Ryker Strong

Our 6 year old Ryker has Hodgkin Lymphoma. This is a cancer of the white blood cells. We are told that this cancer responds well to treatment and the doctors believe he is a low risk case as they have caught it very early.

At our first appointment with the oncologist and his team, who are absolutely amazing, the doctor was very direct with Ryker and told him straight up he had cancer. They had quite a chat about it. The doctor said Ryker had some bad white blood cells and they were going to give him some drugs that will hunt down those bad guys and kill them. Ryker said cheetahs were the best hunters so the doctor said they could definitely add some cheetahs. And then Ryker wanted to add lions, leopards, tigers and wolves. So this will be quite the concoction!

They anticipate that there will be one round of chemo given every three weeks, for a total of three treatments over nine weeks. He'll spend some time in the hospital each time and, due to risk of infection with a weakened immune system, won't be able to go to school once treatment begins. There will also be a surgery to insert the chemo port into his chest. And Ryker will lose his hair.

Ryker's school has been super supportive. They will work with us to help Ryker keep up with his schoolwork. All of this sounds so ominous for such a little one. Us grownups are pretty shaken.

We are at the beginning of this journey and we know there will be hard days ahead. But we see God's hand in the timing and in His provision in many ways. Please remember us in prayer. It's okay to talk to Ryker about his cancer. He'll probably tell you about the cheetahs.

Thank you for your love and prayers.

Love,

The Barinagas & Troutmans