Cru just finished cycle 3 of chemo (a 5-week cycle) and is heading back to begin cycle 4 today. He will receive 6 cycles total. Today he’ll be getting Cisplatin-Splat and Doxi—known as “The Red Devil.” If all goes well, we will be at the hospital until Wednesday. 

The side effects of Cisplatin are brutal, and thankfully this is his final dose of it. He will continue with the remaining chemotherapy treatments for about 12 more weeks. Cisplatin causes severe nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and overall exhaustion. His immune system will drop to zero on days 10–14, so we will be laying low at home, doing everything we can to manage the side effects and keep him safe. 

We are incredibly proud of Cru. He continues to push through the unimaginable. No 17-year-old should have to carry what he is carrying, yet he shows true strength every single day. We are praying this round goes as smoothly as possible, that his body stays strong, and that every bit of chemo destroys any lingering cancer cells. 

As we move into the new year, our medical deductible renews in January and our health coverage is changing. Many of the treatments, medications, and resources Cru needs are not covered by insurance. 

Your support means the world to us. Every donation goes directly toward Cru’s care and gives him the best possible chance to overcome this battle. We could not do this without the love, prayers, and generosity of those who continue to show up for our family. 

Thank you for lifting us, loving Cru, and standing with him in this fight. We are so grateful. 💛💛💛