Kelly here. I always have big intentions of updating, but never seem to make the time. Cancer keeps you oddly busy-even in the quiet times, when you aren’t rushing to appointments, getting bloodwork, refilling prescriptions, you’re making notes of any new symptoms, researching trials, reaching out to other parents, and also soaking up any little moment of joy and being together. And then there is the normal daily stuff that still goes on despite your world being flipped upside down. 

Since my last update in December, Sawyer has completed 2 more cycles of chemo. Though the side effect of nausea seems to have eased with each cycle, other side effects have increased. One of the drugs has caused neuropathy and foot drop, so he has started physical therapy to regain some strength and balance. And as he gets further in treatment, his body is having a harder time healing after each cycle. Today should be the start of his 6th cycle, but there is a possibility it will be delayed until next week if his counts aren’t high enough. Though we are all eager to get this cycle started, we know we have to listen to his body and do what is safest for him. We should know our plans in a couple of hours.

Sawyer also has a big date coming up-March 18th will be his next MRI. There is always anxiety leading up to these scans (scanxiety is the term used). We pray and hope that his scans will now and forever remain clear. March seems to be scan month for many in our medullo family, so the same prayers we have for Sawyer extends to them as well.

As always, we want to thank you for all your love, prayers and support. These are tiring days, and we carry a burden that could easily crush us, but knowing all the love that surrounds us makes the load a little more manageable. In these past 2.5 months, not only have you helped our family with meals and words of encouragement, but you have helped us spread love and hope to others. Through the fundraiser with A Cure Starts Now, Sawyer raised over $6,000 for brain cancer research, and Sophie and her fellow Key Club members donated almost 100 goodie bags for teen patients at AFLAC. I think we will always question “why us, why Sawyer,” but I also know we will take this experience and what we have learned to make a difference in pediatric cancer. And most of all, I cannot wait to see what Sawyer accomplishes in this world. 

There are some of you beautiful souls who have asked for specific things for which to pray:

-His counts will improve and he will be able to start this next chemo cycle.

-This round is particularly hard on his body, so we pray his body tolerates the low counts and low neutrophils, and that he remains infection free. 

-He will be trying a new medication that involves daily injections in order to keep neutrophils from dropping too low. With this comes bone pain, so we ask that the pain is manageable.

-His MRI will be CLEAR

-And as always, our biggest prayer is that Sawyer lives a very long, healthy, happy and full life. 

We thank each and every one of you who continuously keep us in your thoughts, prayers and hearts. We love you all!