Boy does time fly!  I have not updated on Noah for three months.  A lot has happened since I last updated...Noah has had three more IVIG treatments, played an entire T-ball season,and is on summer vacation from preschool.  The important thing is he's doing well.  His OMS has stayed under the radar for the most part, and he is down to 10mg on his steroids.  (he has taken as much as 30mg at one point, so he has come a long way).  May was the only month that was slightly rough for Noah in regards to his behavior and aggression.  He also had some trouble with his fine motor skills and drooling, but has been doing well since his last treatment.  We did go through a stressful few weeks where our insurance was saying they weren't going to pay for his IVIG treatments (past and present).  These treatments are very pricey and Noah has been getting them for two years and definitely benefits from them. 
Fortunately, after a letter from Dr. Lee and the insurance still denying treatments, they have come to realize he relies on the treatments and have approved them.  What a blessing!

As blessed as we have been lately, it does not come without sadness for our fellow Riley families whose children continue to battle cancer.  When Noah was first diagnosed with cancer, I had a really hard time meeting other children with the disease.  After Noah's initial biopsy, we were moved from the general floor to the oncology floor.  I was scared to go up there, but knew I did not have a choice.  As we trailed behind Noah's bed to the 5th floor, I knew it meant I would be learning of other children who were very sick.  We walked into Noah's room, and his roommate was this adorable little 4yr. old boy named Peter Dudley.  Peter had been diagnosed with brain cancer just a few weeks earlier.  They roomed together for about 3 or 4 days before Peter was able to go home.  Peter's mother, Christine was a great support for our family during those difficult first days of finding out that Noah was sick.  The Dudley's are an amazing family and have such a strong faith.  They have seven children, six of which are girls.  Peter is now seven years old, but is not doing very well and needs our prayers.   Please pray for Peter to have comfort, for his parents to have peace, and for his sisters to have understanding. I know Eric emailed some of you this site already, but I strongly encourage you to read their blog: www.peterdudley.info  

What a blessing it is to have healthy children.  Please hold your children tight and thank God for their good health. Thank you for following Noah and for praying for him and all of his friends.     
 
God Bless, The Sowders

PS. I hope to update again soon with all of the different events Noah has been involved in the past few weeks.  (see photos~
Caringbridge now lets you add over 50 photos!)