Day 19 (Sat, March 2nd) of our journey with Owen has arrived, and the duality of time has never been more palpable: it's both fleeting and endless, encapsulating the whirlwind of emotions we've been navigating. Today unfolded in a familiar pattern, a semblance of normalcy amidst the storm, marked by a regimen of medications, a marathon of cartoons, and the comforting routine of rest on the hide-a-bed or couch.

Notably, Owen's spirits lifted today, a cherished small victory, mainly as he’s finally found a rhythm in his digestive health—a significant relief for all of us given the challenges posed by his medication.

In an unexpected yet heartening moment, Owen — primarily confined to his bed since his admission to the hospital and our temporary home at the hotel — spontaneously rose to assert his independence. His quest was for a snack, a simple act of autonomy, was a sight we hadn't witnessed since the onset of this ordeal.

This spark of independence manifested again later, albeit in a humorous scare, when we discovered him poised to indulge in raw bacon straight from the fridge. His burgeoning appetite, particularly for protein, is undeniable, and we gently steered him towards a safer culinary choice, promising to cook the bacon for his enjoyment.

While revisiting our Day 17 journal, we realized we should have mentioned an insightful conversation. Our dialogue with Owen's doctors shed light on the initial findings from his bone marrow genetics. The diagnosis 100% confirmed leukemia, which the doctors knew based on his previous lab work, with an 80% saturation level in his bone marrow.

This saturation level is critical; it indicates the extent of leukemia's presence, where a lower percentage, such as 20%, could have led to a misdiagnosis or failed detection, underscoring the timeliness of our intervention.

The induction period for B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) in toddlers is the initial treatment phase aimed at eradicating leukemia cells to achieve remission. It's crucial because it sets the foundation for subsequent treatments, reducing the disease burden and improving long-term survival chances by preventing relapse.

The risk levels, determined at the end of his induction phase, will guide the subsequent treatment strategy. Now over halfway through this phase, we're anchored by the hope of returning home, aspiring to reintroduce Owen to the fragments of his everyday life.                    

‍B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) risk levels—low, standard, and high—classify patients based on disease characteristics and response to therapy. These levels guide treatment intensity, with high-risk patients receiving more aggressive treatment. Proper classification ensures each patient receives the most effective, tailored therapy, optimizing outcomes and minimizing side effects.

Tonight, Owen whispered to Dad a yearning for his beloved kitties, his daycare companion Sabin, and his friend Karigan — whom he knows through his cousin — tugs at our hearts. Karigan's video messages, a sweet gesture of friendship, stir a mix of joy and sorrow in Owen, reflecting the profound isolation this battle imposes. Witnessing his sadness is a torment and emotional poison that underscores the universal yet personal nature of this journey.

This path we're on is one many have traversed, each story distinct yet connected by a shared thread of resilience and vulnerability. Owen's reaction to his situation echoes the collective heartache of every family facing similar trials, a sobering reminder of our collective ignorance until faced with such realities. Yet, we find solace in the progress made against this disease, a testament to the miracles that grace our world, transforming despair into hope, a beacon for us all in these trying times.

— Owen’s Parents