dr. hopper, really.k with you. >> you've just given us such a ray e. >> reporter: magda and rus are able to briefly see nathaniel. >> we're keeping him comfortabl. he just gave us a thumbs up rit >> what?! he really gave you a thumbs up!? can i hug you? >> oh, sure. >> oh, my god, he really did br pieces, right now. he knows that he will be asleep for two days. he said, 'mom, please doot leave my side. i want to know that you're there. >> reporter: when nathaniel wakes up his jaw is wired shut to that metal halo. the family leaves the hospital but remains in seattle so doctors can monitor nathaniel's progress. but after just a few days there is crushing medical news. this time not for nathaniel.mag down with a nagging cough. >> i started coughing and thinking i probably have some type of walking pneumonia. so i just went to emergency ro >> reporter: the doctors quickly order a routine c.a.t. scan and then. >> the doctor says, "well, it's cancer." i'm like, "that's -- that can't be possible." >> reporter: