A few things

Last Tuesday, we received an email from our nurse, Katie, saying they received confirmation the surgeon in Boston has agreed to take Nick and perform surgery - the one where she will open up his tummy and apply chemo directly to his abdomen. Katie wanted to know if she could set up an appointment with the surgeon at Huntsman who is coordinating the surgery with the surgeon in Boston. He would explain all the details. But first, Nick would have to have a laproscopy, where they place a camera right in his tummy to take a peek at exactly what is in there. They would want to do that once he has completed his next upcoming round of chemo (two week treatment) starting on the 18th. This was much for us to take in. I forwarded on to Nick so he could decide if he wanted to go further (I, at least, wanted to get the details first before making a decision). Nick declined to discuss it, saying he'll think about it later.

By Thursday, we were up at Huntsman getting labs done. He asked to talk to Katie. I reminded him he doesn't have to do any treatment/surgery, especially when this is all experimental anyway. We told Katie we thought surgery was only an option if the chemo wasn't working, but she explained it was an option they were all waiting for - a very hopeful and preferred treatment. She also explained Nick will have to have a laproscopy, regardless if he has surgrey or not, probably another CT scan, too. Nick thought about it and said, "Well, I really like Boston..." so she'll go ahead and get some appointments set up so we can get all the information on the table and see if it is something he wants to pursue. If he decides to go with it, he could have surgery next month.

On Friday, Katie called to let know his white cell counts were at zero again, to which he promptly packed his bags, took off to his dads for the night and then drove to Wyoming to visit his best friend, Rob, and Rob's family. Well, just know where the closest hospital is and take a thermometer, I advise. Rob has a new baby, Paxton Nicholas, who is about 6 months old, bursting with cuteness. Rob also took Nick fishing and yes, after 21 years, Nick finally caught his first fish on his very own merit. It was a proud, manly moment.

Yesterday, Nick and I drove to go get labs done again and he played me his new theme song, by Rebelution - "Bright Side" (you can listen if you go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrNzKEMD2Zc). Here are the lyrics...

Don’t trip you know I’m always by your side
You'll be fine for the ride just be calm
Take a breath and don't cry, look on the bright side

Rise up now make an impact
Now get your bags packed
Think about your life, the thrill
Don't you cry look on the bright side of life

Somebody told me everything is alright
That life's too short to be afraid
Which is leading up to what I want to say
Living should be giving in a way
Contemplating every single day
And learning so we educate and be positive, it is what it is
Come and set examples for the kids
I don't want to scare you no I don't
It's time you be a role model so open up

Don’t trip you know I’m always by your side
You'll be fine for the ride just be calm
Take a breath and don't cry, look on the bright side

Rise up now make an impact
Now get your bags packed
Think about your life, the thrill
Don't you cry look on the bright side

Be kind and keep a smile
Keep your head up and try to find a friend or a child
And encourage their life, look on the bright side

Rise up now make an impact
Now get your bags packed
Think about your life, the thrill
Don't you cry look on the bright side of life

Well done, Nick. Our family takes off on Thursday to Philadelphia to see the Flyers vs. Penguins game. We are all excited for the trip! We get home on Sunday and Nick will be back at Huntsman on Monday for chemo. Til then, we'll all look on the bright side of life!