JULIO’s JOURNEY

OCT 15 - He was a healthy working man, coaching football, everything was normal.

OCT 18 - Developed a slight pain in his sides which seemed to worsen with lifting or moving.

OCT 21 - He woke up with excruciating stabbing-like pain on his right side. We took him to Urgent Care. They said he likely had a pulled muscle and sent him home with muscle relaxers.

OCT 25 - The pain was getting worse and now wrapping around his chest, primarily on his right side. As he was having difficulty walking or any movement, we took him into Emergency. They did an ECG (clear), then scheduled for an outpatient ultrasound to rule out Gallstones. They concluded muscle issue, and gave more muscle relaxers plus T3s.

OCT 26 - Went to family GP. Doctor as well thought it was muscle pain, prescribed opioids. Doctor then went on holidays.

OCT 28 - We returned to the hospital to do the ultrasound. Since it was excruciatingly painful for him to get there and onto the bed we opted to go back into Emergency once it was complete. They were able to give us the results from the ultrasound which showed a 3cm cyst-like mass on his kidney. (He only has 1 kidney due to a donation to his brother 18 years ago) They ordered a CT scan and chest X-ray. They then gave him more muscle relaxers, told us the finding was coincidental and not related to his pain and to follow up with a kidney specialist.

OCT 31 - I was able to get an appointment with the kidney specialist. Julio was struggling walking as the side pain was unbearable. It was hard for him to get up on the exam table. During the appointment, the specialist said that he didn’t think the mass was a cyst, but 80% chance that it was Cancer. He wasn’t concerned and said would have to biopsy in 6-8 weeks. The specialist didn’t feel the pain he was experiencing was related to the kidney mass.

NOV 6 - Julio was still in pain and now had been bedridden for 2 weeks. I took him back to Urgent Care. The doctor said he didn’t want him on opioids and didn’t think it was muscle pain, but possibly a nerve issue. Doctor prescribed a nerve blocker. The medication had to be increased slowly over 2 weeks.

NOV 10 - Julio started to feel a bit better, and wasn’t experiencing as much pain. Still, he was in bed but was able to get around better and walk slowly to control the pain.

NOV 21 - Now he was at the max dose of the nerve blocker. He began to have leg weakness in one leg. Looking at the side effects of the medication he stated this was listed. He didn’t think much of it.

NOV 22 - Couldn’t put weight on his right leg. We called Urgent Care for a telephone appointment as we couldn’t transport him there. They said that it was probably a side effect and that we should just wait till Monday once our Family Doctor was back from holidays.

NOV 23 - He now couldn’t put weight on both legs. Fell and had a swollen right foot.

NOV 24 - He stopped taking the nerve blocker medication as he believed it was causing his leg weakness. He was reluctant to go into Emergency or Urgent Care as we had tried multiple times with no answers. Each time he was dismissed and given a new set of medications.

NOV 25 - His leg weakness and sensation were worsening by the hour. By night no longer could use them. He agreed to go back to Emergency after the kids were in bed. It was a struggle to get him into the vehicle but we made it to the hospital. They moved him straight into inch. After 30 minutes we saw the Doctor. He moved us straight into Trauma. Quickly they discovered Julio had no sensation below the belly button. They also X-rayed his swollen foot to discover he had fractured his fibula.

NOV 26 - The Doctors said it was a spine issue, but they weren’t certain what was causing the paralysis. They did a chest CT, followed by an MRI. They concluded that there was something wrapped around the spine causing spinal fractures. They wanted to do Emergency Spine Surgery but needed to collect more information before opening up.

NOV 28 - First surgery of the day! Laminectomy Surgery was a success in terms of relieving some of the spinal pressure. They were able to take some samples. Doctors believed it was a tumour of some sort. Possibly a bone thing, but not certain. Focus on recovery, rest and time.

NOV 30 - CT on lungs, came back clear.

DEC 3 - Julio was able to get into a wheelchair and surprise the kids. Together we visited the hospital patio. Julio and the kids were able to play a game of bean bag toss.

DEC 5 - Doctor came in, told Julio he would probably never walk again as his nerves weren’t responding. The Doctor believed that the spine tumor was related to kidney mass but awaiting sample results.

DEC 6 - Talked with BC Cancer Agency for a phone appointment. Confirmed diagnosis Stage 4 Renal Cell with spine Metastasis. Plan is to start Radiation on spine next week.

DEC 8 - Went to the BC Cancer Clinic to do the planning scans. We talked with Doctors about treatment options, they are suggesting immunotherapy.

DEC 9 - The day we told our 4 children. This is one of the hardest things any cancer patient has to do.

DEC 11 - Day #1 of Radiation

DEC 12 - Day #2 of Radiation. Our 11 year anniversary. I surprised Julio by bringing in a table cloth and using two hospital trays together to make a table. I brough battery tealights and ordered in our favourite meal from the restaurant we were married in.

DEC 13 - Day #3 of Radiation

DEC 14 - Day #4 of Radiation

DEC 15 - Final Day of Radiation. Today Julio also had a bone scan.

DEC 18 - Bone scan is clear, however, Renal Cell Cancer can hide in the bones.

DEC 19 - Julio’s first time using a slide board to get into the wheelchair!

DEC 20 - Received day pass to attend Jeris’ school Christmas concert. This was the first time Julio was able to leave the hospital. It was amazing to be outside of the hospital and back into the “real world.”

DEC 22 - MRI to look at chest and lungs.

DEC 25 - Day pass for Christmas! Julio was able to join us at home from 7:30AM-4:30PM! We had to get a hospital transfer and the fire department to bring him up the stairs so he could be with us on Christmas Day.

2024

JAN 8 - First oncologist appointment. They are taking a wait-and-see approach. Immunotherapy will start in March. Once it begins he will be on it for life or until remission.

JAN 10 - X-ray on foot to see if it has healed properly. We are hoping that he will not require surgery.

JAN 13 - Met with kidney specialist to inquire if removing the 3cm mass in the kidney is an option. X-ray came back, no weight bearing allowed at this time.

JAN 24 - The kidney surgeon has suggested an ablation would be a safer and less intrusive procedure.

JAN 30 - X-ray on foot again to see if Julio can avoid operation.

FEB 1 - Heard from the nurses, foot is now weight bearing! Ortho, has never came in and talked or assessed Julio over the 10 weeks he has been in hospital! They saw him Nov 26 in Emergency, but nothing else after that. Beyond frustrating.

FEB 2 - The plan is to move Julio to his new spinal cord injury rehab center! One step closer to home!

FEB 6 - Julio will be going to the spinal cord rehab tomorrow! Bittersweet for sure. Julio is happy to be moving forward, but sad to leave the place he has called home for the past 11 weeks! We are very grateful to the amazing nurses that became friends, some like family. There are nurses that he became very close with. They were there to hug and console him when alone. We are forever grateful for you 4North! We will miss you. 😘

FEB 7 - Julio is getting settled in at GF Strong. He’s enjoying his private room complete with a window, and a tv! He now gets a menu and is able to select his meals which is a nice touch. He is excited to get to work and is excited for the next step in his journey,

FEB 12 - Day 1 of Rehab. Julio has started with daily Occupational and physiotherapy. The resources and services here are unlimited. We are very grateful that he is here. 💗

FEB 14 - We kept our heart shaped pizza tradition! Usually we make it at home, but this year we went to Boston Pizza. It was a nice night out with the family.

FEB 15 - Julio’s Physiatrist has adjusted his medications. He has 3 pages of medications that now have been reduced to 1. In addition they have taken him off the high dose of steroids he was on.

FEB 19 - We took the bus down to Kitsilano to check out the Invictus Games Family Day event. It was the perfect activity, as we all were able to play wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball together.

FEB 20 - Date Night! I rented a wheelchair van, which was a nice treat for Julio as he hasn’t been able to ride in the front passenger seat of a vehicle for the past 5 months! I kept it a surprise and just kept driving! Julio was confused as we pulled up to the Abbotsford area, then found out we were going to Ice Cube!

FEB 23 - Week 2 of rehab complete! Julio is enjoying how active he is at G.F. Strong. They are always keeping him busy with an appointment or meeting. He’s definitely a bit sore these days, but no gain without pain. :)

FEB 25 - Julio had another CT scan

FEB 26 - We had Julio’s team meeting. They mentioned he may be able to come home April 2!

MAR 2 - We were able to pull off a 90’s SURPRISE party to celebrate Julio’s 1/2 Birthday!

MAR 5 - The Abdominal CT came back, they found a new mass on his hip. He will start Radiation next week.

MAR 8 - Julio went swimming in the rehab pool! We are so grateful he is in such a great program that can give him these opportunities.

MAR 17 - Julio was able to use a handy dart and come to Richmond to watch Jaden play in the Fox 40 Football prospect game. It was amazing for him to be out watching and cheering on his son and teammates.

MAR 21 - Date Night @ the Canucks Game. A huge thank you to the Rick Hansen Foundation who gifted us the amazing tickets. 💗

MAR 25 - Finally was able to talk to Julio’s oncologist today. She says that she is wanting to wait till rehab is complete before he starts any treatments. This was a hard day. As it seems there is no urgency for them to deal with the Cancer that is just spreading the longer we wait. We have requested a second opinion from another oncologist and are hopeful they will consider taking Julio’s care on.

MAR 27 - Julio came home for a visit. We were able to test some of the equipment that has been set up, see what’s going to work and what’s not. He has been approved for an overnight stay!

MAR 28 - Julio had an appointment with an alternative Intergrated Cancer Clinic. They reviewed his case and has recommended some treatments to prep him for immunotherapy. These treatments include mistletoe injections and hyperthermia. These come at quite the expense of about $9,000 for 12 weeks of treatment!

MAR 31 - Jeris’ 8th Birthday! 🥳 We surprised him with the news Julio was going to get to spend the night! First time in 4 months sleeping in his home. Jeris of course wanted to sleep and snuggle him all night. It was hard to say goodbye in the morning.

APR 2 - Julio tried a vehicle transfer for the first time. We quickly learned how difficult it will be for Julio to get into our vehicle. With his leg spasms working against us, this will be a goal that will take some time to master!

APR 3 - Today at Julio’s urologist appointment he met the surgeon that originally did his transplant when he donated his kidney to his brother. What a full circle moment. To think 18 years later they met again, this time to discuss his other kidney that now has cancer.

APR 4 - We met with a new oncologist today for a second opinion. He is very experienced, participated in many trials and published in over 200 journals around the world! He has agreed to take on Julio’s care. He is pushing for the ablation to happen as soon as possible and will follow with immunotherapy a couple weeks later. He is very proactive and Julio is very grateful to be in great hands.

APR 5 - Another sleepover at home! This one didn’t go as smooth as we hoped. His power wheelchair stopped working and it made us realize how hard this could be if out of the house. Thankfully the company was able to send a technician in the next day and it was a quick fix. It was just a kinked cord from going over a bump.

APR 8 - Discharge meeting. We are trying to get everything in order for Julio’s discharge from GF Strong on April 23rd! So much to learn, set up, and figure out by then.

APR 10 - Another Bone scan to rule out further spread.

APR 12 - Julio spent the night again. Today we celebrated Julian’s birthday and our 24th Anniversary. We had a trial run with Home Care. Not as smooth as we hoped. We will continue to advocate for his needs and hope next time goes better!

APR 16 - We are happy to announce the Bone scan has not shown all areas are stable with no further growth. The plan is to get Julio’s kidney ablation once he is discharged. Julio also tried to do multiple car transfers today, it will take some practice but we really hope he will be able to get to go for a drive soon!

APR 23 - He’s finally going home!! It’s surreal to think that it has been 5 months since this all started. We are grateful for all the nurses, doctors, and specialists that have supported his recovery to get to this point. Thank you to all the friends, family and strangers who have helped us along the way.

APR 25 - We received the call that Julio will be going for the kidney ablation on May 22! We have been waiting for this since January!! This procedure will go in and burn out the mass that is on his kidney.

APR 27 - Julio went for his first ride in a vehicle! It took awhile to figure out, but he was able to successfully get into our SUV! This was a huge accomplishment. These are the simple things that so many take for granted.

MAY 7 - Another day, another CT scan. Julio is headed to this one on his own as I have used many personal days that I just can’t take any more days off unless absolutely necessary. It’s hard not being there for him every step of the way.

MAY 13 - First day of outpatient physio. Julio has missed his daily rehab that he received while in GF Strong. We have noticed his calf spasms are getting worse and making it extremely difficult to transfer, dress, move in bed, and get into the vehicle. We are hopeful that he will be able to get the support he needs.

MAY 22 - Today is the day that Julio gets his long awaited ablation. We are a mix of feelings today, excited the primary source will be burned out. Yet, nervous that it will impact his kidney function. We have hope this will be the first step towards good things!

JUNE 4 - We went on our first family trip to Cultus Lake, Maple Bay Cabins. It was different, lots of emotions to process. However, in the end we were away and together. We were able to celebrate our son’s 16th Birthday together.

JUNE 6 - Julio was able to get on a boat and go Sturgeon fishing! We are trying to create some core memories with the kids. Since we were out close to Harrison thought we should set this up with an accessible charter. We were able to catch a 5’7” sturgeon. Very amazing experience and so grateful Julio was there by our side.

JUNE 12 - Julio’s oncologist confirmed the ablation went as planned. We will get a scan in a couple months. For now we are getting ready to start Immunotherapy!

JUNE 15 - A great friend planned a pub night fundraiser for Julio. She worked so hard to collect donations and items to be auctioned off. Thank you to all that supported the event and came out to show your support!

JUNE 18 - First round of Immunotherapy, 2 drugs, 1.5 hours. Let’s go!

JUNE 21 - Julio seems to be tolerating the treatment well. Very tired and sore these days.

JULY 3 - After 10 months Julio finally was able to get back into the dentist. These are the things you just don’t think about. Simple tasks, just become that much more complicated, and so much planning has to go into everyday regular tasks. Our dentist was more then accommodating and ensured that Julio was comfortable and at ease during his cleaning.

JULY 9 - Round 2! These weeks just seem to be flying by. Julio isn’t have many side effects besides fatigue and some itchy skin.

JULY 13 - Family Date to the BC Lions game. We were gifted some tickets and were so happy that the ADA section was empty so we were able to move the kids to sit with us! (Typically you are only allowed 1-2 guests in the area) Lions won! Woohoo!

JULY 20 - We attended the Gone Country Cancer Fundraising event. A friend of Julio’s set up a ticket fundraiser. Thank you to the 14 people that bought a ticket and supported the initiative. It was Julio’s first busy event being in a wheelchair. Overall he did well. It is hard watching a concert when everyone is standing around you though…

JULY 25 - Blood work and more tests. Julio is getting ready for Round 3. So far so good.

JULY 26 - For the past couple months we have been trying to find a physio office that would be able to take Julio as many don’t have the expertise or set up to care for a paralyzed patient. It is so nice to know that he will be able to get the support he needs.

JULY 31 - We met with the Radiologist today, he confirmed at this time there is no more radiation that will be ordered for the spine. He did mention that there is a risk of the tumor spreading ultimately creating less function and feeling. We are hopeful this won’t be the case and that he can remain stable.

AUG 9 - Julio and I headed up to Whistler for the weekend to participate in SCI BC’s Adrenaline Weekend! It was great to have some time to ourselves. It was a struggle being away from Julio’s equipment and sleeping in a regular bed was no bueno! However, he pushed through and was able to do sailing one day and biking the next!

AUG 12 - Wound up in the hospital and needed a CT of his bladder. Looks like he will be in IV treatment all week.

AUG 15 - Oncologist check-in and blood work. We are trying to determine why Julio is in so much pain lately. It has been progressing for the past few weeks. Full body post treatment scan set for September 10th!

AUG 20 - Round 4! Julio has made it through his first series of immunotherapy. He will have a 4-6 week break. He is stiff and sore these days but trying to stay positive the treatment is helping.

AUG 21 - Raider Dad and amazing non-profit organization invited us out to a preseason Raiders Game! We are super excited that this forced us to do a much needed family trip. Off to Vegas! Julio’s first time flying paralyzed. Nervous but excited. Hoping for the best.

AUG 23 - The kids were able to enjoy their first NFL game with their Dad thanks to Raider Dad! Because ADA seating doesn’t allow a group of 6 to sit together, the kids each took a quarter to sit with Julio and enjoy the game. Memories they will cherish and have forever. 💗

AUG 26 - We are home! A hard trip for Julio, we made it the best we could. He is very happy to be sleeping in his own hospital bed tonight!

SEPT 10 - Post treatment full body CT scan. Should have a better idea of what’s going on in a couple weeks. 🤞🏽 Today he also met with a pain specialist to try to get his pain under control. We are hopeful he will get some relief soon! The doctor suspects he has another spinal compression due to the pain he is in. We are headed to Emergency.

The doctor admitted him right away due to a bed sore that has been ongoing for 2 months. Home care kept assuring us it wasn’t infected. Turns out it is and they suspect the infection is to the bone. They will review the CT scan tomorrow to check for the spinal compression.

SEPT 12 - Julio will be treated on a course of antibiotics 3 x per day for 2 weeks.

Neuro came in and mentioned his spine is needing support. They are considering a spine surgery to stabilize his spine with rods.

Sept 13 - Plan is to do surgery Tuesday. Will be two rods secured by screws.

Sept 14- Julio is in excruciating pain, RCH is getting a new system and his meds are not showing on their system. :(

Sept 15 - Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow at 11am.

Sept 17 - Today Julio had a Posterior Thoracic Instrumental Spinal Fusion. Two rods and screws put in T3-T8. He is stable and getting settled into his room. He is back on 4N where he spent 3 months back in Nov 2023 when this all started. He is very happy to see some familiar faces. 💗

Sept 18 - Julio is doing ok. Trying to get pain under control. He tried to sit in his chair, lasted about 10 mins.

Sept 19 - Doctors have found the tumour is producing a high level of calcium so now trying to lower it with meds. Awaiting a MRI to rule out bone infection.

Sept 21 - Now Doctors are saying his calcium levels are too low. So will be on supplements till it gets back in normal range.

Sept 22 - Tough weekend, lots of meds that were all too much for him. He ended up having opioid toxicity symptoms, we have asked them to stop the Ketamine.

Sept 26 - Met with oncologist nurse. Said that both areas on spine and hip had progressed and gotten slightly bigger. Next step is to start 1 drug immunotherapy treatment every 4 weeks for 2 years. Also will be approaching a panel of oncologists next week about doing more intensive radiation therapy that will be for disease control.

Sept 27 - Julio is doing much better, meds are starting to get under control. He had MRI and they are stating his spine is looking stable.

Sept 30 - Another day, another MRI. They ended up having to do another MRI as they needed another area of the spine. Rods are in good placement and seem to have also straightened his spine. They will not be doing the MRI on bedsore area as at this time even if a bone infection it would limit his immunotherapy options. So for now it will be a wait and hope for the best.

OCT 2 - Round 5 Immunotherapy. 1 drug every 4 weeks. Quick and easy!

OCT 4 - Hospitalist is talking about discharging Julio. There is lots to set up and work out to ensure it is a smooth transition. He said ok, let’s wait till Monday.

OCT 5 - Elise’s 14th Birthday! I brought a cake, hats and decorations and we sang Happy Birthday in the hospital cafeteria. 🥳

OCT 7 - It doesn’t look like Julio will be going home today. We received an incomplete list of his medications and home care isn’t available tonight.

OCT 8 - 4 weeks to the day! Julio is finally going home! It’s hard to say goodbye to all the amazing 4N staff once again. We are all happy to get home and get back into the routines!

OCT 10 - We are very grateful that Julio is getting daily wound care and they are monitoring everything closely. We are hopeful that everything will continue healing! ❤️‍🩹

OCT 11 - Home coming for CENT football. Julio was able to drive himself up to the game and cheer his boy on to a big win! 🏈

OCT 14 - Thanksgiving! We are very thankful to have Julio home and to share a meal together. Since space is limited downstairs, we set up dinner outside in the carport!

OCT 31 - We received a call letting us know that the spinal surgery he had was not sufficient and that the new spinal surgeon is looking to do another spine surgery.

Nov 13 - Radiation planning meeting. Today was a tough one. Found out that the Cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the chest and abdomen.

NOV 19 - Another day, another MRI.

NOV 20 - Life’s too short, so if there is something you want to do, just do it! Today Julio went in to get a tattoo that he has always wanted. The Raiders Shield. Once a Raider, Always a Raider. Thank you to Ink & Honey for donating and fulfilling his dream tattoo. <3

NOV 22 - We rented a wheelchair van and headed to the island to cheer on our son who ended up winning the Provincials. It was a good chance to get away even for one night. We learnt though that accessible hotel rooms don’t mean accessible hotel beds! The bed was about 6” higher then his wheelchair seat. We ended up having to each take a side and try to lift him into bed.

NOV 27 - Monthly Check in with oncologist. Blood work. Focus will be targeted higher level radiation treatment to the spine and hip will be delivered in hopes to slow the spread. Possible radiation for affected lymph nodes may happen in New Year. End of January will repeat scan to see if Immunotherapy drug should be changed. Spine surgery will wait for now.

NOV 28 - Immunotherapy treatment. Today Jaden took the day off school to join him. :)

DEC 1 - Unfortunately Brandie has pneumonia and is quarantined upstairs away from the family in hopes to not spread.

DEC 5 - Day #1 of Radiation treatment. Today Julian took the day off school to join him. :)

DEC 6 - Day #2 of Radiation. Julio is already feeling tired from this round. Hoping it won’t have many side effects.

DEC 8 - Had to take Julio into Emergency as he had been coughing and they concluded that he had pneumonia. They were wanting to admit him but Julio refused. He was confident that he was best at home.

DEC 9 - Surprisingly the radiation team said it was fine to go ahead with treatment. So he completed Day #3 of Radiation.

DEC 10 - Day #4 Radiation. Julio is a trooper and each appointment having to go on his own. The days are long, thankfully they gave him some cab vouchers for this round.

DEC 11 - Day #5 Radiation complete for this Round. Next round will start in a couple weeks.

DEC 12 - Reassessment of level of injury. We have noticed over the past year that his level of sensation is decreasing and now mid chest. It appears he has now progressed to a T5 complete. We saw his spine MRI imaging 1 year comparison. The tumor is expanding and now within multiple vertebrae.

DEC 13 - Final appointment of the week: Physio. Julio continues to push himself, trying to do all he can to get stronger and put in the work.

DEC 19 - Date Night! We were able to go for dinner for our Wedding Anniversary. A little late, but better late then never. <3

DEC 21 - Family Movie to Moana 2. We are so very grateful to have a wheelchair van now so we can do family activities together with ease. It may be vintage and a little rusty but it gets us to where we need to go, and more importantly together as a family.

DEC 24 - Christmas Eve was spent doing tests, and meeting with the oncologist to prepare for the next round of immunotherapy. Tonight though we surprised Julio with a Carport Christmas. Since Julio is unable to get upstairs and his area downstairs is too small, we created an enclosed space to be able to celebrate Christmas together. We even brought down the tree!

DEC 25 - Christmas at home. What a treat to be able to have Julio at home this year. We were able to gather outside in our Christmas space, Julio was able to watch the children open presents and we shared Christmas dinner outside. Thank you to everyone that lent us tables, chairs, power cords and heaters to make it happen!

DEC 26 - Julio completed another round of immunotherapy. Thankfully he tolerates it very well, and he is now used to the routine.

DEC 31 - New Years Eve tradition at the White Spot Drive in was once again made possible due our good old 97’ GMC Safari! We put up a couple strands of lights, and brought some hats and horns. The tradition just isn’t the same now that we have older “teens” that just want to head out and join their friends, but it is important to enjoy these traditions, especially for Jeris.

2025

JAN 3 - Another round of Radiation Day #1 of 5. This time targeting the abdomen lymph node that was affected. Honestly, Julio is such a champ for everything that he continues to face daily.

JAN 9 - Day #5 of 5! We are hopeful that his next scan will show some improvement in those areas.

JAN 20 - We had a meeting with someone from the Kidney Foundation to advocate for care offered to patients who have donated their kidney. For Julio the follow up protocol was yearly blood work. However, this is not enough. Julio’s blood work and kidney function are still within normal ranges. It makes me wonder how many more kidney donors miss critical early identification of issues with their remaining kidney.

JAN 22 - Today since Jaden is on semester break he was able to join Julio on his pre-treatment check in and blood work.

JAN 23 - Big day! Immunotherapy treatment and a full body CT scan. This is the first time to scan the brain. We have to wait till February 19 for the results.

JAN 29 - Julio received a call that we will have to go in next Thursday to discuss a plan for the next line of treatment. The current Immunotherapy is not working. You always hope to not get that early results call, as it means something is concerning them on the scan.

FEB 6 - Today we found out that the treatment is not working. There are new areas of Mets. There is a new tumour in his c-spine which could lead to hand limitations. In addition there is a new tumour in his liver. We are heartbroken. Julio is starting a new treatment that will be pill form that he can take at home. He will have another scan in 3 months. All we can do now is hope and pray. 🙏

FEB 8 - We made it to the Invictus Games Opening Ceremonies. Such inspiring stories of hope and courage.

FEB 9 - Julio was able to make it to a friends for Super Bowl Sunday! This was a great day as it brings some normalcy back into his life. Very grateful his friend went to the work to build a ramp to make sure Julio could get inside his house. 🥰

FEB 14 - We were able to make it out for our traditional Heart Shaped pizza at Boston Pizza. 🍕

FEB 17 - Family Day Escape Room! We tried our first escape room as a family. It was stressful! Lol We kinda sorta made it through with a few hints. 😅

FEB 19 - Monthly oncologist check in. So far not experiencing many side effects. Will rescan in April.

MAR 19 - Urologist appointment. We found out that there has been severe trauma inflected due to improper catheter inflation. It will take 6 weeks to heal. Working towards other options as there is concern for infection.

MAR 20 - A long day of back to back appointments. 8 hours. Multiple CTs, MRI and molding.