My last post ended with Colton finishing a round of chemo at the end of December and both of us hoping we would be home for New Year's Eve. No one wants to begin a new year in the hospital! Thankfully, Colton was discharged in the afternoon of the 31st and we rang in the New Year at home! 
The next couple of weeks, for me, were spent putting away holiday decor and gifts, returning to work, and making sure Colton was comfortably resting/recovering. Two weeks later, he returned to Medical City Dallas for his last round of chemo. I'm sure you understand that he was thrilled to be finishing these infusions. Important to note, we gave thanks to God for Colton's good health through all 6 of these recent rounds of chemo. Ifosfamide is a strong chemo drug, yet Colton's blood counts did not drop and his body stayed strong. I know this is because of the many prayers from all, and I thank you! 

February came in fast and left even faster. We stayed hunkered down during the freeze and had an extra vacation, given the four snow days early in the month. Even as an adult, snow days at home are still so fun! We watched movies, made chili, and relaxed.  We also had time to discuss Colton's thoughts and decisions regarding his ongoing treatment plan.

Colton's body, thankfully, responded well to chemo and surgery as it did in 2019, but the question this time around, for all of us,  has  been what to do after chemo ends... What, if anything, can Colton do to be more "proactive" in warding off cancer, rather than  only "reactive" with chemo and surgery, if it returns?  The doctors both here and at MD Anderson have discussed options  available to him and all of us have been researching and praying for guidance. As an adult, Colton has the final decision of all. 

He made us aware that he is choosing to NOT take oral chemo meds for maintenance. Research didn't show enough evidence that it kept the cancer at bay and he did not want to feel sick, which we understood. The only cool thing about taking the meds would be that his hair would come back silver, like a superhero! :) On our December trip to MD Anderson, Colton was told about a clinical trial involving mistletoe, yes, the Christmas plant, and the recently documented effects in veterinary medicine. Veterinarians have apparently used it to treat/cure lung cancer in dogs and clinical studies have been conducted in Europe, leading to FDA approval over there. It was too late for Colton to enter the clinical study here, but the researcher said she would help us with information for sourcing and dosage, if he wanted to pursue it. The decision was made to order the vials of extract from Canada and I now give him 3 injections per week. He will do this for 6 months, as well as, get routine chest scans. Please continue to pray for no recurrences. :)

Colton has returned to his job as an intern at Aunt Amanda's CPA firm to make some money before taking classes in the new semester. He also celebrated his recovery by taking a trip to New York with his brother. Carson takes several work trips a year to New York for his fashion business and invited his brother to join him for fashion week. Colton loved his first trip to the city and Carson enjoyed showing off all of his favorite places! 

As I bring this update to a close, I want to thank you, again, for continuing to keep us all in your thoughts and prayers. We are so grateful!