We went back to Houston last week and for the first time in this year long journey we didn't leave with our heads hung low and full of disappointment as we've often done but instead left with hope and a feeling that while he isn't cured or ever will be that we can rest on the fact that the targeted chemo drug is working since the cancer hasn't progressed  but has actually shrunk.  run on sentence :) 

All tumors in the brain, kidney, liver, pancreas and lungs have shrunk in size and there are no new tumors. The tumor in the heart remains stable. The only new thing was some spots on the left hip and femur, but the doctor just wants to watch those for now since he isn't experiencing any pain.  All I could do is thank God that that we could breathe at least for now. Its almost like in that moment we could feel "normal" and worrying about things like Halloween for the kids, planning a small getaway for our family (since we've not had a vacation in over a year) and all the normal things we used to think about could revive themselves in our conversations and we didn't have to live in "what do we do now". I know the "what do we do now" feeling will most likely come back but for this Fall Season we can concentrate on enjoying life as we used to know it. :) 

Bart is still not mobile, but wheelchair life has become more manageable and to keep with the theme more "normal". It's not ideal but I know I can speak for him to say he would take wheelchair life forever over cancer spread. Our house is now fully functionable thanks to some dear friends.  Over the past month, friends have built a ramp (Garris, Aaron, Price), helped get Bart to a Carolina game (Mark), taken him to lunch and tended to our yard (Matt and Jimmy), came over every day to get Bart in some extra PT time (Wes), helped with getting him around town (Brian, Kip and so many others I can't name them all). We even had a dear friend take us to the airport, so we didn't have to park a call all week at 3:30 am in the morning (Matt). All of the many friends helping with meals and my mom while we were out of town with the kiddos (Hood Girls, Stathos Family and Reedy family). I know I'm leaving others out and I'm sorry we are truly grateful for our community and wonderful friends. Special thanks to my mom and sister for making the kids have the most "normal" childhood and for being the "parents" while we are gone. 

Speaking of the kids.... Ross is such an awesome help. He helps me each morning getting Bart his shower and helping him get around the house, in and out of the car, in and out of stores and he is just growing up to be such a great young man. I'm such a lucky mom. He is my rock and biggest helper. He's getting baptized next month and we can't be more excited about that!!! What a treat for Bart to be able to witness. Wyatt is living his best little life and just so full of life. He is just the happiest most kind little boy. I forget sometimes that he's really not that little but he is just a delight to be around and often times makes you forget about all the worries about cancer . Everytime he sees Bart each morning, when he gets home from school and each night as Bart sits in his recliner he never forgets to give him a hug and kiss and tell him "I love you, Dad". He is just the sweetest. We are super lucky to have these kids... they are so different but their God given strengths are really shining through during this season for our family. 

We will be going back for scans and appointments the week of Christmas (insert anxiety here). We will think about that another day but for now I will go read the scans one more time and thank our good good God for this report.