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Dear Everyone,
Life has definitely not returned to normal, nor do we ever believe it will. What may be happening is that we are creating a "new normal", if that makes any sense. Daily life has begun to take on a routine, with Travis mostly staying at home, Spencer back at his old school in the mornings, Joe managing most of the meds and the Milwaukee visits to the clinic and me working. Fortunately, Travis is feeling quite well (though low energy most often), which lets us focus on other things besides "cancer" or 'bone marrow transplants" or "counts" every moment of every day.
This past week, Spencer has had a whopper of a cold, which was bound to happen sometime, right? We've kept the boys from sleeping in their bunk beds together, but other than that, it's been difficult to keep two best friends who are mostly homebound apart. So sure enough, now Travis has his first cold since the BMT. The clinic folks have assured us not to panic and just keep checking him for fever. So far, so good. We're crossing our fingers and holding our breath.
The highlight of our week was tonight, as we put on some great rhythmic music to lift all our spirits at dinner time. Actually there were two highlights, Spencer shimmied up the doorway to the kitchen and began gyrating up in the doorway, feet only, and sometimes hands only with legs dangling -- you'd have to see it to believe it! The other highlight was a bit later when Travis grabbed my hand, pulled me into the living room and we danced up a storm (kind of a disco, lindy, swing, free-for-all sort of number!). Then Spencer and Joe got into the act -- it was quite the sight to see! It was so lighthearted and fun, and such a relief that Travis had the stamina to dance around and laugh. It was another magical memory we will forever treasure out of this amazing journey.
Quick update -- my colleague and friend, Joey, donated his marrow last week, and is doing very well. I was thrilled to learn that he was up and walking the next day, managing the discomfort with pain meds and feeling positive about the experience. Joey, you're a hero, my friend.
Lastly, I don't remember if I wrote before about Travis' craving for potstickers. It has been a relentless request since his transplant. While my mom was here, they figured out how to make them (since restaurant potstickers are a no-no at this point), and we've been cranking them out ever since. Where there's a will, there's a way, right?
So, dear friends, we're doing quite well, considering what's behind us. It's been quite the month. It still continues to be part "recovery" and part "re- entry". Each day seems to get a bit easier though. We know how blessed we are, that's for sure.
Greetings from green-ribboned Hoffman Estates.
Love,
Melanie, Joe, Travis and Spencer