Shawn Jr's Journey

This has been building for several days, but Shawn Jr is really struggling breathing.  He is hurting and is almost continually short of breath.  He thinks his other lung might be building up with fluid.  (As you might remember, his right lung has a drain tube installed and we drain it once a day).    We have an appointment tomorrow with the pulmonologist at 1:00 at MD Anderson.  

We are headed down to Houston this week for Shawn Jr’s second immunotherapy treatment.  It has been 3 weeks since his last treatment.   The first treatment made him tired and troubled his stomach a bit.   But, for the most part, it went well.   We will not know if this is working for several months.  

We have spent the last few days seeing the sites in New York City.  Shawn Jr was able to go to the Yankee’s game on the first day.  But, he has not been feeling well and has not done anything the past few days.   This is the entire crew at the Yankees game.  Here are the kids FaceTimeing Jr from the top of the Empire State Building.  Shawn Jr and Josh on the subway. 

Our daughter, Noelle, is a freshman at Baylor University.  She received this hand written note from the President of Baylor, Linda Livingstone.   Baylor is an amazing place.  

Skylin is competing in YAGP Finals in New York this week.  Shawn Jr and the other kids are flying to New York City this morning to meet up with with Misty, Skylin, Josh and me.   We are not sure how Shawn is going to feel.  This is a big trip for him really soon after surgery and treatment.  We are not sure how this is going to go.  Please pray that Shawn Jr feels well and enjoys this experience.  

Shawn Jr has had a good 24 hours.  His stomach is not hurting him, he has eaten well and his pain has been good. Super encouraging!

We got home late last night from Houston.  Shawn was excited to take a shower and sleep in his own bed.  His stomach was hurting him a bit.   This morning the family was running around preparing for our trip to New York.  I was not wanting to leave for several reasons.  First, I didn’t know how Shawn was going to feel after this first treatment.  Second, because of all the happenings with Shawn we are really not prepared for this trip.  I realized a couple days ago that we didn’t even have a rental car.  Third, I am just exhausted - mentally and physically.  Forth, I feel super behind at work (because I am).   I thought about just staying home.  But, this is a big and important trip.  We are going to NY for YAGP Finals.  As most of you know, our daughter, Skylin (age 12) is a ballerina. She dances with a company called Elite Classical Coaching.  Her goal for the last two years has been to make it to the finals for YAG...