Hudson is the kindest child ever. He knows everyone and everyone knows him. He loves people. He loves riding his bike the most. He is a wild man and pushes every physical limit with great coordination. He is a funny and witty little guy. In preschool at a public elementary school, the principal knew him and referred to him as the major of the school. He is a special boy. His best friend at that school with Lizzie, who has cerebral palsy. Hudson always saved a spot for her next to him in circle time and made sure she was taken care of. He is all love.
Leading up to his cancer diagnosis, he had testicular pain unrelated to the cancer (probably from hitting himself on his bike). Just lucky enough to have amazing doctors who were thorough and did an ultrasound of his abdomen while making sure his testicles were okay and found a grapefruit sized tumor between his kidney and liver.
Hudson has had a lot of ugly tests and major surgery. His adrenal was also removed with his tumor during surgery. He was in the hospital in horrible pain for a week he will have scans and blood work every 3 months for the next 3 years to watch for possible regrowth. There is very little research on this type of cancer, as it is referred to as exceedingly rare, as so Hudson will have extra tests and blood work done to help other children who get this cancer. He has healed pretty well physically. He is struggling emotionally and is now terrified of the hospital and thinks he is going to die. He has a lot of nightmares and no longer likes going to school.
I think I as his mother, as well as Hudson, we have PTSD and his 4 year old brother has had a lot of behavioral issues since the diagnoses. We will al be going to therapy soon. We have also realized how beautiful people are and how many wonderful souls have stepped up to help these children. We have a new perspective on life and are feeling extremely blessed and grateful for where we are. This experience has been terrifying and has taken us to the darkest of places yet thankful for teaching us gratitude and reminding us to live each day to the fullest and enjoy the moment we are in. Each moment is precious. Good health is a real blessing.
Hope session by Jeanna Rice Photography | Facebook | Instagram