Friday Things #465
Hi friends!
I hope you’ve had a great few weeks; we were traveling for Dominic’s treatments the first part of the month, and I wanted to catch you up on all that’s been going on. Here is an update for you:
1️⃣ Long story short, the first day of his treatment caused a lingering cough to be exacerbated, and he ended up with some wheezing. While his chest X-ray was clear, he had to miss the second treatment day; they put him on steroids and breathing treatments, and he had successful treatments that Friday and the following Tuesday without any complications.
While there, he had a hearing test to see if the chemotherapy he received caused any hearing loss (this is very common), but he passed the hearing test with flying colors and no issues. So grateful!
🎄 Being away from home for ten days in December was not what we wanted, but we made the best of it…. We strung Christmas lights in the hotel room, saw the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, and enjoyed the “Christmas hallway” at the hospital every day; it brought Dominic so much joy! An entire hallway in the hospital was completely transformed into a Christmas wonderland 🥰
2️⃣ Before we left for home last Wednesday, he had another MIBG scan and bone marrow biopsy. The bone marrow biopsy came back clear of any disease (the first time since he was diagnosed); however, the scan was pretty much unchanged from September, with possibly a couple of new spots on bones. Not what we expected or were hoping for.
3️⃣ Next steps: Dominic will get a PET scan next week, as his doctor said it could give a little more clarity on which spots on the MIBG scan are dead/benign disease vs active disease. Then he will switch from the 3f8 (naxitamab) immunotherapy to the dinutuximab immunotherapy for two cycles, which will be paired with low-dose chemotherapy. After those two cycles, we will repeat scans.
This other immunotherapy is done inpatient because it has a longer infusion time. For all of the treatments he has undergone, he actually hasn’t needed to be admitted to the hospital for any of them since he was discharged following his surgery at the end of June. The silver lining is that it can be done in Pittsburgh, so we don’t need to travel to NY, and Joseph, and Isabelle can come to visit him
🫁 Last Friday, he started feeling short of breath. After taking him to the ER, they found he had pneumonia (likely from the ongoing lingering cough that worsened after his immunotherapy treatment). He spent the weekend in the hospital here in Pittsburgh, and after getting an extra dose of steroids and additional antibiotics on Tuesday, he seems to be over the hump and doing much better.
Asking for prayers that his pneumonia clears up entirely by the time he needs to begin treatment (we don’t have a start date yet, but it will be the first or second week of January) and that this other immunotherapy is effective.
We are just grateful right now that we are all home and able to spend the holiday together ❤️
And for sweet pups to snuggle ❤️❤️
Thank you for taking the time to provide an update on Dominick’s health journey. I continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. MSK is the best hospital on the planet! Sending you, your family and all of the healthcare worker who are helping to care of your family all the best for a happy and healthy new year xxooxx
PS And a joyful and abundantly blessed and soon-to-be-healthy New Year!
Michelle, thank you for this update. I really teared up while reading the poem about the creators of the Christmas Wonderland in the clinic. That is the sweetest thing! God bless all those involved. Your little boy (and all of you) have already been through so much. Praying.
Be strong handsome little guy! You will beat that!
Prayers said. Wishing you all happiness, light and nothing but good news when it comes to health this new year. Thank you for keeping up updated. Prayers do work!!
Many blessings and prayers to you and your family as this journey continues. I hope that 2023 brings health and prosperity for you all.
I just prayed for your son and family, and we sometimes take things for granted especially this time of year thinking about buying gifts, baking and running for different places, but so many people are praying for him and your children are adorable, so are the pets. 🤗 thanks for sharing and for the great recipes but God bless you and you’re beautiful family, and I will be praying for God’s healing. I’ve been through cancer twice, and praise God with prayers and my family I made it through. I will be 89 so I am so blessed. ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Continuing to keep you and your family in my thoughts. Sending all the wishes for good news in the upcoming scans. ♥
Dominic and your family will be in my prayers. May God bless you all.
Keeping Dominic and your beautiful family in our prayers. May our loving God wrap y’all in his arms. May 2023 bring healing results for your precious Dominic! May each day be a blessed day! ❤️🙏
Sending love and prayers for Dominic’s full recovery in everything he is going through. May the Angels surround you all each and everyday, feeling their presence and their arms around you.
Thank you for the update. Continued hugs and prayers through this holiday season. Praying God’s blessing for good test results and even better health in the New Year.
Michelle, thank you for continuing to update us even though, I imagine, it’s one of the last things you want to do in your busy life. I’ve followed you for many years and even remember feeling so devastated for you when you cut your hand and had to quit playing hockey. That seemed so big at the time but now, it feels so small. A lot of life has happened since then and I have enjoyed following along especially watching your childrens journey . Please know prayers for each of you continue. Your three children and two furkids are beautiful. Hoping your Christmas was merry and praying for all good things including complete remission for Dominic in 2023. Much love from your readers
I am praying for Dominic’s complete healing and for the continued strength of your whole family! I pray also that the Holy Spirit will grant you the peace that only comes from God.
Thank you so much for updating us on Dominic’s progress. You are all in my prayers. God Bless.
I pray for Dominic every morning and each time I mention his name in my prayers, I smile. He’s such a brave little guy. Where would we be without faith. It’s what gets us through everything and is such a gift when the road is tough. One day at a time. Prayers will be focused on his pneumonia and clear bone scans. Remember all that Tommie went through. She is cancer free and so will Dominic be. Glad you had a nice Christmas…at home and together. God Bless. xoxoxo
I pray for Dominic every morning and each time I mention his name in my prayers, I smile. He’s such a brave little guy. Where would we be without faith. It’s what gets us through everything and is such a gift when the road is tough. One day at a time. Prayers will be focused on his pneumonia and clear bone scans. Remember all that Tommie went through. She is cancer free and so will Dominic be. Glad you had a nice Christmas…at home and together. God Bless. xoxoxo
Bless you all as you go through these difficult times. Prayers are continuous for the full recovery of little Dominic.
This little guy has gone through so much and he is tough. He fights his way through with his wonderful inner strength. Bless his heart.
Sending prayers your way. May God watch over Dominic and your entire family. Stay strong.
Thanks for the update. So hoping the bone spots are old. Sending love.
Y’all are in my prayers…
Praying for Dominic’s continued recovery! Wishing you and your family peace and best wishes for 2023!
Sending prayers, love and hugs.
Prayers for Dominic and for you all🙏🏻.
May 2023 bring good health & blessings to Dominic!
God Bless 🙏🏻🙏🏻
I am praying for complete healing for your sweet boy. I am also praying for strength for you and your husband and wisdom for the medical team as you face each challenge. Have a very blessed and peaceful Christmas Day!
Amen sister, and ditto. Well said.
I am so praying for sweet Dominic, and will keep praying.❤
Love love love and more love 💕
I’m sending prayers to you and your family. I feel deep in my heart all your prayers will be answered. I know you have Great Strength and even though it’s difficult everyone is here to pray for your family. I pray Jesus heals and protects your son. Have a Merry Christmas.
I’m glad you are all home for the holidays. I hope Dominic has a quick recovery. Warmest wishes to you and your family for a Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Healthy New Year.
Glad to hear the mostly positive news about Dominic. Lots of RSV & junk going around – hope he stays healthy. He looks really good! Here’s hoping for a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from one of your biggest fans!
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SEND SNAIL MAIL TO KEEP DOMINIC’S SPIRITS UP –
Dominic Lettrich. PO Box 597, Wexford, PA 15090
to all, hoping the new year will bring all good news and our prayers answered. smudging sage and praying Dom is on his way to an incredible recovery. may the season of joy bring all good news. all my love and hugs
Praying that the pneumonia clears up completely before Dominic needs to start treatment. Merry Christmas!! Blessings and Good Tidings for you and your precious family!!
Sending prayers up this moment for Dominic’s guardian angel to take care of him.
Sending healing prayers to your sweet son. Wishing your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year filled with blessings.
I’m praying for complete healing for Dominic and for you, Mama, for strength and peace as you (and your husband) ‘hold it all together’ for your beautiful family through the holidays.
I’ve been a follower of your blog/website since before kiddos, and I appreciate you sharing these updates with us so we can continue to pray and send so much love your way. ❤️🙏
Sending positive thoughts and love to the entire family. Dominic, rest up and keep smiling, your smile conveys so much joy. I know this has been a journey for you all. Please know that you and your family have so many people keeping you close to our hearts. Merry Christmas and here’s to a Healthy and Happy New Year.
I’ve prayed for Dominic and your family, for healing, unexpected blessings, faith, and hope. May your Christmas be all that you want and hope, and may you feel God’s love even in this difficult time.
Sending lots of prayers and strength to you all. He’s such a little Trooper!
Praying all goes well and 2023 holds good health and much happiness for you all! Merry Christmas 🎄continuing in prayer 🙏🏻
Continuing to pray for complete healing from this cancer. That sweet boy has things to do.
I also pray for his momma and the rest of the family as well. I know this has been exhausting.
Wishing you peace and joy for Christmas
Dominic is in our prayers and he is blessed to conquer so much coming at him. I loved the picture of the hallway. I got a little chocked up. Dominic looks really good and he has a smile always and he got his hair back! Have a blessed Holiday and may God bless Dominic with health and happiness.
lindagrondwalski@gmail.com TRC 7th grade CCD teacher
Thank you for the update! Daily prayers continue for Dominic – my heart goes out to all of your family as the stress and concern takes a toll. Hope Joseph and Isabelle are doing well with all of the craziness- you are an amazing, strong example to all of us!
Wishing all of you a peaceful, and cozy Christmas! Hope that all of the treatments are effective and 2023 is a smoother journey-
And thank you for all the splendid recipes! I check this website first when searching for recipes, cooking ideas-and feel good puppy pictures!
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
That Dominick is such a cutie-pie! He is the best!
Sending prayers and positive thoughts and best wishes to you and your family.
Sending prayers up daily for your family. Also wanted to let you know that I made the Snickerdoodle Fudge recipe you sent recently for this year’s Christmas goodie gifts. It is so good and so easy. I had somehow missed it when it was posted so thank you for sending the reminder. Christmas blessings to you all
Dearest Joseph, Dominic and Isabel,
May you enjoy the Merriest Christmas! There are Christmas lights, beautiful stars in the sky, yummy treats, and family time❤️❤️❤️🐾🐾
We wish you a very Happy Christmas and the best new year ever!
Love and hugs,
Rose and all The Pups 🥰🥰
Continued prayers for Dominic and your entire family. Blessings to all of you during this Christmas season.
Praying for Dominic and the whole family! Thank you for sharing with all of us. It’s an honor.
Praying here for a full recovery for your precious son from the pneumonia and the cancer. 🙏
Praying for Dominic and your entire family. Your baby will be healed and would be in best of health very very soon. Loads of blessings and prayers your way. Have a blessed Christmas.
Dominic and your entire family are in our prayers.
We ask that he be given strength and consolation – also, for his two siblings.
May the Joys of the Season carry you into a Healing and Prosperous New Year!!!
Sincerely,
Elaine Taylor
I am thankful for the positive comments in your latest update about Dominic.
I will pray for his continued healing, especially from the pneumonia.
Wishing you peace, love and joy over Christmas and hope and answered prayers in the New Year.
Christmas Blessings to you and your dear family! I hope the future treatments will do what they should and bring Dominic back to full health. Grateful for every small bit of positive news. Prayers continue for all of you to remain strong and united as a loving front against this silent enemy.
Prayers continue for Dominic and your entire family! May you have a wonderful Christmas and a cancer-free boy in 2023. God love you all!
“God bless those in the fight”
I’m praying for your precious family. You all are in the fight.
May this Christmas be a sweet time for you all.
God Bless Dominic and prayers he has good news coming in the new year. You and your family are strong and l pray for all of you that God keeps you strong. Have a Blessed Christmas and prayers for a much healthier New Year for your son and family. God Bless you and Watch over all of you.
Sending healing prayers for Dominic, that he will overcome his pneumonia and his treatments well go well.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. May God bless your wonderful children!!!
Continued prayers for your sweet Dominic! Hugs to all of you.
Little Dominic and Family,
This Christmas and New Year shall be very special as Jesus is going to fill your soul and heart with health , joy, blessings!
(Michelle, check your ”recipe” email….)
Continued prayers for you and your sweet Dominic,
Loved the pics, especially the beautiful decorations in the hall of the hospital. As a hearing impaired person, so glad Dom’s hearing isn’t affected. May God give you strength and the energy (sleep also)to endure this difficult time in your lives.
I’m praying daily for Dominic (also a 6year old, he had a bone marrow transplant in Louisville, KY. last week, I worked with his Granddad for 30 years)Thanks so much for the update on Dom, so glad you guys will be together for Christmas. A Blessed Christmas and a Healthy 2023 to you and loved ones.
Prayers for your sweet boy and God’s peace for the family.
Prayers being sent your way for Dominic and your family.
Thanks for the update on Dominic. Continuing prayers for your family as you go through treatment steps and being away from home. Praying for resolution of the pneumonia so treatment can continue as scheduled. Wishing you happy memories and family times at Christmas and throughout the holidays.
Pls contact arizzofoundation.org
Anthony Rizzo, first baseman for the NY Yankees, had cancer at age 18. He and his family started this foundation to help children with pediatric cancer and their families. If you need help with travel, expenses, medications, they award grants. Prayers for Dominick!
Praying without ceasing for Dominic’s return to good health, and for your entire family’s wellbeing. May the Lord always hold you in his open palm.
Prayers and hopes for a Christmas miracle for Dominic, you and your family. May God continue to bless you…
Dear Michelle and your beautiful family!
Keeping Dominic in my prayers daily with prompt resolution of the pneumonia. May 2023 be a grand year of promise and happiness for your family.
Cancer is so tough to deal with at any time and any age, but it’s particularly difficult when it affects your child. But you and Dominic are tougher than cancer and will overcome this disease! At times it may seem like an insurmountable challenge, but you and he will prevail. All of your family and friends and people you have touched with your website are sending prayers and good wishes to you and your family this Christmas season and throughout the year, me included! Wishes of peace and strength in the new year as you walk this road with Dominic.
Praying for recovery from pneumonia! And continued strength and healing for Dominic. The letter for the holiday hall made me tear up. What a lovely bit of joy to bring during stressful times.
Sending healing prayer to you and your entire family. Merry Christmas, wishing you a season full with joy and gratitude.
I only follow a few blogs and yours was always my favorite. Your children are so adorable and I’ve always had a soft spot for Dominic. Watching this happen to your family is heartbreaking. Please know that I’m praying for you and your family and his medical team. Have a beautiful Christmas together.
Thank you for the update Michelle. Continued prayers for Dominic’s recovery. There are always silver linings at the most trying times. I will be praying extra hard for the pneumonia
to clear up so Dominic can proceed with his treatments. Blessings to all of his family for
taking such good care of him.
As always, praying for your entire family. Thanks for the update, you are in my thoughts and prayers continually.
So sorry for all you’ve been through & God love little man. What a stoic little trooper he has been through it all. I’m going to light a candle for Dom at our Christmas eve service & be sure he stays on our prayer chain too. Merry Christmas and peace.
All my prayers and love to you all Michelle. Your beautiful Dominic has been an absolute trooper this year, so glad to hear you are all under one roof to celebrate Christmas together.
Giving you a big hug Michelle, your mama strength has known no bounds this year in particular and I hope you and your husband are keeping your cups full. Wishing you peace and a restful, love filled holiday xoxo
Sending lots of love and prayers to your family. ❤️
Michelle sending you all the love and strength. Hold onto the bits of hope and good news, they can help you get thru. Hug sweet Dominic and all your babies this holiday all together♥️🎄♥️. Hugs
Dear Michelle,
Thank you for this latest update. I’m so sorry to hear about the pneumonia.2022 has been a trial for you all but especially for Dominic who has had to bear the brunt of his illness. He is strong and will do well, and looking healthier. I wish for you and your family a happy healthy peaceful holiday, all together, and hoping 2023 will be a better year. Keep strong and take care of yourselves. Still praying for you.
My thoughts of continued healing go out to you and the family. God’s blessings to all of you.
It takes a lot to stay strong and upbeat for your children. I hope you are setting aside time for yourself here and there. You can’t pour from an empty jug. God bless you all.
Sending healing thoughts and lots of love to your family and Dominic.
Merry Christmas to you and your family! Praying for healing, strength, and peace. Thank you for continuing to keep your readers updated.
Thank you for the update. Prayers for all of you. May you have some wonderful quality family time and sweet memories made during this holiday season.
Michelle— Wishing all seven members of your family a joyful, cozy Christmas filled with love and fun. 🎄🎅🏼🎁🍪
Merciful Lord, I know that you love Dominic and we are so grateful for your care of him thus far on his cancer journey. I pray for a quick recovery from his pneumonia and for the success of the upcoming immunotherapy regimen. I thank you for the expertise, compassion and skills of all of his caregivers in both NYC and Pgh—bless them.
Lord, I ask for your continued support of your daughter Michelle and all her family—hold them close so they may feel your love and strength as they, too, walk on Dominic’s journey. I know that You know how excruciating it is to see your son suffer.
In Jesus’ name I pray—Amen 🙏🏻
That is a beautiful prayer, thank you for sharing it.
Michelle, thank you so much for the update. I continue to prayer for Dominic and your family. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season.
Michelle,
Asking for prayers? Then prayers you shall receive……in abundance. A blessed Christmas to you and your family.
Praying for sweet Dominic and your entire family.
Merry Christmas!
Dominic, you are strong and amazing and brave! Prayers and continued strength as you and your family face this difficult journey.
Dear Michelle and family,
So happy you are all together for the holidays. We will certainly be praying for Dominic’s recovery from Pneumonia, as well as for next treatments and hopes for good results. So wonderful the hospital decorated so amazingly for the holidays.
Love the photos of all three kids. They look wonderful and can’t believe how they are growing.
Blessings and Love to each of you, and pats & love for Alice & Duke!
Jean Spangenberg
Thank you for the update, I think about your family often. What a brave little boy you have, I know you are so proud of him! Prayers to him and your family, Merry Christmas to you all!!!
Merry Christmas to your beautiful family. Be cozy and enjoy all the snuggles! You are all in my prayers and I wish you an upcoming year filled with hope and nothing but good news! Stay strong, you are all amazing xoxo
You have a beautiful family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You need to cherish each moment. My wife has stage four lung cancer. I understand what you are going through.
Happy HOLIDAYS.
PS. I love your website
Michelle you and your beautiful family are such an inspiration. Many many prayers for Dominic and all of you that the medical community and live and prayers from all carry all of you into the season with better health. It can’t be easy for any of you and to continue to keep your blog readers up to date is just so selfless. Best wishes
My thoughts are with you during this holiday season! Thank you for the update. My prayers go out to all of your family for Dominic’s health. He is such a brave little boy. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday with great family time!
Know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. What a beautiful family and Happy Holidays to all what adorable puppies. Stay strong and know you have many thought and prayers with you.
A blessed and Merry Christmas to you, Dominic, and the rest of your family Michelle. I remember staying with my son at John Hopkins while he received his treatment for cancer during the holiday season. The nurses, staff and elves were incredible and made our stay there so much more comfortable and magical during that time. I keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for Dominics healing and cure and peace with love for you and all of your family.
Thank you for sharing this update. Sending you and you family hugs, strength and love. Merry Christmas 🎄❤️
Dominic is an inspiration at how he had handled all of his treatments. How wonderful to get to see the big tree in NY! It’s on my bucket list. Hope you all have the most wonderful Christmas. Sending so many prayers your way. Hope you all have the most wonderful Christmas 🎄
Thank you for the update. Continuing to pray for you and your family. Merry Christmas.
I am praying that 2023 beings you all good news. I cannot imagine what you all must be going through and how tough it is on Dominic and the rest of the family. Stay strong and best wishes to your entire family.
Prayers for you and your precious family. Cancer totally sucks as it knows no age limits! Also praying that the physicians make good choices in your little guy’s treatments. God bless and Merry Christmas!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for sharing this update with us. Each of you remain in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️.
Merry Christmas to your sweet family and prayers for Dominic.
God bless you all and prayers continue for Dominic ! So happy you are all together for Christmas 🎄 Enjoy the holidays and love the pictures!!! They did a great job decorating the hallway at the hospital! How very special for the children 🥰 Love you guys 💕
Prayers for ALL of you but especially for Domenic. Beautiful family, sweet little boy, I know God with watch over him. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Dear Michelle,
All of us who follow your excellent blog have watched your family grow over the years and LOVE seeing their pictures. I’m sending very positive thoughts and best wishes to you and your beautiful family.
Praying for complete HEALING for your precious son!! Also praying for you, as a mother I know it might as well be you that is going thru it, because we tend to feel it tenfold when we see our children suffer in anyway. God Speed to you and your beautiful family!! May this new year bring BLESSINGS that are beyond your dreams. You will be in my prayers!!
Praise the Lord that Dominic’s bone marrow is clear, and prayers being sent that the pneumonia clears up in time for his scheduled treatments. Prayers for this sweet boy and his family are ongoing, and may you all have a blessed and wonderful Christmas!!!
I have been praying for Dominic and your family since he was first diagnosed. Continued prayers that this new round of treatment will be the end for your precious boy. He is such a trooper. Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
I will continue to pray for your entire family and medical team. Merry Christmas.
Praying for Dominic and your family and hoping that your Christmas is filled with peace and joy and that the new year brings healing, hope, and many blessings <3
Continued prayers for all of you, extra for Dominic. May your Christmas be joyous & your New Year bringing the best health for Dominic. Hugs!
Dear Michelle, my heart aches for you and your family and especially for Dominic. I can not even begin to express my gratitude for all the love and support that you and your family are giving to your precious son. I wanted to take the time to thank you for sharing your story with us. Merry Christmas to you and your family! Sending lots of love and prayers. Susan
Prayers for Dominic and your family. Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Hopefully everything will turn out well ❤️
Praying for your family and a Christmas with lots of small joys to remember.
Thank you for taking the time in your busy schedule to share Dominic’s story and family pictures. Please thank your wonderful family for allowing you to share their pictures. Prayers have and will continue for Dominic and the whole family.
Merry Christmas!
The special prayers of Christmas are with Dominic and the entire family. Bless you Michelle
Prayers for DomInic and your family and praying for a happy and healthy new year.
I’m keeping Dominic and your family in my prayers. Lots of love from Lagos Nigeria!
Prayers for Dominic and your family. Merry, Merry Christmas. Enjoy your beautiful family 🎄🎅🏼☃️
Thank for for the update and sending prayers to you and your family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Stay strong. You will find reserves of strength you never knew you had.
Every positive thought for you all.
Keeping you in my prayers now and ongoing. Hoping for a fast recovery. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Consider yourself (and all of your family) hugged. Have a Merry Christmas!
Just so know, we’re still here praying and loving and sending all the positive energy we can muster to you and your sweet family… you are walking through every mother’s worst nightmare, and I am so touched by your grace… Happy Holidays to your family, and HUGE cyber hugs!
Prayers for your family🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for the update Michelle. Dominic is in my daily prayers along with the rest of your family. Great pictures! Love hearing from you. Have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Prayers and the best wishes. Hope you have a cosy and save christmas.
I pray for Dominic every day. Your beautiful family has had it rough this year but God will watch over you all. Blessings for a beautiful memorable Christmas. And a safe and Happy New Year. Your children are all rock stars. Thanks for keeping us in the loop.
Thank you for the update prayers and positive vibes for all of you!!
Michelle, Thanks for the update on Sweet Dominic and your family. Even though he is getting over pneumonia, it does my heart good he looks so HEALTHY! Enjoy every minute of family time this Christmas. There is no doubt the food gracing your table will be scrumptious! In the meantime, the BEB Community will continue to pray for everyone and your son’s complete healing. Please give Dominic a hug for me and let him know we are standing with him against this fight!💕