May 29, 2009

Today was another stressful day after yesterday being so positive (the ups and downs in this roller coaster ride do become very difficult).

Bryce seemed to be in a lot more pain today. However, what was most stressful was some discussions with the doctors about Bryce. The ICU doctors felt strongly that Bryce needed to make some decisions (advance directives) regarding his desires in the event that his condition deteriorated and so we had a follow-up discussion today. Bryce handled this very well and made some very mature decisions.

However, shortly after this discussion we met with the oncologist and he was very frank about the seriousness of Bryce's cancer. He did not give us much hope. The oncology team that is working with Bryce had hoped that they would have seen a better response to the chemo than they have seen. Bryce told the doctor twice that he can tell that he feels that he is getting better. He has made great improvements.

We know that with God all things are possible to them that believe. Even though this is very hard to hear we certainly have not given up. Our attitude is that we demonstrate our faith and continue praying, that we do everything we can medically, and then turn it over to the Lord - it is in His hands. We continue to trust in Him that His will be done knowing that He will do what is best for our son.

The good news is that in the last couple of days Bryce has voided twice - both times only a small amount; nevertheless, he still did this even though he is on dialysis daily. His kidney doctor has not given up on the kidney nor on his survival even though the oncologists are less than optimistic.

It is so nice to see he and Jerica together holding hands as he lays in his bed. They enjoyed watching a movie again today. We feel so blessed to have Jerica and her family in our family's lives. Jerica's father, Jeff, had his head buzzed also. Bryce's cousin, Justin, and his brother-in-law, Brandon, have joined us with buzzed heads! However, today Bryce told me that he thinks my hair is not short enough and that I need to get it shaved????