Surely it cannot be three years since I last posted. Obviously, I will not be winning any awards for blogging excellence!
The lack of posts is actually a good thing because as they say “no news is good news.”
It has been just over nine years since Deana’s diagnosis.
There are no words to adequately capture how grateful we are that she is still with us – and more importantly, she is thriving. You can see it in this photo from her 8th "birthday" last November. We marked the occasion cheering on our beloved Aggies. Big smiles and a "Gig 'em!"
Six years ago, Deana and I journeyed to Emory in search of a new treatment path. She is now in her 100th cycle of Venetoclax. Although she has the unenviable task of taking nine large pills each day, the side effects with this drug have been minor compared to what she endured before. Deana looks great and so it can be hard to remember that she is still in the fight for her life, even though things are quiet on the battlefront.
You might be wondering how she’s coping with all that surrounds the COVID-19 pandemic. To say that Deana is immune-compromised is an understatement. We are all very concerned that if she were to contract the virus it could prove fatal. She leaves the house only for medical appointments. Emory arranged with Abbevie, (the company that makes Venetoclax), to allow her treatment visits to take place at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for the time being. This step will greatly reduce her likelihood of exposure. (Although selfishly, I miss seeing her in Georgia!) Deana is very happy staying home and has been cooking up a storm. The photos she sends of these gourmet meals make my mouth water.
The children are also doing well. Andrew will turn 21 next week. This is very hard to fathom. He continues to work at a car dealership during the day and takes weekend classes as he pursues his dream of becoming a commercial pilot.
Clare is headed into her senior year at Sewickley Academy and was recently voted communications director for her class. She also plays field hockey and is involved in numerous other clubs. She was recognized with the school's "Hands" Award, which is presented to "a junior who has gone above and beyond to actively participate in a variety of hands-on experiences that showcase a broad range of skills. This student has showcased their ability to be an active listener and effective communicator, as well as a resilient innovator, creative problem-solver, and curious experimenter. An engaged and well-informed citizen of the local and global community, this student utilizes their talents to the benefit of others." Of course, the whole clan is very proud!
Clare and I had planned an extensive tour of colleges for late March, which was canceled due to the pandemic. It is our hope to get on the road in the fall to find the perfect fit for Clare.
Gregory is 11 and is finishing 5th grade. He enjoys video games and plays many sports. He had a great wrestling season this winter, winning at least one trophy that was almost as tall as him!
Even though our updates have not been timely, please know that we are thankful for all of the love, support, and prayers over the last nine years. They have sustained us in difficult times. We are blessed to have Deana here. In the last year, two of Deana’s fellow MM warriors, both mothers about her age, came to the end of their journeys. We can take no day for granted.
We hope that you and yours are staying safe and healthy in these unprecedented times.