10/29/2026
Update from Maggie
Thursday update: first round of chemo started last night at 10:00. Ran for 6 hours. So far no complications with nausea, but we are only beginning. It will be a very long road ahead, but we are fighters and I’m a pusher. He rested well last night, starting to get his feisty independence back slowly. We’ve walked some laps, did a little spit bath & his own personal spa care from the moms. Built a bear, ate a bit, & he has that “ray of sunshine” Gunnar personality back today. Today is the first day I’ve seen that. Praise Jesus! They’re pretty confident in starting his day 2 chemo meds this afternoon at some point.
So as far as a treatment plan: It will be 2 cycles of chemo then radiation, then another 2-4 cycles of chemo. The chemo treatment is an 8 day process. The next cycle will start after 3 weeks if his platelets, blood counts, and immune system is built up enough.
As far as a specific diagnosis and stage, the doctors are still working on that & I’m not confident in sharing that information yet. It’s still a little grey to us. We’re waiting to get results from his bone marrow to narrow it all down. We’re staying confident and really praying that comes back negative, being his blood counts were ok. The oncologist dr mentioned if there’s any sign of abnormalities the doctors usually hear something and we haven’t yet. Prayers. The brain & spine were cleared. 🙌 Prayers for strength, endurance, complete healing, peace over our bodies and minds, & the ability to overcome every obstacle. Really praying his body adapts to treatments well and the nausea is very minimal. I know he will be weary & irritable and angry. Praying for his body & heart. Praying for strength for us to be strong & everything Gunnar needs from us right now.
To everyone that is loving my baby right now, thank you from the bottom of my heart! I miss him, but it makes me smile knowing he is getting to pass around the love with his precious, infectious personality. Pate really is our other ray of sunshine.
Thank you again to each & every one helping out in every way. No matter how big or small, every little detail is beyond appreciated. His story is getting shared all over. I have strangers messaging me, & everyone wanting to do something to help. We are bombarded with our phones all day. What a blessing. I need a personal assistant to just tend to my phone. I’m overwhelmed with processing his treatment plan, talking to doctors, taking care of insurance, hotels, things back home, looking into the future. It’s messy & just know I’m trying to reach out & catch up. I’ve had to step out & just catch a breather bits at a time.
Love you all. ❤️
