Since the very beginning of this journey, the thing that has made it bearable and even beautiful has been the support from our community, near and far. Cancer is a terrible disease, but it has brought about the best in everyone around us. Past grievances just faded away and we have been surrounded by love. I would never wish the ravages of cancer on my enemies, but if one must be afflicted by it, I would hope that they are surrounded by friends as we have been.

We made new friends last week when our friend Kyle talked to his friend Ryan, who put the word out to his community of super car owners that Eli needed something to smile about.

Over a hundred super cars paraded past our house in an amazing display of solidarity and support for Eli. It is truly humbling how strangers from the community just showed up to do something good. Thank you!

How is Eli doing?

Eli’s health seems to be stable since his lung drain was placed. He had radiation to a few areas to reduce pain and fluid buildup. In the meantime, we’ve had family visiting from out of town, spending time with us and making sure meals are made and dishes are done. We’ve managed to throw in a few activities.

Mostly, though, Eli spends a lot of time sleeping. I’ve managed to get his nausea and pain under control, but I can’t seem to cure fatigue. The cancer is just draining the life out of him. It’s scary and sad. Eli likes to sleep downstairs in the basement, so I bring him meds and drain his chest from time to time throughout the day and night. He is very distraught when he asks me what time it is and it’s almost lunch time before he manages to come upstairs and eat. I wanted it to be the meds, but I’ve been transitioning him off meds that make him tired, but it’s still not enough. I just want to cry.

On the up side, his vitals are improving and he doesn’t need oxygen supplementation much anymore. His blood pressure is improving and his labwork looks pretty good. So how can he be dying? I don’t know, but I can see it.