I have started this blog to keep family and friends updated on Dakota as he goes through his treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma.  This is Dakota on his 20th birthday.

 Last week we met with his oncologist for the first time.  Thursday they took bone marrow and Friday he had his first PET scan to see if any of his internal organs have been affected or his bones.  The doctor's diagnosis at this point is stage 4 but we will know more on Monday or Tuesday of this week after we receive the results from his tests. The good news in all of this is that there is a 90% cure rate for this cancer.  Tuesday he will have his port put in and Wednesday he will start chemotherapy.  

I have to say that I couldn't be prouder of my son and how is handling all of this.  He definitely has my mother's gene pool when it comes to strength.  We found out about his diagnosis two weeks ago.  What is my son's first response?  "I want to go to Falls Creek."  What is a mother's first thought...too many germs, he won't sleep, he'll get really sick, he needs to see an oncologist."  All of this goes thru my head and out of my mouth.  I get off the phone with Dakota and think, how selfish am I?  He wants to grow in his relationship with God and get God answers and all we want is man's answer to his healing.  I called him back and told him that he should go.  Of course, he is 20 and really doesn't need my permission to do anything but he does honor us and our feelings.  He did go to Falls Creek last week and yes he was sick and ran a fever most of the time and was really weak.  It did take a toll on his body but it stregthened his spirit and for that I am eternally grateful. 

God blessed me with a camera last year and when I received it I prayed that God would use me and my camera to honor Him.  Who knew that I would be documenting my son's journey thru cancer treatments...God did.  I will start taking pictures this week and will look like the crazy mom in the cancer unit taking pictures.  I will post these pictures on here.  If you are squeamish or can't handle that, I completely understand and won't be offended if you don't follow us.  I know it will be hard for me to see as well but it's a growing process for all of us.  Dakota isn't scared of the sickness or losing his hair, his biggest fear is the port.  I do ask for your prayers.  I believe in the power of prayer and have seen it work in our lives many times over.  Many of you ask us if we need anything and we really don't at this time.  If we do I will let you all know.  I hope you will take this journey with us. 

Love,
The Miles Family