Hello, everyone!
It's been quite a while since our last update.
Happy to say that it simply has been a case of "no news is good news". Ryan is doing GREAT.
His hair has come in so well I'm actually taking him for a haircut today!!!!!!!! First one in two years!
He's doing well in school. He experiences a bit of anxiety his first week back from NY though. It takes that first week for him to get back into the school groove, but then he's fine.
A couple of weeks ago he was in a Teddy Bear Program at school with the whole first grade. They sang, danced, did little skits - it was just too cute.
What a treat to finally see him in something like this. Even though he missed several rehearsals, he did a great job.
We've been enjoying an extra week home. So that we could be home for Thanksgiving, Sloan allowed us 4 weeks home instead of the usual 3.
The boys have really enjoyed being together. Matthew is SUCH a big brother.
The other day, he was helping Ryan with his homework. Ryan was being silly and not concentrating on his work. Matthew slid his worksheet back to him and said "Ryan, this is NOT college material".
Matthew also loves to make up stories to tell to us. With characters like Squirrel of Wonder and Ninja Hampster, they're pretty funny.
Ryan enjoys this immensely. He often tells Ryan a story at night when they're in bed.
We'll be heading back to NY this weekend for another 2 week round of antibody therapy (round 7) and Ryan will have bone marrow biopsies, an MIBG scan and a CT scan done. Please pray for continued good news.
We are keenly aware of all we have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
It was just about this time last year when Dana Farber told us they felt Ryan was no longer curable.
What a long way we've come since then. It would be so nice if we could just relax and enjoy it, but we now obsess about the possiblity of relapse.
As we've said before, success with NB can be so fleeting. We know too many brave little warriors battling relapse while their parents agonize over treatment options - extra time versus quality of life.
Please say an extra prayer for 2 yr old Jack and 5 yr old Andrew and their families. Their options are few as this monster has once again gained the upper hand.
So, before you dig in tomorrow, be sure to take a moment to remember what YOU have to be thankful for.
We wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
As always, thank-you for your prayers for Ryan.
Love,
Norma and Paul
