It’s been a while since I last posted, time seems to go both slow and lightning fast during this season. 

Today we wrapped Phase 1 of Hunter’s treatment. He was scheduled for a lumbar puncture and bone marrow biopsy, with spinal fluid chemo injection along with a monthly antibiotic that would have taken an hour to administer. We had some unforeseen circumstances put us behind schedule and we opted to only complete his LP, marrow biopsy and chemo, he’ll receive the antibiotic treatment with his chemotherapy next Thursday 7/30. That appointment will also be the first step in Phase 2 which will last 8 weeks (if we don’t meet any hurdles and he meets periodic blood count goals) and consist of weekly lumbar punctures in the first half and two chemo medications that will be administered at home. All in all, Hunter was very anxious today and when I say we really had to dig deep, we REALLY had to dig deep. Which leads me to what I really wanted to leave you with today; 

Sometimes, I find myself having a lot to say about what we’re going through and then, there are days when I have no words at all. So in those moments I slow down, I try to listen more and talk less and I want to share few things I have observed over the last month;

Firstly, some nurses and doctors are angels, you can’t convince me otherwise. From something so big as watching them gracefully and confidently take your kid’s little life into their capable hands without blinking an eye, to simply telling you you’re doing a good job on a day when you really just wanted to melt into the background, it changes something in you. They’re steadfast, incredibly skilled, are some of the kindest humans to walk this earth and I will be eternally grateful. 

Second, Jackson has been paramount in the “in between” and I am so proud of him. Our days and nights at home (between treatment sessions) have been a near constant battle against a steroid fueled insatiable appetite, interrupted sleep patterns, extreme irritability and swelling that has completely changed the way Hunter looks and feels, yet Jackson still treats him like the same little brother. He has remained familiar and consistent where we as parents, sometimes struggle to in the midst of all the uncertainty. For him, I am eternally grateful.

And to all of you who took the time to read this, who are praying for our family, who have donated meals or sent gifts, who love us and our boys, I am ETERNALLY grateful. I will never stop looking for ways to pay it forward. 

We would like to ask that you pray for Hunter’s anxiety surrounding his port access to ease and for him to somehow make peace with that particular aspect of his treatment. Prayers for safe and successful procedures moving forward and that James is able to be present for some of them. 

James would like to ask specifically for prayers for the strength to be a studious servant of the Lord and resolute leader of our family, which is no easy feat during times that shake you to your core. He is my strength and the kids and I will lean on him now more than ever.