�
Dear Everyone,
HOORAY! Travis' latest PCR test (the test that looks at the very, very miniscule cells to detect any cancer) showed NO leukemia! Each time they run this test, we feel pretty nervous for the first few days. Then, as it takes about 3 weeks to get the results back, we tend to forget about it until the news comes. And, like the last time, we were thrilled and relieved to hear the results. Especially since now Travis is off the immune supression drug Cyclosporine and now also off steroids. (-: I don't know how often they'll do this PCR test (it's a blood draw from Travis' central line, then sent to a special lab). Maybe every 3 months? Also, Travis' last eye checkup showed actually improved eyesight (20/40 ish) and no further irritation on the retinas. Whatever they saw last time is still there, but since it hasn't progressed, they're very encouraged. Still no sign of returning CMV Retinitis. Whew. Man, are we blessed.
That seemed to be the launch for us "steppin' out" into the real world with full gusto. From my mom being here (as the boys say, "Let the spoil begin!") for almost 2 weeks and all the excitement that brings, to the incredible day we celebrated at Six Flags Great America to Joe and me celebrating our 10 th anniversary in my utopia -- Duluth, MN (at the shore of Lake Superior) it has been dare I say normal and happy!
The day at Six Flags was sponsored by Chai Lifeline (a Jewish organization that supports children with life threatening illnesses and their families) and a tremendously generous Chicago family. I can't begin to tell you the joy our kids felt (even in the 90+ degree heat) as they were accompanied by their "big brothers" Jeff and Zvi (and Joe and me, of course!). These guys are so wonderful -- twice a months (or more) they come and spend a few hours with their respective little brothers, playing and talking together. Then, as a true demonstration of dedication to these little boys, Jeff and Zvi even braved cargo net climbing and other rides at Six Flags just to give the boys a day to remember! Let me tell you, we were treated like royalty on this day. From "exit passes" which let us enter the rides in the exits, instead of waiting on the long lines -- to the catered lunch and dinner and treat spending money, the boys were delighted out of their minds. Joe and I asked the Bellows family (who subsidized this day) why they chose to give this kind of support. We were so touched when Mrs. Bellows said they've been fortunate not to have been touched by cancer in their immediate family but that they just wanted to offer the kids, their siblings and entire families the chance to be normal and just have a joyful day without thoughts of cancer, pain, fear or illness. Joe and I were in tears when we heard this. Their desired effect was truly reached with our family. Thank you so much, Chai Lifeline, the Bellows family, and Jeff and Zvi.
Regarding Joe's and my anniversary, not only was this year special because it was our 10 th, but as so many of you know who have been through an experience similar to ours, cancer can wreak havoc on a marriage -- indeed on the entire family. While we made it through the intense moments with such strength, there were many times later when our relationship has felt the tremendous pull and strain of all the emotion and exhaustion and loss of self and normalcy. Suffice it to say that we've been determined from the beginning to make it through this together and we feel quite good about where things are now. This year felt like it was 10 years in one. We sure deserved to celebrate. And we did. It was wonderful.
So everyone, as you can surely tell, this is a real upbeat time for us. The pieces are coming together (we hope with superglue). And I'm even preparing to return to work -- July 27. It will be incredibly challenging for the whole family, but I think we're up for it now. More on this as the time comes. In the meantime, we are so awaiting Travis' one year anniversary post-transplant, September 17, 1999 when we are hoping to be able to meet "our" donor in person. It happens to be a Friday, so we're looking forward to a special Shabbat evening and time to get to know one another, finally, in person. More details to follow on the special plans for this evening. We hope many of you can be with us to celebrate this milestone.
Thank you, as always, for your prayers, love and support. We so appreciate it.
Hugs and love,
Melanie, Joe, Travis and Spencer