This week was meant to be filled with book launch celebration (and so it shall be too because as you will see here, we need to keep talking about children with cancer), and yet, in an ultimate and awful picture into the heartbreak of pediatric cancer and the broken messiness of life, I come to you with news that defies words.
Chase’s friend Lucas is out of curative options.
Here are some words from his parents…
“With a very heavy heart and tears in our eyes, we must write this post. This morning Mama and Papa Bear, along with his oncology team, sat down to discuss the situation. After a long discussion, it has been decided that there are no further curative options. In simplest terms, there is nothing more we can do to fight this.
We have started palliative chemo to attempt to slow the growth of the tumor. The tumor is wrapped around the pulmonary artery and is pressing on Lucas’ heart.
Right now Lucas is still playing with Legos and video games and yelling at everyone. His breathing is labored and he is swollen.
A palliative/ hospice team will be meeting us at our home tomorrow after we get discharged to work on the next steps.”
Lucas was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia only about two months after Chase was diagnosed and the boys were often admitted at the same time and would play together in the playroom or race up and down the halls. After year upon year of grueling treatment (leukemia treatments last 2-3 years at best for littles!), Lucas finished only to be readmitted with a tumor in his lungs last July. After months in the PICU, he has barely been home before this, now…another tumor…and on his heart. An endless fight.
Oh my heart…and I hope yours too. For this should not be. Dear ones, please pray for this sweet family. For Lucas’ parents, Anthony and Rina, for Lucas’ older brother, Franco – please pray.
If you’d like a very practical way to minister to this family, Lucas’ birthday is May 7th and his parents have encouraged friends and supporters to send cards. You can show love in this way by mailing cards to: Lucas Bear Heroes, 40 E. Chicago Ave., #162, Chicago, IL. 60611
There may be other words, but not today. Today, I stand in silence with this…
Moment by moment.