Katelyn
We're sitting in the Whanau room waiting for you to come out of theatre.
Of all the new things and situations we’ve experienced so far on this journey, this one seems to hurt my heart just a little more.
We’ve been in and out of hospitals for a few weeks now, and you are very much into the routine of your daily obs being checked, the stickers where your IV lines have been in, the hug of the blood pressure cuff, the beeping of the temperature checks, so no doubt you will adapt to these new lines coming out of your body. But for me it seems like this is the first permanent change to your beautiful, perfect little body.
It’s these moments when you’re not here that I’m finding the hardest. As we sit here in the Whanau room waiting for you to wake up from this surgery, it feels like the minutes are dragging out and all I want is to see you again, to be able to give you a big hug, and have you back with us. Back together as our family should be.
We know it’s only going to be a small scar and knowing you, you will barely notice. You'll be showing off the sticky plaster the first chance you get.
But to me it is very much the first real sign that chemo is close and the toughest parts are still to come.
It's difficult to find the right words for you .... those of us who have been with a family member on a cancer journey, especially when they're so young, know just how traumatic and painful this can be. The Te Anau community will want to embrace you and help in whatever way they can - take all the support you are offered and look after yourselves too. Sending love and hope to you all.
Big hug for you Katelyn and Toby, can’t imagine how hard this is for you. Stay strong together, sending all our love an prayers your way.
Luka my man , you are strong and you will beat this , I check on you every day and all my positive thoughts are with you
This photo made me cry. Absolutely heartbreaking. It's the middle of the night and I can't sleep because I've just lost my dad and I miss him....but I've got nothing to complain about compared to your beautiful family. I can't imagine how painful and frightening it must be to have Luka's life literally in the hands of others. Katelyn and Toby my aroha is with you both but especially with Luka. It seems very unfair. Please fight this little man ❤
I don't know you guys but this is so amazing you sharing your stories. We have been through a similar experience and only parents who have could understand what it is like to wait in those hospital rooms. I wish you both and Luka all the very best. Trish.