I'll start by saying Nick is doing really well, still cancer free, and started his sophomore year in person nine days ago!

He is joining a few clubs and is looking forward to going to the football games this year.

 

One year ago today we got the devastating news that Nick had non hodgkins lymphoma and would need a tracheotomy. He immediately started an aggressive chemotherapy treatment that included spinal chemo as well as through the port in his chest. Our girls were starting 5th and 7th grade the next day and their worlds were just flipped upside down. He was inpatient on and off for five months during a pandemic and only one parent could be with him at a time. He has spent over 75 days in the hospital since last Aug. The chemo treatments were brutal and took a toll on his body. Scott continued to work and would often work at the hospital and attend conference calls in the hall and family lounge while Nick slept. Scott just started in a new role with the company that week. In November, Nick finished treatment, rang the bell (almost ripped it off the wall) and was able to go home to recover. He slept 20 hours a day for weeks trying to regain strength. His dark hair grew back extra curly, which is adorable. His eyes no longer watered because his eyelashes were growing back as well as his eyebrows. Once he regained some strength, he was able finish his first semester and did school work most of Christmas break. He still needed to gain a lot of endurance and strength, so he started school online in January through his high school. His teacher's were amazing and so supportive. He would wake himself up everyday at 8:00 for school and finish around 3:00 everyday. Then he would nap five hours, eat dinner, play a few games, and go to bed. He went to doctor's appointments and therapy during the week when he wasn't in school. Our entire family could feel the heavy physical and emotional toll of cancer. One side effect people don't talk about is the mental aspect of having cancer. He struggled with PTSD. We couldn't even turn right out of our neighborhood because it reminded him of driving to the hospital. With the help of a great therapist, it has gotten much better.

 

He put all his effort into his academics in the spring to take his mind off of his recovery and the treatments. Nick finished his freshman year with a 4.1 GPA and worked so hard. His sisters were still at his beck and call as soon as they were home from school.  They truly loved taking care of him and made many trips up and down the stairs to get whatever he needed.

 

Nick also finished driver's ed and has his learner's permit!

He hasn't driven with me yet....

 

The kindness we have experienced from people will never be forgotten. Our family and friends were the reason we made it through the last year. So many meals, gift cards, prayers, texts, phone calls, and love. Thank you to our St. Malachy family for showing so much love to our family and the girls last year. Brownsburg High School Team 2024 was also so supportive. They sent cards, gifts, and emailed weekly. The high school football team honored Nick at one of the games and gave him a helmet signed by all the players. Our softball families were always willing to help with rides, gift cards, snacks, food, etc. Scott's coworkers at Eli Lilly were wonderful as well. Father Mathias from Saint Anselm college and students in his Campus Ministry prayed for Nick everyday. He sent Nick a prayer yesterday and I'll share it below.

 

We are SO thankful for all of you.

Nick's next PET scan and MRI will be in Sept. He will have scans every three months for another year. I'll update more on that in September.

The girls start 8th and 6th grade tomorrow, and I'm so happy that all three kids will be getting up together to go to school!

 

Christy

 

My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.

And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,

though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though
I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.