On Wednesday Persy began his second cycle of chemotherapy. He was in good spirits as we checked into the hospital, despite making it clear that what he really wanted was to “go back new house.” As always, Persy handled his big feelings like a pro, and quickly readjusted to life in the hospital.

Upon admission Persy had another chest x-ray which still showed no sign of pleural effusion. Yay! This time around was very different than our last hospital stay. Persy was full of energy and constantly asking to get down and move around, which proved challenging given that he had to spend much of the day hooked up to the IV through his port. Thankfully, he was able to have a couple of “unhooked” hours each day, which allowed him the freedom to run all around the unit with mama and dada. We gladly welcome these new challenges, which also bring with them the joy of having our playful, energetic little boy back.

P received four more chemo treatments before being released from the hospital early Sunday morning. And boy was he happy to go back home and see his “Keppy!” 🥰

Our little buddy has had to deal with some nausea and vomiting as a result of the chemo, but the anti-nausea medicine he takes does help. He has also been very irritable at times and unable to express exactly why. This is understandably very frustrating for him, as well as mama and dada, who are trying to navigate this new normal without a roadmap in hand.

Although Persy has done great with these first two chemotherapy cycles, we have a lot of anticipation and fear about what lies ahead. First up will be the harvest of P’s stem cells which will likely begin on December 27th. In order for this to happen, he will temporarily need to get another port placed (probably in his neck), which is bound to be uncomfortable at best. Shortly after the harvest it will be time to return to the hospital for the third chemo cycle. With each cycle comes different chemotherapy drugs which include their own laundry list of potential side effects.

While all of this has us on edge about what’s to come, we continue to trust in God and thank Him for this precious time at home together. As long as Persy remains fever free, we are looking forward to celebrating our first Christmas as a family of four in our new house. 🎄

BIG Little Victories!

• Persy completed his second cycle of chemo and is on his way to a full recovery!
• Persy’s lungs continue to show no fluid accumulation.
• Persy did not have to stay in the hospital past the required five days for this cycle.
• Persy has (for the most part) been himself: happy, playful, and full of energy.
• Persy has been a champ through his first two cycles of chemo and has shown visible improvements.
• Persy has been able to enjoy life at home as a normal little boy.

Please pray…

• For Persy to continue to be energetic and happy, and for his pain levels to remain low throughout each upcoming trial.
• For patience and wisdom for Persy’s mama and dada as they learn how to navigate this new parenting journey.
• For Persy to remain fever free and be able to spend Christmas and the New Year at home with his baby brother.
• For Persy’s body to respond to the chemo and specifically that the chemo obliterates all of the metastatic cancer sites in his body.
• For his cancer to be attacked by the chemo, but for his precious body to be protected from the damage caused by the toxic chemicals.
• For continued strength for Persy’s mama and dada and his whole family.

Heavenly father, we come before you in the name of Jesus and we come in agreement with all the prayers for healing for Persy. We pray that you touch him with your healing hand and bring healing and wholeness to his body. Provide grace, mercy and peace for Persy and his whole family. You are our Healer, You are our Deliverer, You are our Physician, and our hope is in You. Please strengthen his body through Your Spirit and restore him. We come to You Father as your dear children and we put our faith in trust in You!
Tony and Anne Nasrallah