He was lying in hospital, with chemotherapy drugs running through his veins.
He had a computer mouse sized tumour, growing in his liver.
Doctors had given him about a 60% chance of surviving the hepatoblastoma.
Life was pretty awful, and we were spiraling into a dark, dark place.
And yet, there were so many people around us...
People stepping up, to be with us, while we helped Dexter fight.
People holding us up, as we struggled to face each new day.
People sharing jokes, every time we were in hospital.
People falling in love with Dexter... his strength and determination, his awful history and his incredible eyelashes.
Sometimes, this happened with people we had never met.
He lost his eyelashes, you know... most of them... from the chemo.
There were only a few eyelashes on each eye at his most bald times.
But, they grew back... even thicker than before.
So there, cancer!
With so many people wanting to know about Dexter, and wanting to be kept up to date with his struggles and daily battles, we started a blog.
And today, that blog is two years old.
We've gained many, many new friends since then.
We've lost a couple of people along the way, but it's been a tough journey.
We're constantly reminded of the power of love Dexter has... how he manages to pull people in and wrap them in love, even before he has met them.
And, we've learned not to whinge, but to step up and carry on... because that's what Dexter does.
He's taught us to be stronger.
He's taught us to love.
Thank you, every single one of you, who has joined us on this incredible journey.
The way Dexter is loved and supported and protected by you all, makes us feel incredibly proud.
We appreciate you, and the way you see Dexter... really see him.... how you're proud of his achievements and recognise his struggles.
We feel safe, by the way you have stood around him, protecting him.
Today, the blog is 2 years old.
The Love Dexter website has over 176, 000 hits.
That's a lot of love and support for one little boy.
We hope you'll stick around for a while yet.
Sloppy Dexter kisses xxx
(because he has cerebral palsy)
Dexter is now clear of cancer. He will be monitored for the rest of his life.
His chemotherapy treatments greatly increased the risk of his developing leukemia later in life, so we often worry. But for now... he's doing great!
severe quadriplegic cerebral palsy and his cortical vision impairment.
What would you write as the first paragraph?
Cancer Clear- One Year!
Going Cordless (Removal of Central Line)
What Relay Means to Us
See The Cancer?
Chemotherapy - Done!
Stand Up Paddle Boarder
Surfing Dexter
My Bike!
New Standing Frame and New Chair
A Great Walker Day
Cruisin' with Harry
Dancing Dexter
Learning to See
The First Time on the Swings
Wish List
Dexter Raises $25,000 for Charity!
Conductive Education Therapy - Week One
Meeting the Manly Sea Eagles
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