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Seasons Greetings everyone!
Believe it or not, we're actually all together at the Ronald McDonald House again. Travis was released Wednesday afternoon, after his "brief stay" (which we'd expected to be one or two nights) of 17 days at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. It was pretty funny -- I raced back to Milwaukee from O'Hare after my first business trip (2 1/2 days out east) since October. I ran at top speed up to the HOT Unit in the hospital, to be greeted by a nurse with "Travis is OUTTA here!" Was just released!". So I spun over to the RMH, just in time to help welcome him "home" and get major energizing squeezed from both he and Spencer. It was a wonderful homecoming, as it wasn't easy to be away. As usual, we then stuffed everything we'd accumulated back into our room here. As Joe says, our room is so small we don't even have enough room to change our minds!
Travis is, for the most part, feeling pretty good -- some pain still when he goes to the bathroom. Hopefully, less every day. He is eating and drinking fairly well, though still on IV hydration (and one IV med) at night to keep things flowing to clear his bladder and system in general. His new dark hair is growing little by little -- so different from the little sandy blondie we brought up here. Also, one of the side effects of Cyclosporine (anti- rejection drug) is dark facial hair and body hair growth. So Travis has a bit of the Elvis look with some sparse dark sideburns. Will go away a few weeks after the drug is stopped (good!). Travis' platelets actually crossed over 100 this week. WBC's 6.3 (highest so far, too) and Hbg goes between 8.5 and 11. He did have a blood transfusion the day before discharge, and that tanked him up good. Great energy after that. Creatinine under control now, too. So all well on the counts front.
We are so concerned about one of our RMH friends. Their son, age 12, had a BMT shortly after Travis and was doing really well, running out and about about 10 days ago. Then complications set in, and he's now dealing with fungus on his lung and needed brain surgery 2 days ago. I share this to show how scary this all is -- that things can change in a heartbeat, and of course, because we can't stop thinking about, as Spencer says "my friend John", and his family. Our hearts are in our throats praying he pulls through this.
We've been fascinated with the holiday activity at the RMH. What wonderful volunteers! Chef Aaron is here, cooking and carving up culinary delights for all the families. And last night, in the dark hours, the night manager snuck quietly from room to room leaving big baskets and bags of toys for each child in the house. This, in addition to the big Teddy Bears and huge fruit boxes we received last week. Our kids are digging this big time! The generosity of the RMH organization is unbelievable. Sure makes what could be a lonely and somber time more bearable. (A note post dinner -- Channel 4 TV was here, filming the holiday meal and volunteers, families, etc. Chef Aaron began with a prayer for all our little ones, at which Mom and I turned on our tear faucets. He then made sure Travis and another BMT children were served first, so as to avoid all the people. We ate upstairs, away from the other families. It was a delicious and happy meal.)
My parents are here, in an adjoining room, which is helping tremendously with the boys as I'm now working and traveling more. Also it's giving Joe and me time to get out together. A few days ago, Joe was in line at the post office and struck up a conversation with a man next to him. Later that day, we received an email from this wonderful gentleman, offering us 2 tickets to a play in MKE tomorrow, offering us a chance of normalcy in all this craziness. We felt awkward at first, but are now planning on attending, since the boys are doing so well with Mom and Dad when we're out. People are so amazing.
Our way of giving thanks this season was pretty fun. We took an idea from one of the BMT/Leukemia listserves we're on, and brought a basket of lotions, bubbles and creams to our medical team on the HOT Unit, thanking them for their diligence and loving care for our Travis. We also brought up 2 full bags of groceries, to which the staff almost groaned -- "oh no, not more food!" Joe assured them the pampery stuff was for them, and the bags were for the PARENTS of BMT kids on the floor. Filled with individual serving stuff -- drinks, coffees, treats, soups, noodles, candies, mints, chapsticks, etc. It was so fun to go and choose the things that we would have appreciated having on hand when Travis was in- patient, (since the juice and snack fridge is locked on the floor -- for patients only). Our hearts felt good.
We wish you all the very best holiday season and again, feel SO grateful for your support. Travis is fighting to win this thing and is in great spirits. Spencer's had a wonderful week and seems to have found his footing again. My parents are in good humor and health (thank goodness), and Joe and I are keeping things together and are even laughing now and then! With love and hopes that 1999 brings us all health, happiness and peace.
Melanie, Joe, Travis and Spencer
P.S. To our donor, and you other donors, thank you for getting us through this year and giving us hope for next year and the next and the next Thank you, thank you, thank you for the best gift of all.