Hello and welcome to the weekend!

It's been a busy few days. Mason has been working on eating and gaining weight. He was able to get into somewhat of a better sleep routine- falling asleep at a more decent hour- well before midnight- and waking up at a closer-to-normal time in the mornings. He set himself a schedule for each day that includes multiple walks and time in the Zone.

Yesterday, I received a call from a pharmacist to let me know that they would be dispensing and shipping Mason's chemo meds directly to my home. A nurse called me from the hospital and asked when we could schedule a session to go over how to watch for fevers and when I would need to call the clinic when Mason is at home. I had to stop her and ask why I was suddenly getting all these calls- she let me know that Mason had cleared ALMOST every marker for being released to go home and he might be home as early as today (Friday)! This news kicked us into overdrive at the house, cleaning every square inch to prepare for the possibility.

The final test that we needed to clear was a CT scan this morning, which was checking to make sure that Mason has not developed any fungal infection. The CT scan was clear of any fungal infection, which was great news.

BUT.

The CT scan results showed that Mason now has appendicitis. At this time, with his blood counts where they are, his body is not showing any symptoms, and it may never have shown anything until it was too late. They were able to begin antibiotics immediately.

The current plan is to have him receive antibiotics at the hospital over the weekend and hope that they help to calm the appendix. The doctors are hopeful that he could potentially still come home on Monday, as long as EVERYTHING else continues to look as good as it does right now. We would really LOVE for this to happen- the house is now scrubbed and ready for him!

We will be back up to the hospital next Wednesday for his bone marrow aspiration and lumbar puncture, as well as EKG and echo cardiogram tests, so they will be able to recheck him at that time.

The doctors are still working on a more extended plan as far as how this new appendicitis will be dealt with- Mason will need to have the appendix removed before we can move to bone marrow transplant; however, we don't know where in the timeline that fits, as his body needs to be ready to handle a surgical procedure. They typically wait until a few months after chemotherapy ends to remove the organ, but since he will remain on chemo for the foreseeable future, that may not be an option. We are waiting for their best recommendation.

While this was NOT the news we were hoping for as I brought his brothers to the hospital today to see him, we are so very thankful that they found this before we brought him home. It definitely saved us a fever and emergency trip back to the hospital.

Mason himself is in great spirits. As soon as we got to the hospital today, he jumped out of bed and was ready to head to the Zone with his brothers. Unfortunately it was closed for the day, so we spent time in the cafeteria grabbing lunch, then went back to the room to play some video games.

While his brothers went with Mason for his physical therapy session, John and I spent time with the educator learning about symptoms to watch for when Mason does come home and how to contact his medical team. I am hoping and praying I never actually have to make that call.

When we returned to the room, I was able to do the dressing change with the guidance of his nurses once again. It's still a little overwhelming but I have done it twice now and feel a little better about attempting it at home.

After we left to get Jack back to school to finish up his final summer papers, I did get a text that Mason finally allowed his dad to beat him at NBA 2K. I'm almost certain he has spent the rest of the day trying to make up for that loss.

I'm heading back to the hospital tomorrow for what we are all REALLY hoping is our last few days for this round of treatment.

We would ask at this time for specific prayers regarding the appendicitis. Please pray for management through antibiotics until there is a clear plan moving forward of how to manage the appendicitis itself. Please also pray that nothing else pops up that would interfere with Mason getting at least a few nights' sleep in his very own bed at home next week.

Thank you all so much for your continued support through prayers, as well as the continued Smilegrams- he loves reading every single one! (Mason Early, Scottish Rite, Room 560)