We continue to have quiet days- thank the Lord!

After my post yesterday, Mason's appetite went a little wild and he was eating everything in sight. He ate a good bit of barbecue, plus microwavable Velveeta mac and cheese, an entire bag of beef jerky, then sent me to pop him a bag of popcorn. He is not joking around about his weight.

He was able to connect with friends on Fortnite yesterday for the first time, using his headphones to yell and scream in much the same way he would at home. I had to shush him a few times- reminding him that the whole floor of the hospital does not need to know when he needs his buddies to shoot someone else. But it was sweet to see him take back that piece of normalcy.

Last night was very quiet, with only two wake-ups in the middle of the night. Mason woke up this morning with another thumbs up and a smile. He asked for his chocolate chip pancakes and I gave in because they are such a great source of calories for him.

The doctors stopped by while he ate and had no major updates or things to discuss. They continue to be pleased with his response to treatment and to his increased appetite and energy levels. They were also impressed with his taco socks.

After breakfast, we completed our 3 laps around the floor in order to try to earn those new shoes. Apparently he already has them picked out and sent the link to Hayley. It's been extremely motivational for him.

He ordered a large Chipotle burrito for lunch, then followed it up with 30 minutes of physical therapy exercises in the room while he received one of his required doses of antibiotics.

When his antibiotic was done running, the nurse disconnected him from all lines. We pulled out his tennis shoes for the first time in 46 days. I pushed him in a wheelchair to get downstairs so he could save his energy for the basketball court (it's a little ridiculous- he's so tall that he has to hold his feet up off the ground in the wheelchairs here in order to not stop our progress moving forward- this particular chair didn't have foot rests so we had a few issues while navigating to the basement level and the court- makes for light and fun moments!). He proceeded to shoot for 30 minutes- not tied to anything- trying to do quick turns and dodge moves that sometimes sent him a little off balance (mom was a nervous wreck- his platelets are low and we need to have ZERO internal bleeding at this moment). He definitely wore himself out!

We made it back upstairs safe and sound, and he is now resting and waiting on another 20 count chicken nugget meal for his dinner. John is on his way here to relieve me for a few nights so I can get home and see how Alex has kept the house together in my absence.

We thank you for the continued prayers and encouragement and hope to continue to take steps forward toward normalcy as Mason continues to battle out this round of treatment!