Happy Thanksgiving

We are preparing today for tomorrow's big feast, Ryan's not allowed any naps because he'll want a long one tomorrow :) We are thankful for all our family and friends who have been praying for us and caring about us through Ryan's cancer. We are thankful that we have a beautiful daughter who is healthy. We are thankful that Ryan's cancer continues to be in remission. We are thankful that we have a God who answers prayers.

Happy Thanksgiving.

New News

We traveled to OSU James Cancer Center almost 2 weeks ago. We went on a rainy Wednesday, not a good day to drive or hear bad news, which we didn't expect to hear. When the doctor came in to greet us, he almost immediately began talking about a transplant, based on the .3% leukemia cells that had shown up in September when Dr. Marinella did the last biopsy. We were certainly taken aback, we had not expected to hear what we did from him. The doctor suggested that we do another bone marrow biopsy and have Ryan get typed for bone marrow in case a transplant was necessary. We also talked with a financial counselor so we would know what to expect if the transplant was needed.

We left Columbus feeling very dismal. I spent a while trying to think of good things that would come from a transplant. It would cut the chances of a relapse in half, it would also mean that Ryan wouldn't have to be on chemo pills for 2 years and we could have children sooner than that. We waited a long week before OSU called us back with results. The bone marrow biopsy they did there came back clean, no leukemia present. We are still waiting on a genetics test they did, but the doctor does not think anything will show up on it because of the clean biopsy. As long as the genetic test comes back looking like the doctor expects, then he will not be suggesting a transplant at this time, we would just follow the 2 year chemo regimen that he's currently on.

Meanwhile, we're enjoying the nice weather and our new porch!

A Little Scare

The doctor called the other day to tell Ryan that the results of his biopsy were back and they saw some leukemia cells at .3%. I was a bit nervous when Ryan told me this, but the doctor has called him again to tell him that this doesn't mean that he's no longer in remission. It could just be cells showing up that have always been there and they just happened to be able to be seen in this sample. He thinks it is residual, not a new, growing cell. We are in the process of scheduling an appointment with a transplant doctor at Ohio State. Ryan's doctor has talked with a transplant doctor at IU and he feels that the plan we're already on - 2 years of maintenance pills and bloodwork every so often is the plan to take. Ryan's doctor suggested we get 1 more opinion, just so everyone feels at ease. We will be going over to Columbus one day soon, but we don't expect to hear any different news. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

-A

Not Much to Share

We are to the point now that there's not much going on with Ryan. We had the Wulber Doo this past weekend and it turned out to be a very good evening for it. Aubrey had a lot of fun trying to eat an apple for the first time ever, she knew exactly what to do and took a bite out of my mom's. She also tried to hunt for corn cobs in the straw pile. She didn't find anything but she had fun. I left my camera at home so I can't upload any photos, although my mom and some other friends were taking pictures. I'll probably have some soon.

-A

Normal is Good

I think that our normal has returned. We have settled into a routine around our house and Aubrey really enjoys the times that Daddy takes her outside for a gator ride or we talk a walk - she enjoys both the stroller and her new bike. She hates coming inside though. Daddy is back to giving baths most nights, which Mommy enjoys because she gets a few minutes of down time.

We've got an old lawn mower that Ryan's supposed to be working on fixing. Aubrey decided she'd try to take it for a ride a few weekends ago.

So Far, So Good

Ryan has been on his chemo pills for 2 days now. He takes them at night, right before bed. So far, he hasn't felt sick or anything and he hopes to continue that way. He had a field trip to the Farm Science Review today, he much enjoyed it. He has been working on his car the last couple evenings after coming home from school, so he must not be too tired :) He still falls asleep around 9, but that's ok.

Enjoying the week and hope you all are too

-A

Another Week In

Ryan has survived another week at school. He had a late meeting on Wednesday, so that wore him out a little bit. Otherwise, the week went well. He had a doctor's appointment last night - he got a lumbar puncture, a bone marrow biopsy, and a push of another chemo drug. He seemed to do well, he is still sleeping this morning. He did not get sick, that's always a good thing. He thought he would feel ok today, was a little tired last night.

Aubrey continues to do well, she's toddling around pretty quickly these days. She loves going to the baby-sitter's and playing with the other kids, but is always happy to see me when I come to pick her up. I'm glad we have a great baby-sitter, it makes it easier for me to go to work everyday, which has been busy lately.

Here's a picture of Aubrey after eating 2 of my grandma's tomatoes - right from the vine.



We appreciate all of you who still keep us in your prayers.

-A