Not out of the woods

What can we say, the last 3 months have been awesome and we couldn't be happier as a family. Drew started back at daycare, his hair has started growing back, and we have been able to leave the house when ever we want, to do whatever we want. Unfortunately our worries are back, as last Thursday and Friday brought news we didn't want to hear. Last Thursday, Drew went in for a routine eye exam and MRI. We thought this was to ensure that no growth was present now that the chemo is out of his system. The only thing it ensured, is that this nightmare may not be over. Dr. Olson found some vitreous seeding towards the front of Drew's left eye (this was the worst eye from the start). Dr. Olson is unsure if this is new cancer growth or remnants from what they have killed over the last 6 chemo sessions. All we can do is give it another month to see if the seeding grows. If it doesn't, it's most likely that the cells are dead. If the seeding grows, Heidi and will have to go down the path we were trying to avoid from the beginning, remove his left eye. More chemo would only delay the inevitable. While this is something we've wanted to avoid, Heidi and I have been prepared to travel down this path.

On Friday, we received a call from Dr. Olson with Drew's MRI results. While we hoped we would never have to think about cancer again, we are now faced with the possibility that Drew has a second form of cancer called Pinealblastoma. Apparently the MRI detected a very small cyst in an area called the "3rd optic nerve." So what is the 3rd optic nerve? Well, each eye has a nerve that runs out the back towards the brain. The two optic nerves eventually come together which than becomes the "3rd optic nerve." The "3rd optic nerve" feeds the brain which give you your vision. So what does this mean? Drew will undergo another MRI on 7/12. This MRI will look at that cyst to see if there is any growth. If there's no growth, the doctors will determine the date for the next MRI to reevaluate. If there is growth, a Neurosurgeon will need to go in and remove the cyst. The cyst will be tested for cancer. If the cyst is cancerous, Drew will need to complete another round of chemo.

While we knew secondary cancers were part of this ordeal, we were hopeful we would never have to deal with it, especially so soon. On Friday, hearing the news that cancer may be in a different part of Drew's body crushed our family's mending hearts. Please pray for Drew, he needs all of our prayers. We are so proud of how far he has come and can only hope that 7/12 brings us tears of joy. We love you Drewbug!

Please keep Jack in your prayers as well. He has been the best brother one could ever wish for. We are equally as proud of Jack for what he has endured through this journey. I don't know a three year old that has had to sacrifice more than he has in the last 7 months. We love you buddy!

As always, thanks for all the love and support.