Round 5

Monday-Round 5:

Monday marked the day to start Round 5 chemos. The first 5 days include IV chemo at the hospital every morning. I had to take a breath when Lucas asked ‘why am I having to do this again??’. I explained to him that while his marrow is at zero we have a few cells in his spinal fluid we have to remove with another round and radiation. 

He asked if it would hurt. Another deep breath. 

Lucas, (in Lucas style), finished his chemo and went to shoot hoops for 15 minutes. The courts were all taken but one of the hoops had a legit HS basketball player kid. Lucas said ‘we’re going there’ and he just jumped in and started playing with this boy alternating turns. 

Last Friday:

As of last Friday,  the team believes Lucas needs radiation, so Brian and I are trying to find the silver lining and believe that maybe this is a blessing in disguise. Maybe this is God’s way of saying get this right pre transplant. So we carry on…

From Philly to Austin:

Brian and Dylan drove back to Austin Saturday. Brian hasn’t been home since August 12th and this is a much-needed break. Lucas misses them both but we are enjoying some quiet time. I know deep down he wants his sister here but in due time she will be back. 

I’m so thankful to have our friend Leighanne here.  Their son Charlie also being treated at CHOP the next 6 weeks.  We were in the hospital at MD Anderson together back in late September and it’s so nice to have a familiar face going thru this journey. She also was in the same class as Brian and I at the University of Texas ( which Brian calls ‘The University of Football Coaches’ ) She’s taught me so much about prayer and I’m so thankful for her. Prayers for Charlie’s full recovery along with Lucas !!

Bethlehem, PA + Covid Vaccine:

Lucas and I drove to Bethlehem, PA today and I was able to receive the first Covid vaccine. Bethlehem is next door to Allentown so of course we had to play the Billy Joel song. What amazing kind-hearted souls in Bethlehem. 

Onwards we go. Tomorrow at noon Lucas has an MRI for several hours of his brain and spine. The results will determine the path forward with radiation. 

Prayers:

* Lucas’s bone marrow to stay at ZERO thru round 5.

* Excellent anesthesia tomorrow with perfect amounts of rest for Lucas to get the best imaging possible.

* Tomorrow’s MRI to show no clumps of leukemia cells in his spine. 

* Clear direction for Lucas’ doctors to make the best plan for radiation treatment on Friday. 

* Continued no fevers or infections as we press on. 

Blessings. xo