Update  #  30

Through CHLA,  Ethan and family were invited to Hope - A - Palooza 2013 held at CBS TV in Studio City.  Upon arriving,  everyone was given a T-Shirt and ball cap.  After passing through security, we were taken to the event.  Everything at the event was free including games, prizes, giveaways, food, and drinks.  It proved to be a  GREAT  afternoon !  Ethan enjoyed the games, won some prizes,  ate lunch,  and got to meet some CBS folks.  His best meetings was some one on one with "Wall  E ".  He was not sure at first about Darth Vader and the Storm Troopers,  but really liked trying to talk with Chewbaka.

Everyone who has stepped up to improve and / or make enjoyable Ethan's life are for lack of a better phrase - WONDERFUL !  This family knows  that our friends are truly "friends",  and through their prayers and support -we continue to endure - THANK YOU

Update  #  29

Went to LA this morning (ugh - 2h 40m) to get some blood samples and meet with the "team".  Other than traffic, the CHLA experience went really well.  He had Grandma make some chocolate chip cookies which he delivered to all his old friends.  Talk about smiles and greetings !  Ethan was happy showing Dad, Grandma, and Papa all around.  Our next trip will be on June 3 for a MRI, then June 5 to meet with the team again.  The med schedule following these visits is still a work in progress.  He also has 1 speech, 1 physical, and 1 occupational therapy visits per week.  These therapy visits are all local so no trip to LA is needed. The only down time today was when Ethan asked if he would have to stay at CHLA again.  When we told him no, not this trip,  he was much more relaxed and happy.  Can't begin to know what he is feeling / going through - what a warrior.

Update  # 28

Ethan is loving being at home again.  He is allowing himself to try more physical activity that up until now have been beyond his abilities.  He has tried skipping and running again.  He could do both two months ago but not lately.  He is not totally stable or very fluid in these actions, but pretty close.  He had a speech assessment Thursday that went well.  He was taken off liquid thickeners and can now drink what and when he wants.  This is a real big step for him and he is REAL HAPPY .  The location of his tumor causes pressure on nerves that allow or do not allow things to happen.  The first signs we noticed were his vision, swallowing, and a slight turn in of the left foot.  The foot is almost back to normal, the vision continues to improve, and now his swallowing is improving.  All these are huge steps for Ethan as he strives to improve.  Time now becomes our biggest hurdle and he continues to push that boundary as well.  He is a true fighter and an inspiration to Grandpa daily .  Thank you again for your prayers and support - you are all amazing.

Update  #  27

Almost settled in at home.  Ethan had part 1 of a physical assessment this am.  He still has a few issues but overall was better than they expected.  At home he is getting back in the swing of things like before.  He smiles a lot which pleases all around him and in general is a very good thing.  One of the techs assessing Ethan this am was a Georgia fan and took a small exception to Ethan's Tennessee hat.  So..... Ethan refused to remove his hat and asked " where is Georgia any way ?" Gotta love this guy -   Thanks again for the prayers and support, they mean a lot to us.  Thank You.

Update  #  26

Here are some pics.  Enjoy ...

 Ethan and Dad early in the ordeal at CHLA.

 Ethan and his prayer  quilt made by
Auntie Kay and her bible study group.

 Ethan and Grandma getting in some reading at CHLA.

 Ethan and Grandma out for lunch in
Hollywood.

Ethan back at home in his new tie and his
Tennessee Vols hat - one very happy camper !

Update  #  25

Ethan is back home !  Ethan had his last treatment at UCLA today.  Some of the staff that he has come to know and look forward to seeing was off today, but his  # 1 ,  Jennifer,  was there and shared some special time with him.  Ethan was taken by surprise when she gave him two gifts for being such a "neat guy".  Several sets of adult "wet eyes" were present as we all joked and laughed together.  The group at UCLA that we were with are truly world class people,  in addition to being at the top of their game medically.  We all feel truly lucky to have been in their caring hands.  Upon our return to CHLA, they also presented gifts to Ethan and much time was spent hugging and joking.  It takes special people to work wonders in the medical field, the folks at CHLA  do that and so much more.  They have that special quality that allows them to positively touch and improve the lives of children that are facing really difficult challenges with often bleak outlooks.  Cannot say enough good words about our experiences at CHLA / UCLA !  Upon arriving home, all Ethan wanted was his Dad,  a bubble bath,  and his own bed.   He is now sleeping in a new Tennessee Vols shirt which was just one of several gifts awaiting him from some special friends in Tennessee - THANK YOU Dave and Wendy ( two truly super special people ! ).  Will post some pics tomorrow of the new Vols fan. Thank you again for all the prayers and support, I know I could not be doing this without your help.

Update  #  24

Got the official word - last treatment at UCLA will be Thursday morning.  Then we have
a meeting with Ethan's team of doctors to get information about his home time.  I am getting very excited as is Ethan about getting to come home.  Should be getting on the freeway and heading to Riverside late Thursday afternoon.  RMH had a donated dinner for everyone Monday evening and will have another tonight.  They are pretty amazing with all they do for guests here.  Will post again upon getting to Riverside and post some photos as well.  Thanks again for your support and prayers - it truly helps. Thank You.

Update  #  23
 
A wet Monday in LA.  Was an experience getting to UCLA this morning, everything on the road was crazy.  Give So.Cal some water on the roads and everyone thinks they are Nascar pros - ha ha.  Ethan is in his last week of treatments and should be released to return home the end of this week.  That is a date that he and the rest of the family is really looking forward to.  Ethan took Uncle Keith out to lunch in Hollywood on Saturday for his birthday (May 6) and had some good times.  He also took Dad to Ports of Call for his birthday lunch on Sunday (May 6).  While in San Pedro he saw a cruse ship and was very impressed with the size as it moved to dock.  We continue to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers, this experience would be near impossible without your support  Thank You !

Update  #  22

Loading up and getting ready to head to LA.  Will be with Ethan until his
final treatment at UCLA on the 8th of May.  Then it is pack up and come
home for 3 - 4 weeks family time.  Ethan has been in CHLA or RMH from
April 15th  - what a long experience !  Not sure about phase II of treatment yet,
but at least we will be home for a bit.  Will post more later and thank you again for the
prayers and support - could not do this without them.  THANK  YOU.