Today was Drew's last radiation treatment! They have a tradition of ringing a bell after you are through, and above is part of the inscription. Drew rang it loud!! One more step complete. And he did amazing. The radiation oncology nurse commented that he is the strongest neuroblastoma patient that she has ever seen in her 26 years in the field. No visible skin issues. No nausea. No complaints. God couldn't have given us an easier boy to go through this with. It was only 12 treatments, but those nurses, doctors, receptionists, and child life specialist will be missed. Moving forward the plan is to have a cancer scan, bone marrow biopsy, and echocardiogram again to re-stage next week. Then, the 6 month course of immunotherapy cycles will begin November 7th.
But today it's all about celebrating how far we've come. I brought cookies, and Josh and Molly took the morning off so we all could go together to watch him ring that bell! We asked people to wear their "Gold for Drew" shirts in support, and to have a treat today to celebrate with us. I feel like we made a big deal about this milestone more then the others because Drew could actually celebrate too! So many other big days--surgery, transplant days--he's felt so awful. Today was a day he felt good, and got to enjoy it! Praise God.
Through this whole phase I've focused on how much we have to be thankful for. How well his cancer has responded to treatments, allowing our treatments to be knocked down from 30-40 originally to only 12. Our close proximity to Mayo and the proton beam, making it possible to still be home by afternoon each day. The season we are doing this phase in--no winter driving--and tractors for Drew to watch in the fields on the way over. Drew's amazing attitude and strength each day. The meals I have thawed and used in my freezer for supper on all these commuting days. The gas station gift cards we've been using to fill up as we drive back and forth each day. The list goes on and on...Yes, our God my have allowed a terrible thing into our lives for reasons we may never fully understand, but we have never been without His provisions. God is so good, and has taken care of us every day of this journey. How could we not rest in that, and know that He will continue to do so, wherever this journey takes us.
We bought the kids winter coats last weekend. It was a big deal because in the spring, Josh and I were in a store, and would have bought them on clearance, but didn't. We looked at each other that day so early on in treatment and didn't even have to say it...he may not need it, we better wait. But, hallelujah, we have made it! Drew is HERE, its getting cold, and he needs a coat for winter! We've made it through the ups and downs for the 4 phases of active cancer fighting treatment, and going into the last strong. What else do we need to worry about!!
As always, here's some pictures! Photos from last weekend playing in the leaves, and of course today!
~Heidi
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