Today Cody goes in for Cisplatin, one of the harsher chemotherapies he’ll face. It can cause significant nausea, vomiting, and even permanent hearing loss. As tough as that is, we’re incredibly thankful for the knowledge, tools, and support that allow us to prepare his body and strengthen his immune system going into this (hopefully) final round before stem cell. 

We’ll be inpatient from Wednesday through Friday (or possibly Saturday morning), depending on when chemo officially starts. After this round, Cody will have an MIBG scan, which is a special type of nuclear imaging used specifically for neuroblastoma. It helps doctors see where any remaining cancer cells might be and shows how well his treatments and surgery have worked so far. That will be 2 weeks from today.

To move forward to stem cell transplant, his number on this scan needs to be below 10. When he was first diagnosed, he was at 26/30. We are praying fervently for the lowest number possible, the closer to zero, the better. 

The plan is to begin stem cell on December 29. During stem cell, Cody will receive EXTREMELY high-dose chemotherapy for 5 days straight, running 24 hours a day, with the goal of wiping out any remaining cancer cells. This is part of what’s often called a stem cell “wash.” After this, Cody’s previously collected stem cells will be given back to him so his body can rebuild healthy bone marrow and slowly regain immune function. 

We expect to be admitted for at least four weeks, followed by a two-week break at home, and then back again for Stem Cell Wash #2. It will be a grueling winter… but we know that with Jesus, anything is possible. 

We are so, so thankful for the continued prayers, love, support, cards, donations, hugs, and check-ins. It is indescribable how much you are lifting and holding us up. We truly feel every prayer.