung, spleen and jaw.

I am so very sad to say that Ethan and his family are going through a extremely rough time right now, and they need your prayers more than ever!!!! Ethan and his mom have been traveling between New Hampshire and Vermont (a pretty long drive), for treatment, and things seemed to be steady until last week when Ethan was rushed to Childrens Hospital in Boston with a very serious GI (stomach/intestines) bleed. He was admitted to ICU for 3 days and then seemed to recover (he is amazing :), and just when things seemed to settle down, he presented with a possible seizure or TIA (mini stroke). As of today, it appears that Ethan had a TIA, and once again is in the ICU. You see, no Mom, sister (11years old), or little boy should EVER have to fight this fight. Amy (Ethan's mom), has been by Ethan's side 24/7, and as one would expect, has been a wreck with nerves. In the mean while, sister Sierra is trying to attend school, while worrying about her brother.....

You see, Prayers a desperately needed, as we have no idea what is next for Ethan and his family. Ethan has always seemed to bounce back when wee never thought he would, and I believe it has always been prayers that helped him through! So, it is with this e-mail, that I am asking you to please keep Ethan, Amy, and Sierra in your prayers. They need them now more than ever.....and, if you have a card or two, Ethan and Sierra LOVE to receive mail. I know that a card a day can bring a smile, and a minute or two of happiness to anyone, So, if you have any extra cards hanging around and would like to write them a note, they can be mailed to:

Ethan, Amy, and Sierra Smith
27 Donna Street
Nashua, NH 03060
If you would like to know more about Ethan, you can visit his Caring Bridge page here. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I hope you have a great day!


Monday, October 18, 2010

Going Grey with Scrap-Creations: Christmas with Kenny K

Happy Tuesday! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. Just think, there is only 3 more days till Friday!
WOWZERS....Do we have a challenge for you this week....This week we have one of our favorite sponsors...KENNY K!!!! My team just LOVES his work, and he has a image for everyone. Of course I had to go with a sexy girl....I guess if you can't be thin, you may as well create a thin girl, and a sexy one at that...hehehehe!!!
This weeks challenge is EASY!!!! Christmas...What a great way to start your cards. Kenny K will be offfering 3 prizes this week. 3 images for 1st, 2 images for 2nd and 1 image for third. I will draw three random nameswith random.org.
For my card today, I use Kenny K's Mrs. Claus. I had a complete blast playing with this image. I think I may give it to my hubby for Christmas....hehehe who am I kidding, I barely mail my cards!!!!
WOW...the cards and projects last week were amazing....Each one special in there own way....Like I say every week, it is so hard to pick just 3, and that is why I had to pick the TOP 4 this week...I couldn't help it.....So, here is this weeks TOP 4!




Tanya
Zulma
Ira
Great cards Ladies, please feel free to take the TOP 3 badge from the left side of my blog!!!!


Oh my word, waiit till you see the DT's cards...Every week they WOW me....I truley feel like I have the best team! SO, I don't want to tease you anymore. Without further A du....this weeks cards by the DT using Kenny K images!

Lories Ames


Mary Castonquay
Kim Howard
Peggy Regan
Kristine Breach
Jackie Randolph
Marie Brigman
Peggy Regan
weren't those fabulous? Don't be afraid to head to their blogs and leave them a little love. You will have until next Monday @ 6pm to get your card in for the challenge. We only allow 2 entry's per person. Also, we have new Blog Badges, please feel free to take one and post on your blog. I will be picking the top 3 next week, and I will award 3 people with the new top 3 badge! When posting to a gallery's, please use the key words GGSC31.......Have a great day and happy creating.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

One talented little girl!


Happy Sunday...I hope you have had a wonderful weekend. I have just a quick post today...Yesterday I spent appox 9 hours stamping with my girls Mary, Peggy, Michelle, Donna, and my wonderful friend and hostess Pia, whom always provides us with her home and a wonderful meal (THANK YOU PIA!) Well, yesterday we also got to spend the day with Pia's niece Christine, whom is only 4 years old. Some people may think, argh, kids there while you stamp.....but, you should see this kid. She is hysterical, and so talented for her age. She spent most of the day with us and sat quietly stamping and coloring away. She made us all cards, and then went home and continued making more cards. She never got bored.

This card that you see is a card made by Christine! I was working with images from The stamping Bazaar yesterday and gave her a image to use, and she turned around and made a fabulous card. She did the whole thing by herself. Way to go Christine! Check it out, stamps, coloring, cutting, ribbon, and brad. What a great job. Keep up the good work girl!

Hope you all have a fabulous day and thank you for taking the time to stop by!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Bite Me!!!!


TGIF!!! I hope you have had a great week. I can't say that I'm happy to see Friday arrive. It has been a very long week, but there have been some really good things this week as well....
- I got a 90 on one of my nursing exams.
- I got to go on a fabulous Field trip with my daughter and her class to Odiorne State Park.
- I finally finished the laundry for the week :)
- My son got is first 100 on his spelling test (he tries so hard)
- I am going to a all day stamp event at a friends house tomorrow :)
- Sunday I am staying home ALL day to study.

You see, it's the little things in life that make me happy! What made you happy this week?

How cute is this Marvin Biting the Apple image from The Stamping Bazaar? I know I have said this before about Marina's images, but I just LOVE to color them. They have great space! When i was making this card, I wanted it to be different from the other Marvin cards I made, but I can;t resist using the webbing I bought, and the goo dripper punch on every Halloween card I make. I did use some of my new halloween DP, so that makes me happy. I am trying really hard to use what I have on hand and not but every new DP that catches my eye (really hard for me). I think I am a DP addict! Oh wait, I KNOW I am a DP addict. I just love it! Hopefully I can use some more tomorrow, at my all day Stamp event :)

Well, I must go and print up some digis for tomorrow, and ggather my items. Hopefully, I can do as much stamping as I do talking. Have a great day , and thank you for stopping by.



Tiddly Inks Blog Candy!


Do you love Tiddly inks as much as I do???? Christy is offering some fabulous blog candy...Check this out!

This blog candy has a bit of everything:
3 sets of acrylic stamps, stacks of paper, cardboard, bits and pieces of goodies, mirrors and magnets, some cardstock and envelopes, a few finished cards and most important a CD of Tiddly Inks images worth $50....you pick the ones you want up to $50. :) Wahooooo!!!!

Click here to for your chance to win!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Going Grey with Scrap-Creations: Make it 3D

Happy Tuesday! I hope you all had a fabulous long weekend (if you got one). My kids and hubby had Monday off, but I had school (boohoo). My kids and hubby had a great day together. They went to Chuck E Cheese, and then went and picke dout their Halloween costumes. I on the other hand had a test today :( BUT I think I did pretty good, so that's a bonus.
It has been almost a week since I have actually sat and made a card or project. Nursing school is a constant....constant reading, and studying, but yesterday I actually decided to put it all to the side and enjoy a little time to myself and get creative. You know how much I LOVE Halloween, and there are only a couple weeks left for me to squeeze in some of my favorite halloween images and DP (hehehe). This weeks Going Grey with scrap-creations challenge is Make it 3D. It can be anything, a project a card that you made pop.....anything you think is 3D. Pretty easy for me, as I love to cut and add pop dots LOL. For my project today, I decided to kick it old school (hehehe). I use one of the mini paint cans from the dollar stop at Target and decorated, added some ribbon, and filled it with my favorites M&M's...yummmm......I used this super cute Marvin Digi stamp from The Stamping Bazzar. He is one of my favorites to color. If you are unfamilar with Marina's work, you should check her out. She has some amazing images to color!

I checked out everyones cards last week, and what amazing talent you all have. We had a great turnout for our Think Pink challenge. As you know, last weeks challenge was sponsored by Tiddly Inks (one of my favorites)! Christy, Thank you SOOO much for sponsooring us. We love to work with your images!!!! So, wanna know who won the $10.00 GC to Christy's store????
Here are your random numbers:

4 Timestamp: 2010-10-12 02:15:16 UTC

Kathleen Mc

You are the winner of this weeks challenge. Please e-mail me at k.catalano@comcast.net , so I can forward your e-mail to Christy at Tiddly Inks!


All the cards this week were gorgeous and it is always so hard to pick the TOP 3, but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. This weeks Top 3 are:


Denise



Nikki
Carla


Great cards Ladies, please feel free to take the TOP 3 badge from the left side of my blog!!!!


Without further A du, let me show you what my amazing DT came up with for this weeks 3D challenge!!! The never stop amazing me!!!! Thank you ladies, you are the best!



Jackie
Kristine
Marie
Peggy
Jackie 2nd card
weren't those fabulous? Don't be afraid to head to their blogs and leave them a little love. You will have until next Monday @ 6pm to get your card in for the challenge. We only allow 2 entry's per person. Also, we have new Blog Badges, please feel free to take one and post on your blog. I will be picking the top 3 next week, and I will award 3 people with the new top 3 badge! When posting to a gallery's, please use the key words GGSC30.......Have a great day and happy creating !


Friday, October 8, 2010

Wags N Whiskers New Release & Blog Hop!!!!


Happy Friday! I don't know about you, but I am thrilled that the weekend is here.

Guess what today is????? It is Wags N Whiskers 1st birthday, and we are celebrating with a new fairy release and a bloghop!

Today I have the pleasure of showing you Rhiannon. When i was coloring this image, my hubby was standing behind me and he says "she's kinda sexy, don't you think"? I had to laugh.... I think the new images are fabulous and I am sure you will love every single image!

So,here is the Blog hop list, I hope you can join us. You're going to love it!


Kristen - You are here

> Jeanette - Laila http://jeanette-happythoughtsinkspots.blogspot.com/
>
> Chris - Iris http://twinklesglow-glowbug.blogspot.com/
>
> Tina - Rhiannon http://tina46klix.blogspot.com/
>
> Mag - Rosalie http://magslittlethings.blogspot.com/
>
> Michele - Laila http://micheleroos-space.blogspot.com/
>
> Vicky - Rhiannon http://angeldrummer.blogspot.com/
>
> Barbara - Iris http://forgottenscraps.blogspot.com/
>
> Carolina - Rosalie http://carolinas-kort.blogspot.com/
>
> Lacey - Rhiannon http://handstampedbylacey.typepad.com/
>
> Moni - Laila http://nixe-moni.blogspot.com/
>
> Debs - Rhiannon http://debsatfrecklesplace.blogspot.com/
>
> Melanie - Iris http://paperblessingsbymelanie.blogspot.com/
>
> Sharon - Rosalie http://grammashouseofcards.blogspot.com/
>
> Mina - Laila http://pinkpuds.blogspot.com/
>
> Angelique - Iris http://scrapping-angel.blogspot.com/
>
> Mariska - Rhiannon http://www.biertsedijk.blogspot.com/
>
> Tracy - Rosalie http://www.stampingseasons.blogspot.com/

I hope you enjoy the hop. I am sure every card is amazing, as all the DT are amazing. Thank you for stopping by! Have a great weekend!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Going Grey with Scrap-Creations: Think Pink with Tiddly Inks!


Happy Tuesday! Tuesdays= Going Grey with Scrap-Creations challenge!!! I am so excited about this weeks challenge, not only is it a fun challenge, but we have a FABULOUS sponsor for you this week.....



NO DP on my card!!!! yep, that is right....I used all digi papers.....I think I have a new addiction (like I need another). So, in case you haven't noticed, I have become a bit of a Tiddly Inks junkie! I am completely head over heels for Christy's designs. Not only are her images to die for cute, but she creates the most amazing digi papers as well. I will admit, that her papers were the first I have ever tried, but what could be better than matching images and papers. LOVE IT!!!!! How gorgeous are these digi papers on my card, and I cute the ribbon out from one of the papers and used it as an embellishment. Seriously, this may be the cheapest card I have ever made (smiles), and this image is perfect for so many different cards. I am trying to get better about mailing my cards, so with what very little time I have to create, simple cards are right up my ally lately, and this card probably took me 1/2 hr to make, and I did so being pretty happy with it. My hopes are to make a few of these cards and mail them to the people I know, that are breast cancer Survivors. I have a cousin, and 2 friends that I plan on sending this card to. They are truly heros in every sense!

So, with this month being Breast cancer Awareness month, our challenge this week is THINK PINK! This week we want to know what you come up with when you Think PINK! Your card DOES NOT have to be breast cancer related. Just as long as it is "pink" themed, and that is whatever you want it to be. FABULOUS SPONSOR......yep...Tiddly Inks! Christy is offering a $10.00 GC to one random winner of this weeks challenge! Thank you Christy!!!! you're the best!

But, before I can show you the amazing DT cards this week, I need to name the TOP 3 from last week. What great work you ladies do!


tRUVEY

Kate Tate: Erica
Congrats ladies, you cards were fabulous.Please feel free to grab the Top 3 Badge on the right side of my blog!

Without further A Du, let me show you the teams amazing cards!


Kristine Breech:


Mary Castonquay:
Peggy Regan:
Lorie Ames:


h OWA RD:
kIM hOWARD:



weren't those fabulous? Don't be afraid to head to their blogs and leave them a little love. You will have until next Monday @ 6pm to get your card in for the challenge. We only allow 2 entry's per person. Also, we have new Blog Badges, please feel free to take one and post on your blog. I will be picking the top 3 next week, and I will award 3 people with the new top 3 badge! When posting to a gallery's, please use the key words GGSC29.......Have a great day and happy creating