Tuesday, January 31st.... I think.

Yesterday we met with everybody to discuss the treatment plan for Mac. He will begin chemo this week followed by weeks of testing, 6 weeks of radiation,  more testing and medications. The usual protocol for his situation will not work because of his hemorrhage after the 1st surgery. The plan we will follow is
individualized for him. It takes us through mid-december followed by another year of chemo. At this time, we are holding out hope that Mac will make medical history and be the first to survive this type of tumor! I am told miracles happen everyday so there is no reason to believe Mac can't be one of them.

Today, he is going into surgery to have a Broviac port put in so that he will not need to be stuck with so many needles during treatment. While in surgery they will remove the staples from his head from the 2 previous surgeries and perform a spinal tap. Mac is scared this morning and hungry. So far, this morning has been a bit rough for us. It started after dad left this morning and someone came in to take blood work. It took 4 nurses to get this done. Three to hold Mac down and one to escort me sobbing out of the room. This experience led to a conversation I never in my wildest dreams ever thought I would have to have with my child. Even now as I type the tears are flowing.  Mac and I discussed that he had brain cancer and over the next months that meant a lot of time in the hospital and a lot of time not feeling well. I told him to cry and yell whenever he wanted to because it was ok to be sad, scared and angry.

Sr. Lori, the principal at Mac's school, shared this prayer with the families of the St. Margaret community and I want to share it here. We can not put into words the feeling of compassion everyone has shown. Thank you all and please continue to pray.

Prayer to St. Julie Billiart

Saint Julie, through your great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, you were miraculously cured and

favored by many graces. By your powerful intercession, obtain for us above all, great trust in God in all the difficulties of life, the strength to accomplish in all things the adorable will of God, and the special grace we now ardently ask of you… that Mac be healed and return to good health. Amen.