Lucas MRI — Tomorrow AM
by Erin Gourley
MRI 9:30 CDT, Dell Childrens Hospital Austin, TX
Tomorrow Lucas has a 90 minute MRI. He will be sedated around 9:30am. They are trying to see if the inflammation in his brain has gone down since the last MRI in May. Wednesday, he will do his labs to check his counts and cells to see if his immune system is strengthening, and also have an EKG. We pray for his cells to be thriving with pure clean health and may his counts be strong and growing. Once he’s strong enough he can receive his ‘newborn’ immunizations but that be as far out as February but hopefully sooner. Also, we pray that he is still 100% engrafting (you never want that number to go down). The plan is to continue to keep our head down, fight on, as we countdown to the one year biopsy in February. The big one.
Recovery and Thanks
This holiday season we are reminded how fortunate and thankful we are to have Lucas here with us. Last year at this time, Jack and Dylan drove over 50 hours to spend just 3 days with Lucas in Philadelphia for Thanksgiving. We weren’t sure if round 3 had worked and were praying with all of our might around the clock. We are thankful to God for the miracle of getting him to 0.8% blasts from 70% cancer blasts a year ago on December 1st. We are thankful to Jesus, Blessed Mother and the Saints and angels above for their miracles and hearing our prayers. And we are forever grateful to all of you for holding Lucas close and praying for his survival. Lucas is here, he’s very much still in recovery but his light is shining stronger every day. Dylan has her feisty full of life spirit and keeps Lucas active. And Jack’s resilience is unmeasurable as he stands by his brother in the most protective way. Our family has changed but for the better as a result of this experience. We take absolutely nothing for granted and each day is a gift from God.
A Grandmother’s Love
Last week, I was able to visit my mom in Boston and was surprised of the news that she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in June (she didn’t want to burden us given the past 16 months). She underwent 2 surgeries and received chemo the past 3 months. I mentioned this on facebook but I’ll say it again. Her genes are very much in Lucas. They both are Rocky fighters and I believe she, too, will overcome the next 7 months of treatment. Sweet Lucas understands what she’s dealing with and has such a special love for his Mimi. A special thanks for the Lynnfield girls for rallying support AGAIN for our family.
While home, I was able to meet the most amazing group of 9 Carmelite Sisters in the monastery in Danvers, MA. Mrs. Korrins (my dear friends mom from growing up) shared with them Lucas’s battle 16 months ago. They have been faithfully praying for Lucas and I was honored to be able to meet them, talk to them about the journey and most importantly thank them. Mother Teresa was there along with the other 8 Sisters and their blessings for Lucas we are forever be grateful for. They truly are the most inspiring selfless people dedicating their lives in prayer for others. I believe that we will get to Boston as a family one of these days when Lucas isn’t immune compromised and they will be one of our first stops!
Blessings to all of you for your love, support, friendship, and continued prayers for our warrior. Lucas has come so far so onwards we go!
