The scan in July showed growth of the tumors in the brain that were there in April, as well as new tumors, growth of the tumors in the spine as well as new tumors. The main new growth in the spine was in the cervical area of the spine. All of this is information we had and discussed with doctors, nurses, etc. If the end of Owen's life is caused by the tumors in his brain, there is a typical pattern we would see-a decline in his physical abilities (which we have already seen) and then he would get sleepy, falling into a coma-type state, and then eventually stop breathing once the growth or pressure from the tumors in the brain pressed enough on the brain stem. What is new information to us is that if the end is caused by the tumors in his cervical spine, he would simply stop breathing with no warning signs whatsoever. This news does not change the time frame of things at all, but it is a different and new possibility for how things may occur at the end. Things could occur within the next 5 minutes or not for a couple of months-the professionals don't know for sure and we can't predict it, and we don't know which way things will happen. Again, this makes us realize that we truly have to live each second like it may be the last with him, and get in all of the hugs, kisses, giggles, and "I love you"'s that we can in whatever time we do have left with him. This is true of everyone, though. We never do know how much time any of us have left with the ones we love. It is so important to remember that every day. Time with all of our loved ones are precious and should never be taken for granted.
I am sorry to everyone I have not been able to keep in contact with-you are no less important to me than you once were. Please know that you are always in my heart, even though I am not always able to find a way to let you know that.