Life with Owen has transformed into a tale of two extremes. Not too long ago, Owen was what you might call a culinary minimalist. Meals were a negotiation, a careful dance around his preferences, which were as precise as they were peculiar. A sandwich, for instance, wasn't just a sandwich in Owen's world. It was a deconstructed puzzle of ingredients laid bare, each piece to be considered and often left uneaten. We used to joke he was more bird than a boy, pecking at his food with a discerning eye, leaving behind a trail of breadcrumbs and partially nibbled slices of turkey. His whims were our command, and the kitchen became a stage for his culinary caprices.

But now, in the throes of his dexamethasone treatment, Owen's appetite has undergone a metamorphosis as startling as it is sudden. Our once finicky eater has been replaced by a force of nature, a whirlwind of insatiable hunger. His previous nibbles have given way to hearty demands: sandwiches must now be intact, bacon aplenty, and hamburgers a frequent request. The shift is jarring, a pendulum swing from one extreme to another, leaving us in a constant state of adaptation. Once a quiet battleground of wills, the kitchen is now a bustling hub of activity, trying to keep pace with Owen's newfound voracity.

This appetite isn't just about food—it's a symptom of something more profound, a side effect of the medication that's as physical as it is psychological. It's not just hunger; it's a craving for normalcy, a desperate grasp at control in a world turned upside down. Owen's aversion to sweets, once a source of joy, now serves as a poignant reminder of the changes wrought by his treatment. His refusal, his "save it for later," speaks volumes, a testament to the profound shifts within him.

Amidst this upheaval, we find ourselves constantly on our toes, juggling the logistics of an ever-empty pantry and the challenge of keeping Owen hydrated without the consequences of too frequent bathroom breaks—or worse, the accidents that catch us all by surprise. Life has become a delicate balancing act, teetering between managing Owen's physical needs and navigating our own emotional turmoil.

Yet, amid this chaos, there's a strange sense of purpose, a narrative unfolding before us that's both daunting and compelling. The journey through Owen's diagnosis and treatment has thrust us into a story we never expected to be part of. From the shock and confusion of the initial diagnosis to the steep learning curve of treatments and side effects, every day is a step into the unknown. We've become unwilling characters in an epic saga, our lives a testament to fate's unpredictable twists and turns.

As we traverse this landscape, we find ourselves in what feels like the second act of a much larger story. The early days of uncertainty have given way to a routine, a rhythm dictated by medication schedules, doctor's appointments, and the ever-present quest for normalcy. Yet, we know that the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty. The possibility of relapse looms large, a shadow over our tentative hopes for the future.

We stand at a crossroads, caught between the warrior stage that awaits and the journey we've already undertaken. The path forward needs to be clarified, each step an act of faith in the face of overwhelming odds. But if there's one thing we've learned, strength comes from the most unexpected places. Owen's unwavering spirit and resilience give us the courage to face whatever lies ahead.

The story of Owen's battle is far from over. Still, it's a story we're writing together, a narrative woven from the threads of our collective experiences. As we navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories, however small, we're reminded that life, in all its unpredictability, is a journey best undertaken with love, hope, and a generous serving of bacon.