Hello Everyone!!

It's been a while since I posted, things have been very hectic over here and it's been hard to find the time to post. Some of the pictures I attached are way back from the middle of March which seems like a lifetime ago. 

Since I last wrote Opie has been to the ER twice, had another in patient visit to the hospital, this one lasting seven days, and one round of chemo. I am actually writing this from the out-patient clinic where Opie is about to finish up getting his 5th round of chemo. I'm not going to get too many details about the last hospital, instead I am going to share all the good news we have.

Here comes the good stuff!

Opie had a PET scan yesterday and the scan shows no new cancer AND all the cancer they found previously is gone!! Whooohooo!! 

Also I'm happy to report that last week they removed the Plurex from his chest because the pleural effusion has subsided, and the catheter is no longer needed. While the removal process was not great (make that the opposite of great), he is relieved to no longer have to manage the draining process and very much enjoying taking baths (he wasn't able to submerge in water due to the Plurex).

More good news is that in the middle of March, Maceo and I were able to go on his school trip to Germany. I plan to post more details about Maceo on his CaringBridge site soon.  Opie's mother came while we were gone and helped with everything Opie needed when he left the hospital, including teaching Opie how to play the domino game chicken foot.  

Opie and I also had the chance to take a nice nature walk earlier in March, along Eagle Creek. We were out that way because we were picking Maceo up from his overnight camp with school (yep, super cool!). 

Opie has lost weight but luckily his appetite is good. Since we live in a city full of delicious food, we are both looking forward to taking on the task of helping him gain some weight and put on muscle. We have been going on more walks in the neighborhood and working in the yard together.  The big priority now will be getting back into shape, so he can get back to biking, running and hiking all things that he loves to do.

Opie's treatment plan moving forward involves one round of chemo at the beginning of May then a PET scan to double check the results we got yesterday at 6-8 weeks. Then Opie will have check in visits every three months until year three, then visits every six months till year five. We will continue to keep you all in the loop as we move forward. 

Thanks to everyone for their support!! I will be opening up more spots on the Give In Kind page, including days for people to drop of dinner if they feel so inclined. Since Opie's appetite is back it's been really nice when folks drop off dinner. Thank you so much to everyone who has helped with dinner, groceries and gift cards, it has been incredibly helpful and appreciated. 

Grocery Train for Opie Hileman and Family - Give InKind

Your love has carried us through and knowing it will continue has given us the strength to keep moving forward. We are forever grateful for you all!!!

Love always wins! 

Grace