1-31-16 Done with 1st Round of Chemo!

11 days since we our initial emergency room visit that started it all, and we already have the first 5 day round of Chemo behind us. He has remained fairly calm throughout the treatments--maybe a just a little fussy! But if that's all, I'd say that's pretty good! The picture below is his usual position, just chillin', being his laid back self. Nurses have commented on how well he takes medicine and how still he lays to have things done to him. His body continues to respond well to the Chemo as well, they say the tumor is already shrinking and his body will get better and stronger consequently. The doctors are watching his vitals closely and are treating any side effects that are coming up. So far nothing alarming or unexpected. Pray that this continues to be the case! In addition to the things they are monitoring, the challenge this week, and what we need to overcome in order to go home, will be to get him eating and drinking again on his own. They are starting the feedings again through his tube and are hoping his little tummy can start to handle it. He is back on a no-food-or-drink diet until at least tomorrow, after an MRI that is scheduled. Since the skull is one of the places they found cancer on his scan last week, now they are checking his brain. Obviously pray that none is found!

Molly is back with us now, which was such a great reunion. Drew seemed calmer when she came back, and seemed to be back to his usual, watching the show that is Molly! We can tell she's been out of routine for over a week, and the next challenging front will be to transition to our new normal. And that starts this week. Josh is going to go back to work for at least half days since Drew is fairly stable and Chemo is over for this cycle. We have relatives from Kansas City that have come to stay at the house with Molly during the mornings while Josh is at work to take care of her. I am here at the hospital with Drew then for now, and we'll see where the week takes us. We all can shift around as the week goes on, as we see how Drew is. And how the weather turns out! Drew and I might enjoy watching it snow this week!

I also must share how grateful we are for all the support we have recieved. From our community, from our family and friends, from strangers! I had someone buy my coffee today on my way out of town that had been following us and praying for us, and I had no idea who she was. After we talked, the clerk even said, "hey, the 20 month old boy? I know you too and been reading your updates!" So thank you to them if they are reading this! If there is ever a way to go through something like this, this is it! I am never in want of anything for long before someone fulfills it. There is power in all the prayers we are receiving, and the peace and strength God has given us through these last 11 days has been unbelievable. Keep praying for Drew, for Molly, and for us! It is working!!

Here's Drew ready for bed tonight! Let's hope we all get a good night's rest!


~Heidi