💛 Update on Cru

Cru has been home recovering from surgery. He’s had some really good days and some tougher ones, but overall he’s handled everything like the fighter he is. His battle wound is pretty incredible, and we’re thrilled with how it’s healing! (Scar pic included) 

We received his pathology results from surgery, and there’s a lot of encouraging news to share:

* Clear margins! The surgeons achieved negative margins, meaning they believe they removed all known cancer cells.
* They found a small nodule on rib 11 that they removed and tested 100% necrosis — no live cancer cells found. We believe this spot was related to his pleural infusion at diagnosis.
* There was also a small spot on his diaphragm they removed that tested 100% necrosis. This area was right next to the main tumor and considered local spread.
* His main tumor showed 95% necrosis, indicating an incredible response to chemotherapy!

In summary: while pathology confirmed that cancer had spread slightly to two nearby areas, both were completely dead from chemo. This gives us so much hope that if any unknown lingering cancer cells remain, the upcoming chemotherapy will finish the job. 

Cru has spent his recovery time laying low, watching football and an overnight camping with Joe. He’s also loved visits from friends and enjoyed having cousins in town from Tennessee & Cali. 

Tomorrow, Cru begins four more five-week cycles of chemotherapy (20 weeks total). This next round includes the “red devil” and “splat” — both very tough on him and have previously led to hospital stays. We’re praying that this round goes smoothly and he can stay home.

🙏 Please pray for:
* Continued healing from surgery
* Chemotherapy to destroy all remaining cancer cells
* Strength for Cru’s body to handle treatment and avoid complications

Thank you, as always, for your love, prayers, and support. We’ve cherished this short window at home with Cru feeling relatively well — and we’ll keep fighting on! 💪💛