Gavin's Updates

Nana and Ariana threw Gavin the sweetest surprise party this afternoon!! Gavin didn’t understand what was happening (but happily waved back 😅) it wasn’t until he saw the banner that he realized everyone was there for him 🥺💖🥲

OFFICIALLY IN REMISSION!!! 🎉 Almost 5 months to the day from his first terrifying scan that showed all the black masses-Gavin had his final PET scan, 6 weeks after his final round of Chemo- and there is Zero traces of cancer left 😭 There really aren’t words for the intense emotionally journey this has been for our family. We thank Jehovah for His support, and for the loving kindness shown to us that has carried us through. The Oncologist told Gavin it’s time to Go Live His Life!!!

Busted out to the very best welcoming committee!! Gavin’s fever and heart rate finally went back down and he’s feeling so much better. Thankful for The James who is so conscientious to make extra sure it was only the flu and nothing more serious. This little pup sure brings joy but slightly panics if he’s not touching Jacell. 😆 We can’t wait to be back home 🤍

Well, we *almost* made it through this journey without a hitch. Gavin spiked a fever Tuesday morning, so his oncology team told us to bring him to the James immediately. In Chemo patients, anything over 100.4 is considered emergent. His fever reached 102.2 before we arrived. He tested positive for the Flu. His heart is having a hard time with the virus and his heart rate is staying elevated, and he is also producing a heart protein that shows trauma/stress to the heart- so they have admitted him. He is slowly feeling better, we are hopeful they can get him sorted out in the next few days so he can finish recovery at home.

Finally back home 😊

Today we got results of Gavin’s PET scan from yesterday- Dr said he has had “COMPLETE RESPONSE” to the Chemo!! 😭🙌🏼💕

Today was chemo #5, then early November is this 6th and final one. Then 3 month checkups for 2 years, then every 6 months for years 3-5.

This first pic compares yesterdays scans vs. 3 months ago. The dark circle in his chest is his heart; the rest of the dark matter on the right was the cancer.

Looking back to the picture of his chest the night of the first chemo- it’s so shocking. Over the last 3 months it has melted away, just like the Dr had said.

We were so happy to have his brother tag-a-long for this treatment. 💙 Hoping he continues to tolerate the chemo well for these last few rounds.

Only one more to go- we’ve got this!!! 💪🏼

Last week Gavin had Chemo #4. We were heavy handed with the nausea meds after and he did really well. We have a PET scan the day before our next treatment to check our progress, our medical team is optimistic we will get good news.

While we have one very sick kid, we have two other healthy ones that we are trying minimize the trauma. Months before we got his diagnosis, we had got concert tickets for Ariana. She, I and Emma snuck away for a few days while dad stayed home to care for Gavin. We had an amazing time, then once home went right into quarantine to protect Gavin.

Just a few more weeks of walking this tightrope of keeping things normal and keeping Gavin safe…we are almost there!! 💪🏼

Halfway there! Chemo #3 is now behind us. Only 3 more to go. 👊🏼💪🏼The night before his treatment, when his white blood cells are the highest in the cycle, we went to Easton and walked around. An amazing friend made him a customized beanie with his gamer tag that fit perfectly.

Gavin is holding up really well emotionally…He has no doubt that in a few months this will all be behind us. Fervent prayer to Jehovah our God, coupled with Gavin’s example of a calm spirit and positivity helps to keeps me and Jacell grounded when our anxiety wants to overtake us. He really is an amazing kid with strong faith that has handled this like a champ.

Thank you all for the continued outpouring of love and support 🤍

☀️First time getting back to the lake since the diagnosis. Making the most of good days and the sunshine! 🛥