Honestly, I'm more of a reader than a poster on here, but I'm in the dumps and I need the collective spirit of ARFCOM to pull me out of the gutter.  I'll go right to the tldr version (hence posting infrequency).  





My 5yo son Cooper was born with a rare disease, Fanconi Anemia.  He's rare.  Like spotted unicorn rare.  He's beat everything thrown at him from birth, defying expectations of many.  His predisposition to childhood leukemia became reality last October while on his Make-A-Wish trip.  We noticed aggressively growing swollen lymph nodes.  Treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia for 60 days.  Beat it.  Flew within 48hrs to Univ of MN Children's Hospital (we live in MI and UofMN is arguably the best in the world at transplanting FA kids).  Underwent bone marrow transplant.  120 days later, beat it.  100% donor engrafted, no trace of leukemia.  





3 days before his 6mo post BMT checkup, my wife discovers a mass similar to before.  We're in MN now, long day of check ups and testing.  We've learned it's not a blood clot, but will need to biopsy the node.  It's likely either viral or the leukemia has retuned (we knew this was a 50% chance).





Cooper has been doing so well that this has just taken the wind out of my sails.  He deserves many more years of life after what he's been through.  This is the most scared I've ever been of losing him, through the months-probably close to a years time-worth hospital stays, hundreds of appointments and millions of dollars of health care he's received.  He'll fight, his spirit is amazing.  Just not sure I could handle putting him through everything again.





Just need some prayers guys.  That's all really.  





ETA





7/22 - Coop pics





7/23 - first, my families deepest thanks to the many here that are rooting for and praying for Cooper.  We've learned through his bone marrow biopsy that the leukemia has returned.  If it develops as quickly as before, we won't have long with Cooper.  Curative measures are no longer an option.  Our focus now is Cooper's comfort and his remaining time with us and his two sisters, 10 & 6.  We know this summer will be his last.  Cooper has spent 5 years on this earth (twice as long as the "numbers" gave him) with us, and our new focus is maximizing what's left.  Not sure how we achieve this yet as we need to discuss options.  For now, it's spending time as a family doing the things Cooper loves.  Maybe try to find a lake cottage for a week or something.  I don't know, today is a blur and my eyeballs burn.  Today begins a day at a time I suppose.





7/25 - Pg.6








7/30 - Pg.7





8/4 - Pg.7





8/20 - Pg.19

Damn, prayers sent.  Hope you boy gets better.

Sent

Prayers for him, and you too.   He will need you...

Prayers sent for you, your son, and your family. Hang in there, bud

Will be in my prayers tonight.

You got it.

Well wishes and good health to your son and family.

Sent

Prayers sent...

Thoughts & prayers inbound for your son, you & your family.

There's been too many threads like this and I shed a tear with each one.  My prayers to you and your son and all your family that have to endure this with you.  I'll go hug my 3 and let them know how  thankful I am and how much I love them.

Done

I will keep him in my prayers. God bless

Done

ETA you sound like a hell of a good dad

My mom got ALL in her late fifties. I saw what it did to her (she's relatively "ok" now after 4 years), I remember seeing all those little kids on the Leukemia floor... broke my heart.
I'll keep your son in my prayers.

I will pray for your Son.   He sounds like a fighter.

Wow what a Trooper. Prayers for you and your family sent. Hang in there. God bless.

Good luck and God bless.

Done

Damn, that's rough.  I'm sorry that your son is going through hell on earth.  You and your family are in my prayers, stay strong, your son will need it.  He sounds like a warrior.

Prayers sent.

Prayers sent.

Prayers out.

Thoughts and prayers...



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Both you and your son will be in my prayers.

Prayers inbound for your Son.

OP ... I prayed that your faith would be strengthened and disease defeated.

Trust in the Lord with all your Heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and Hey will make your paths straight.  Prov 3:5-6

Prayers for your son and for you and your family. Your son is a very brave boy.

Prayers sent.

Prayers sent for you and your family.

A few more prayers sent for Cooper.

Heartfelt prayers from my family to yours.  I know a little of what you are going through.  My son (4 years old) was diagnosed with leukemia little over a year ago.  I cannot imagine dealing with everything your family is going through on top of the leukemia.. If you ever need someone to talk to. Feel free to PM me and we will work out communications.  Maybe my family can send Cooper something to cheer him up.

I can't imagine what you're dealing with. I will pray for your son, you and your family.

Sent.  Be strong, dad.  You're a good man.  It shows.  

God Bless your handsome little boy Cooper.

Angels Up!!

Sent

Prayers for your boy, you and the rest of the family.

You and yours are in my prayers, bro.

Prayers sent for Cooper, you and the rest of your family.

you got it

Prayers sent for Cooper and your family.

Prayers sent brother.

That sucks op. I don't pray but good thoughts your way.

Hope your boy gets a chance to spend lots more time with you man.  

Is it wierd that I feel like a pussy for being upset over my own challenges now?  better get back to work on em.  Thanks for the inspiration and like I said, I sure hope you get lots more time.  Can a marrow donor give him a top up or is it a one and done thing?