This post is long overdue. Today, Jack begins his 8th-grade year and final year at the middle school. He is starting feet first, full-time, and ready to go. He wants to be a regular teenager, and he deserves it. 

Jack is ending his summer vacation the same way he entered it, with another fracture. This time it was his arm. He was playing basketball when he braced himself from a fall and slightly fractured the arm/wrist. There's nothing to believe this isn't just a kid being a kid, but ugh...can he stop requiring so many doctor visits? We suspect the medicines (steroids) have taken their toll on his body. Thankfully, his medical team is on top of this and had us visit a specialist to monitor his bone health. Another reason we are grateful for the staff at Stead Family Children's Hospital oncology. They are concerned for the whole person. 

The 'Summer of Jack' did happen! First, there was oncology camp, which he had a blast! He got to see many out-of-town cousins and hang out with friends. There were visits to waterparks, an outdoor concert (Milky Chance, Talk, and Young the Giant), and a summer vacation to France. There were days of swimming at the local pool and playing basketball at the rec and lazy mornings doing nothing. 

The maintenance stage continues for another year. Treatment will be complete on October 6, 2024 (around there). He is on his daily and weekly at-home meds and monthly infusions. We know there will be more hiccups along the way, but generally, he is doing well. I hope he can have an extension of the 'summer' and get the school year he deserves. 

Jack is ready to go back to school. He is ready to see friends he hasn't seen all summer. (Actually, he likes learning a little, too...shhh).