Seattle finally called this week--Zach is not a candidate for clinical trail #1 because he doesn't carry the necessary protein. We continue to wait for a spot in clinical trail #2.
Zach and I spent the past week and a half to trying decide our next steps--continue with a different treatment in Boise or do nothing. I was torn with the decision. Beginning a new treatment would offer Zach peace of mind because he was doing something, but it meant the possibility of pretty awful side effects (mouth sores, hand/feet neuropathy and blisters, nausea and fatigue) and the high likelihood it won't make much of a difference in his cancer. Doing nothing meant palliative care would begin (which is disheartening) but keeping Zach's pain under control would be a top priority. God remained pretty silent during this time of decisions. We finally realized that instead of praying for a sign and direction, we would pray for Him to bless our decision--regardless of what we chose.
We met with Dr. Dan Wednesday morning. Zach chose to continue receiving treatment. He receives 2 IV drugs every 3 weeks and takes an oral medication twice daily. The side effects are similar to the ones he faced at the beginning of the year and it has been a difficult few days since treatment. Instead of spending the day after Thanksgiving Black Friday shopping with the rest of the crazies (as has been our tradition) Zach will be getting early morning scans and results. So we have 6 weeks to wait before we have answers. This treatment is our final option in Boise.
The likelihood of this drug making a dent in his cancer is pretty bleak. But we continue to pray for the time we have with him. He has started the tough journey of legacies things for the boys and family members. I can't even begin to share how difficult that has been for both of us. But I am so thankful he has the opportunity to do it. We've had time to prepare for a lot of this, unlike many families who lose a loved one in an instant. I think it is human nature for us to reach out to people when they are not doing well--I certainly have done this too. But I want to encourage people not to wait to reach out and spend time with Zach. Hopefully the side effects let up a bit between treatments which will allow him to live a bit more normally. I want Zach to enjoy the time he has with family and friends on his good days.
Last weekend we took an incredible family trip to Disneyland, courtesy of Ryan DeLuca. Ryan graduated a year ahead of Zach from Capital and is the founder and CEO of Bodybuilding.com. He reached out to me in January with his offer. Several times over the past 10 months I have wondered if Zach's health and our schedules would ever allow us to go. Thankfully everything worked out and the time away gave us a chance to remove ourselves from the tough decisions here at home. Ryan flew us down in his private plane (that he piloted!) and treated the 7 of us to a wonderful 3 days in California. Zach and I took our moms, brothers and Jessica. Oliver and Max stayed at home with Grandma and Grandpa Ingersoll and had far more fun here than they would have had missing naps in a hot amusement park. I don't think Ryan will ever know what it meant to Zach, me and our families to take a trip like this. He blessed us so much with his gift and we are incredibly thankful.
In closing, my precious little boy Max turned 1 on Thursday. October 16, 2013 is a memorable day (for obvious reasons) but also because this was the day that Zach could no longer deny something was wrong. He didn't feel right and the pressure in his chest was too heavy to ignore. Strange what a difference a year makes.
Zach was honored last week as one of Idaho's District Three Assistant Coach of the Year. Mike Hirano (principal) and Troy Rice (AD) joined us to celebrate.
That plaque is shiny!
Hanging out in the airport, awaiting our pilot!
Mitch and Jessica.
Our Disneyland crew!
Private plane is the only way to go...I highly recommend it :) What an amazing treat!
Zach as co-pilot.
Kris and me.
Zach giving the thumbs up--all engines are a go!
My mom and me.
I ensured a safe landing into Los Angeles. I know Ryan was glad I was his co-pilot for this leg.
Loved stepping off the plane into the warm California air!
Awww....
Breakfast in hand. The day can commence.
The brothers at California Adventure!
Ben, my mom Kathi, Jenny and Nate awaiting the Cars ride.
The end of a long, but wonderful day.
Ready for day #2 at Disneyland!
Kris and Zach.
He's a catch ladies!
Spent our last day at the beaches in Laguna and Huntington.
Rented a 4-person surrey and cruised up and down the beach. Broke nearly every rule while riding it including the one not to ride faster than 5 mph.
No family vacation is complete without a broken down vehicle, right? We had planned to spend the evening in Santa Monica but a dead car battery kept us from leaving the hotel. Never could get it fully charged. 3 hours later a new car was delivered. Had a nice dinner within walking distance of the hotel despite the set back.
Birthday Breakfast!
Birthday Lunch!
The entire crew! We loved having everyone over to celebrate with Max. Oliver woke up this morning to a very quiet house and spent the rest of the day wandering around asking, "Where did all the people go? What happened to all the persons?" The boys went to bed hours past their bedtime. And in typical fashion awoke at 6:30 a.m. this morning ready to begin their day.
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