April 5

Fourth and final round of chemo wrapped up late last night and this morning Strother was discharged from the hospital before noon.

My sister and I got everything moved out and then back into his bedroom in record time.

He sailed through this week with a good attitude and thanks to a new med an increased appetite.

After a nice long nap in his own bed he was back up and ready for snacks followed by a nice large dinner.

With just one scheduled clinic visit coming next week we feel like there is truly some time to recover and recoup before surgery.

And if a blood transfusion is necessary we will welcome it. We want that boy as healthy as we can get him before they go in after the remaining tumor.

He’ll have one last CT scan on the 21st to give his docs a better idea of what to expect when they go in on the 23rd. The cancer itself is expected to be gone and bloodwork on the 21st should confirm as much.  The surgeon predicts the mass is still about the size of a deflated football, so there will definitely be a good amount of work to do once they begin the excision.

We are finished with chemotherapy but still have a few hurdles to overcome.

Yesterday a group of high school buddies spent a good part of the afternoon with Strother and I mean it with everything I know that their visit is as meaningful as any medication he is on.

Thank you friends for continuing to show up and support Strother. All of us really. The chemo has done what it needed to do. The surgeons will accomplish the next challenge. And you will keep our spirits up and medicate our hearts with your love.