Difficult News and Tough Decisions
It’s been a while since our last update, and we want to share what’s been happening in Ricky’s treatment journey. Unfortunately, the news we’ve received over the past few months has been challenging, to say the least.
The Latest on Ricky’s Treatment
While the tumor in Ricky’s eye has been responding well to chemotherapy, the seeds—those tiny clusters of cancerous cells—have not responded at all. After much deliberation, the doctors have asked us to prepare for the likelihood of enucleation, or removal of Ricky’s eye. This has been heartbreaking news for our family.
David and I have known about this possibility for a few months but made a conscious decision to hold off on sharing it with anyone. We wanted Ricky and his twin brother, Johnny, to fully enjoy the magic of the Christmas season without the weight of this news overshadowing their joy.
Ricky’s treatment schedule has also changed. He now receives treatments twice a month, which has doubled our monthly out-of-pocket costs for both treatments and travel. These financial challenges come during an already difficult time due to some recent job-related setbacks which may trigger some major changes, but we are holding on to our faith that everything will work out.
The Road Ahead
The idea of enucleation is, of course, a difficult one to come to terms with. But Ricky’s eye has been causing him significant pain over the past few months. All he wants is to “not have cancer anymore,” and in that sense, the prospect of removing the eye may bring him some relief.
We still have a few months before any final decisions need to be made, but David and I firmly believe that Ricky deserves a voice in this process. He is old enough to have a say in his treatment, and we want to ensure he feels included and empowered every step of the way.
Seeking Guidance
During our next trip to Miami, we’ll be meeting with a child life specialist. They will help us navigate this delicate conversation with both Ricky and Johnny when the time is right. Their guidance will be invaluable as we balance honesty with sensitivity, ensuring the boys understand the situation in a way that’s appropriate for their age and emotions.
Gratitude and Hope
This has been one of the hardest chapters of our lives, but we continue to draw strength from Ricky’s bravery and resilience. We are endlessly grateful for the love, prayers, and support we’ve received from all of YOU, our family, friends, and our community.
Thank you for being with us on this journey. Your encouragement helps us face each day with courage and hope.