Radiation is done!

Monday, February 3, 2025. Owen had his last radiation treatment today. In total he had 30 treatments done 5 days a week for 6 weeks. How thankful we are to be done this round of treatments. We now have a few weeks of normalcy at home without appointments as long as Owen continues to do well until the next step.

Being out in Vancouver so much has not been easy on our family, it’s been especially tough on our other kids; But Owen blew our minds with his strength and resilience. He would march into the cancer clinic knowing exactly where to go and what to do. He didn’t complain, even though he had to wear this big mask over his face that got locked into the treatment table to keep him still as his head was radiated. I’m sure I would struggle with feeling claustrophobic from that; But with the comfort of his blankie laid on him and his scripture lullaby bear sitting on his feet playing it’s songs, he would lay perfectly still for every treatment session. When looking for God’s hand in this journey, we can so clearly see how He has been with Owen, giving him strength and peace even as a little 6 year old going through these big things.

Later this week, Owen’s first round of chemotherapy will come to an end as well. He will have a total of 42 days straight of oral chemo for this first round. He has been receiving the standard treatments most commonly used for his type of cancer. We have asked the questions of ‘why this method of treatment’, ‘is this the most effective method for his disease’, etc etc. and we are trusting the doctors’ expertise with these standard treatments as God has graciously provided these means for Owen.

Owen received the safest highest dose of radiation for his brain tumour. Unfortunately we are gathering that this is the only time they can radiate his tumour. The goal of radiation has been to shrink it, get it smaller to maintain his quality of life for as long as possible. His chemotherapy right now is not at the highest dose, but in 4 weeks he begins another round of chemotherapy with two types at a stronger dosage for a shorter duration.

In about 4 weeks Owen has a follow up MRI scan to see what his brain tumour is doing after this first round of treatment. It’s daunting to think about those results when looking at things from a human perspective. But I have been rotating through Bible verse cards on my kitchen window sill, and one of them reads: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” (Philippians 4:6). It has been an excellent reminder to leave everything in God’s hands. We cannot control the efficacy of these treatments or the upcoming MRI results. Sitting here worrying continuously about it, letting that eat us up is not healthy for us or honouring to God. But bringing my fears and worries to God in prayer, even in the middle of doing laundry or dishes or attending to my kids during this very busy season of life, knowing that He hears me anywhere and anytime brings a sense of peace and reassurance that He is in control. He sees us and our worries, He knows what we need in each moment and during each trial.

I was gifted this beautiful little book of prayers called “In His Hands - Prayers for your Child or Baby in a Medical Crisis” written by Eric M. Schumacher and Jessika Sanders. The following prayer from this book, based on Psalm 139 about how intimately God knows us and knows Owen, has stood out to me so much and I keep going back to it to read it and pray it:

For Defying the Odds

Lord, you are the Great Physician.

Certainly you use doctors to work wonders for your glory. But like us, they see through a clouded lens. They don’t have full access to your infinite wisdom. You, and You alone, are God. You have the final say.

You know my child intimately because You created her/him. You know my child’s purpose because You have given it. You know the plans You have for my child because you have designed them.

Regardless of the diagnosis delivered, we will look to You, for You have the final word.

Whatever prognosis is given, I will wait for Your direction, for You number all our days.

If it is Your will, let my child defy the odds. And to You will be the glory forever and ever, Amen.

We snuck in some family pictures before we had to completely shave Owen’s head.