We celebrated my birthday at the hospital today. 🌟 

Declan woke this morning with the first glimmer of sunlight after a short, but sweet,  night of sleep. His chemos are spaced out by a very specific number of hours, so there was some time to fill while we waited for treatment, but he kept busy with walks in the hallway, physical & occupational therapy, and some mini cookie cutters on play doh!

The MRI took place this morning and Declan fought like his life depended on it from being strapped down 💔 but was very calm and still once it began. Again, Nate was allowed to ride into the machine alongside Declan and support him in a big bear hug and whisper words of comfort. The results confirmed that Declan’s ventricles are continuing to heal after last month’s surgeries. The tumor was noted in the report, but as the MRI wasn’t focusing on that specific area, it did not give any details about its size. We will have to wait until official scans in the first week of June for a progress report on the tumor’s response.

Chemo started in the early afternoon, and Declan munched on lunch and played with interesting toys from the playroom throughout the two infusions.  After an observation period, we were discharged and on the way home while the sun was still out! 

While I wouldn’t have chosen to spend my birthday at the hospital, I really can’t complain about the day! Sunshine, coffee, Chick-fil-A, time with my favorite boys, and treatment that offers hope for the future: all wonderful things. 💛 

Please pray:

▫️ that Declan’s recovery from this round of chemo will follow the same pattern as his first: stable, no fever, & few side-effects

▫️ for the chemo to be strong & effective in its purpose

▫️ for scans in June to show a reduced tumor!