What was going to be the final (6th) cycle has turned into the new 1st cycle (of 2). The doctor team has decided to be more aggressive based on results so far. The new combo is called I.C.E.

On the way into clinic Matthew said he was tempted to play that song, “Ice, Ice, Baby!” just for fun 🙂

We are thankfull that we have learned to pre-medicate for nausia so hopefully that will keep this new chemo combo at bay while it kicks Neuroblastoma’s butt!

As always we pray to God for a miracle and put our trust in His good and perfect will !!!

Deductibles and co-pays kinda shock us sometimes, however, your gifts and support have been amazing and humbling and have made the financial burden easier to bear. Together we will be on the other side of this adventure soon.

We ask for your continued prayers and will keep you posted as the adventure continues.

May the Lord bless you and keep you!!!

There are moments in the midst of Matthew’s “Adventure” that leave us very thankful to God, proud as parents and humbled before an amazing community of love and support.

Today, after waking up very early to go in for an echocardiogram and an EKG, Matthew found out that his senior class voted him “most handsome”!!!!! His girlfriend, sweet Emma, even overheard some girls at school asking “are you voting for Matt or so&so?” And the others said, “Matt Hogan!! He’s much hotter!”

Matthew, of course, let’s these kind of things bring a smile to his face, as they should … but then he let’s them roll off. (proud parents)

We are looking forward to a good blood report on Friday and then a weekend filled with lots of sweet Emma time, fun and good food!

We always remember you all in our prayers. And we are so thankful for all the continued prayers and support, especially as the plan of treatment to cure changes so Matthew will, by the grace of God, “Beat Neuroblastoma Like a Drum!”

May the Lord bless you and keep you!!!

New Years Eve in the hospital wasn’t the worst thing … because at midnight Matthew got out of bed and started dancing with IVy (his IV pole). Then mom joined in and I was able to grab a quick pic. After toasting in the New Year with some Sparkling Cider Matthew asked me to sit with him so Mom could take a picture of us too.

Cycle 5 has gone so well. Especially since cycle 3, the same stuff, was the roughest yet.

Matthew heads off any potential nausea by taking his breakthrough meds and as a result has had quite the appetite this time around. He has actually gained weight!

Next up will be some time at home followed by a clinic next week and then some more scans to see just how little of the cancer is left.

Please pray with us that the 5 cycles have done what they are intended to do, God willing, and that there will be little or no signs of the cancer when the results of the scans come back.

Matthew is up and about, eating and playing games with Mom.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

All the ongoing donations are leaving us speechless and they are truly a blessing. We don’t know what expenses the New Year will bring but we appreciate all of you for showing such love and care for Matthew as he progresses on his adventure.

May the Lord bless you and keep you!!!