This week marked a notable milestone for us; we visited Doernbecher's for Owen's second port access and what we hope was his final lumbar puncture for spinal chemo. It was a tense but necessary step forward in his treatment.

NOTE: We started a YouTube Channel where all videos regarding Owen and his journey will be hosted! Find us at www.youtube.com/@owensjournal

During our discussions, our doctors at Doernbecher's were incredibly supportive, validating our concerns regarding the treatment Owen previously received at Riverbend Hospital. They weren't surprised by our feedback, which was both reassuring and disheartening. They suggested we could try McKenzie Willamette for future care if necessary—a suggestion we're keeping in mind.

Thankfully, this week was fever-free for Owen. He’s been thriving in his usual spirited manner, embracing his upcoming fourth birthday with newfound energy and joy. Observing him regain confidence on his feet has been heartening. He’s also losing some weight, which is expected and, in our case, a bit of a relief given he still loves to be carried.

Owen enjoyed precious time with family this week, spending a day with his Nana and Papa and playing with his cousin. Another day was well-spent with another cousin and his friend Karigan, whom he hadn't seen since his health ordeal began. Watching him interact and play like any other child filled our hearts and allowed us a moment of much-needed breath.

Looking ahead, we have another routine port access scheduled at Doernbecher's next Monday. Meanwhile, we're gearing up for Owen's birthday on May 2nd. Although we plan to celebrate a bit later, the excitement is building.

I'm profoundly grateful for the community support following our last update. It's comforting, yet profoundly sad, to realize many others share similar experiences. Our doctor's support during these times has been indispensable, reinforcing the importance of advocating for Owen.