Ben takes his last Chemo pill on Monday! We are beyond excited!

Last week Ben had his last spinal tap and chemo in his port. Nathan was a little disappointed he was unable to come. Due to COVID-19 they are only allowing 1 parent to come to the clinic. Nathan has not missed many appointments, so we had to send him a few pictures that day. It was all bittersweet as we have all gotten to know the nurses and staff there pretty well these past 2 years. They are amazing people with hearts of GOLD! We are so thankful for all the care and support they have given us. We love and appreciate them dearly but are glad we will not be seeing them much anymore. After sending his blood off in the "rocket" one last time and a short wait, I held his hands while he was sedated for the spinal tap. They have the parents leave the room when the kids are sedated for this procedure. I couldn't help but rejoice (ok cry ;) as this would be the last time I would have to walk away from him in that room, the last time he would have a "back poke", the last time he would feel the anxiety about this procedure, the last time we would be doing this necessary evil. It was so surreal. It never got any easier to walk away from him every time he was sedated. We knew the routine and just did it, but in my mind it never got easier. But that was it, the...last....time! 

The procedure went well as usual. Ben made sure I ordered him some pancakes for after (he can't eat the morning of the procedure). He always takes his sweet time waking up, he must enjoy the sleep, but once he is up, he is up! Ready for his pancakes! He had me order some french toast too and ate almost everything! We took some pictures with some of our favorite people and GOT OUT OF DODGE! 

Ben still has his port implanted under his skin for access to his veins and he will keep that in for now. Ben's port removal is considered elective and due to COVID-19 those procedures are on hold. We will likely time his port removal with his followup bloodwork checks. These checks will happen every 2 months for the next 6 months. We are hopeful for the port removal to be scheduled in June or August. 

I am not sure how we made it through these last 2 years, but here we are. We made it to the other side of a long dark tunnel! God can take us through the hardest of times, carrying us, hearing our worries and fears, lifting us up all the while. He took us through something pretty awful and has used Ben's Leukemia for good in ways we cannot even imagine! He has molded us into better people and helped others. You never know who will be inspired or encouraged by hearing your story. He can turn the ashes of despair and defeat into diamonds, refined by the fire! 

We will be reflecting a lot these next few days and weeks on all the ups and downs and people that have touched us. God has done so many amazing things for Ben and our family through all of you! Every prayer and good thought/deed has been felt and very much appreciated from the bottom of our hearts! Your thoughts and prayers have meant the world to us! Thank you!

If you are able to join us we are having a Brave Benjamin's End of Treatment Car Parade by our house to celebrate Ben taking his last chemo pill on April 27th. Details are below, we would be honored if any of you would like to join us! I have created a Facebook Event if you would like me to send you an invite that way, otherwise details are below.

Brave Benjamin's End of Treatment Parade
Monday, April 27th @ 7pm
18850 Englewood Circle
Farmington, MN 55024

**Please enter our neighborhood at Euclid Path and Pilot Knob. Turn left onto Englewood Way then left into our circle. Keep to the left as you make your way around the circle. We will be in our driveway/yard on the driver's side of the cars. When exiting, please exit the circle by turning left.