Prayers for Taylor B — my nephew

Wow, it seems I've been out of the blogging loop lately! A lot has happened in the last month for me and my family. Actually, I've been blogging a lot, just not on this blog (ewehooo!). I recently started a blog for my sweet nephew, Taylor. 

http://taylorbsroadtorecovery.blogspot.com/

On the morning of October 19th— a Saturday— my husband had just left the house with my 9 year old son to go to his Jr. Pee Wee Football Bowl Game. It was 7:52am and I got a call from my mother saying that my 16 year old nephew was being rushed via ambulance to Orlando Regional Medical Center, which is literally a block down the street from where I live. I woke my six year old up, slapped some clothes on him, gave him a Pop Tart and we dashed off to the hospital. My parents were already on their way there and we met up with Melissa and Brad (my sister and brother in-law) in the waiting room.  

Taylor had been rushed in for an MRI. Doctors found a mass on his spine and took him in to emergency exploratory surgery within the hour. Surgeons removed 99% of a (1.6cm) tumor from his lower spine. Days later he was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare form of pediatric bone cancer. After a PET Scan, Bone Scan and Bone Marrow Aspiration, it was determined that the cancer had not spread— thank goodness. He is currently paralyzed from the waist down and undergoing aggressive chemotherapy (a nine month schedule of 2-5 day sessions every 14 days). He will be heading to Brookes Pediatric Rehab Hospital this week to get some intense Physical and Occupational Therapy for his spinal injury. 

Taylor is such a great kid. He just turned 16 last May and got an old truck for his birthday (that I literally need a ladder to climb up into). He loves his family, would do anything for you! He and his brother are in a youth group and both have a ton of great friends. Taylor played on his High School JV football team but had to quit because of a knee injury. His younger brother, Spencer, is on the JV team as well and just got moved up to Varsity. Taylor is, and always will be, Spencer's biggest fan. He lifted weights and has a strong upper body, which will help with his recovery. 

Taylor is in good spirits! It's going to be a long road, but he's up for it and we, his family and friends, are all behind him 100% of the way. Hoping you too will keep him in your thoughts and prayers.