An Update + Prayer Request
Hi friends, it’s been a couple of weeks since a Friday Things or Weekend Dish post, and I wanted to provide an update.

Unfortunately, when Dominic went for his 3-month scans two weeks ago, after two years of remission, he was found to have relapsed. One of his scans picked up two spots – one on his jaw and one on his spine. We were devastated and heartbroken.
We traveled back to New York on Sunday, and at the beginning of the week, he had multiple MRIs of his brain, jaw, and spine, as well as a bone marrow biopsy. The scans confirmed the spots; his oncologist said that the spots are small, and particularly the one on the spine, he said, wasn’t even enough to get a measurement on the MRI, so we are grateful for that news, despite the situation. Things then moved quickly; he had a port placed on Wednesday morning, and then a few hours later began a round of chemo. It was a three-day cycle, and we were able to travel home on Friday evening.
He was sick and had no appetite since midday Thursday, but finally started to perk up and eat some crackers and cheese today. This round of chemo was considered strong, so he will be having count checks, may need transfusions, will likely be neutropenic, etc.
Save This Recipe
The short-term plan is to repeat the MRIs of his jaw and spine at the beginning of October to see what the response was to the chemo. If the response was adequate, those spots will be radiated, and then he will do immunotherapy treatments.
Please pray that his appetite continues to return and he gets his strength back over the next few days. Please pray that the chemo hits those spots with enough force to move on to the next step.
Please pray that his counts rebound quickly and without complications.
Thank you so much for your love and support of Dominic and our family ❤️



Oh Michelle! I was 🙏after not seeing “Friday Things” post that all would be good news of Dominic’s NY visit! More prayers will be said during this unexpected, unwanted challenging time in your beautiful families life! Prayers are God’s Rx and we know sweet Dominic is a fighter & will conquer this demon full force as he has before! May God give you strength, gift Dominic with restored good health, & comfort you along this unpleasant journey! 🙏for ALL!
Thinking of you and what you are going through. My heart goes out to you and your family. I am praying for our Lord’s comfort and healing for Dominic and your family.
That poor baby has been through a lot. I am so sorry for the setback, but he seems like a positive young boy so hopefully he will get better soon. And I am sure you are beside yourself.
Thank you for your Friday Things and your recipes and letting all of us enjoy your family.
Stay well,
Frederick Appel
So sorry that you are once again facing this challenge. I am praying fervently for Dominic’s wellbeing, as well as his family. I know this is hard on all of you, but especially sweet Dominic. May the Lord bless all of you.
Oh dear lord. I kept coming back to see if you had a new “Friday Things” posted and had that gut feeling this is what was happening. This has really touched me.
I am so sorry. I am sad. I am struggling to find the right words. What I do know is God’s power and the power of prayer. That I can do for Dominic and for all of you.
Know that we are all here for you. Praying. Holding back the tears. Wanting to do something.
I thank you for allowing us to be a part of your family. If there is anything you guys need please don’t hesitate to ask. We all love you guys. Stay strong Dominic, you’ve got this!!
Sending healing prayers for Dominic and the entire family. I am hoping that you find comfort in your faith, and this amazing community you have created. I believe in prayer and know that God has you wrapped in his loving arms.
So sorry to hear this Michelle. Love and hugs to you all.
Will absolutely be adding Dominic to our church prayer list. I’ve been following your site since it was JUST you and Einstein. (I’m in western Maryland) I had my golden Lucy and no offense, but it was Einstein who attracted me more to the blog, at first. Then, it was the food. As your life progressed with marriage, children, a 2nd golden, losing Einstein, more goldens and everything which followed. Our family also knows prayer can make a tremendous difference. We’ll keep Dominic on the prayer list until he is a 100% healthy boy again.
I am praying for your entire family! God bless!❤️
Praying for healing and strength as you all go through this. May the Lord bless and keep you.
Such a hopeful, smiling face! I love that he always seems to be smiling and peaceful. Best wishes, Dominic.
Prayers for Dominic and your sweet family! I’m so sorry for all you are having to endure but am praying for God to envelope you all in his arms and fill you with the peace only He can provide. He is the great Physician and Healer. Praying for complete healing for your sweet and strong boy. Much Love!
Keeping Dominic and your family in our thoughts, and sending love and strength to you all. ❤️🩹
My heart sank as I read your post. His smiling face always makes me smile. There is nothing like little boys to make me smile.
I do believe in Gods healing power and all that science brings to us. I hold you and your family in gods arms of love and healing. 💖
Praying for you and your family!!
So very saddened to hear this. Prayers for strength and healing for Dominic and your entire family.
my prayers are with you Dominic and your family be strong in your faith and get well soon.
So many prayers heading your way 🙏🏻
Sending hugs, strength and prayers as you fight the battle laid before you once again. I will say daily prayers for such a brave young man.
Oh Michelle, I am so sorry this is happening to Dominic again. It is such a heavy burden for you and your family. My sister is going through something very similar to Dominic’s so I know a little bit of what you are feeling. I will pray for him for a good outcome. May God bless Dominic.
Sending heartfelt prayers to you and your family for strength and courage, and for Dominic’s healing.
I added Dominic and your family to my church prayer chain. God bless Dominic.
Praying for and sending hugs to your family.
Continued prayers for your dear son.
Prayers for Dominic and your entire family. May the Lord give all of you extra strength at this time.
I am sending many prayers everyday for Dominic and your family.
You and your family are part of all of us. We will give us daily prayers for Dominic and your entire family
We are heartbroken for you .
Heavenly Father, watch over Dominic, and grant that he may be restored to that perfect health which is Yours alone to give; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
So heartbroken to see this update.
Praying fervently for successful treatment, minimal/manageable side effects, the ability to maintain his nutrition/hydration status, and for remission to once again grace his sweet body.
Strength, love, hugs, prayers, and support being sent ♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻
Dominic and your family are in my prayers.
Heartbreaking news! I send prayers to all of you as you navigate through this. Dominic has shown nothing but strength and resilience, I find him to be incredible.