"Uh, Dad, I think you need that operation!"

Dear Family and Friends,

Cody was moved from OICU to the regular floor on 7/19. We have been enjoying a room to ourselves and hopefully our next move will be home.

He is not able to walk yet and has limited use of his right hand...but....he has his speech back and his sense of humor....thank you God!! We have been getting him in the wheelchair everyday this week for a couple of hours a day to help build strength. On Tuesday we were in the playroom. The volunteer asked about the incision on Cody's scalp. Dave explained that Cody had a shunt put in and added, "While they were there, they should have put some more brains in." Cody didn't miss a beat, "Uh, Dad, I think you need that operation!" So grateful to have him back. :) .....they banter like brothers.

He is slowly building up his strength. He has neuropathy in his left hand and right foot, which is very painful for him and is slow going for rehabilitation because of it. We started new medication for the neuropathy this week and seems to be helping. He got the OK to start drinking water and birdie bites of soft food. (his main food/nutrition is still his feeding tube).

His white cells and platelet counts are struggling to go up. He has had to have a booster to help in addition to blood and platelet transfusions. In order to continue treatment for cancer, our main battle, his counts have to be a certain level, on their own, for a few days. The doctors are thinking maybe next week?

There is talk of us going home, but Cody has to get stronger first. The last thing we want to do is have to go to ER as soon as we get home.

New hospital rules are no visitors other than parents due to the concern of swine flu. They are very serious and taking no risks...which is a good thing.

Our prayer request this week is for God to bless Cody with:

• regenerated platelet and blood cells
  
• pain relief - that all pain goes away
  
• regained physical strength, in a mighty way
• an unquenchable appetite and thirst
• healed body (tumors be gone!)
• comfort in our Lord, good spirits, strong will

Thank you for your continued, faithful prayers.

The Days