Friday Things #472
Happy Friday, friends! It’s been longer than intended and I have a lot of fun stuff to share with you today, so let’s jump in!
1. The week leading up to Easter, we headed back to New York for scans and a bone marrow biopsy and received good news on the results. The scan showed continued improvement (another 30% reduction from the previous scan), and the bone marrow biopsy showed only benign, non-cancerous cells (Dominic’s oncologist was particularly happy about this result). In addition, he said that these cells can, in fact, light up on the MIBG scan that Dominic has, so it’s possible that at least some of the spots that are still lighting up are, in fact, benign non-cancerous cells.
While we were in New York, his oncologist drew some extra blood for a special genetic sequencing blood test that was sent out to detect any possible mutations in the neuroblastoma cells in the blood, so that they can use specialized drugs/therapies to target those mutations. We got a call this week that those results were back and that no mutations were found and, in fact, that there were no neuroblastoma cells at all found in his blood. Another bit of very good news!
Also, we spied a familiar face on the wall outside the cafeteria when we were in New York 😎
Next steps: Dominic will have another round of treatment at the beginning of May, another at the end of May, then repeat scans and biopsies.
2. The day after we got home was Isabelle’s birthday! She turned FIVE!
I still can’t believe my squishy little babies have all gotten so, so big. She had such a wonderfully fun day and I was so happy we could all be home together 💖
Then, we got to go to the Penguins game that evening. A fun, full day that we all loved!
3. Then, we had a wonderful Easter! We had a great day with extended family on Saturday, then a low-key day at home on Sunday before Dominic headed back into the hospital in Pittsburgh the Monday after Easter for his most recent round of treatment.
The round he had last week was kind of rough… usually nausea and vomiting are his big issues, but that was greatly reduced this time thanks to a new medicine they tried at the end of the last cycle. However, he spiked fevers nearly nonstop from Wednesday morning through Saturday evening (the antibody can cause fevers, and usually he gets one or two towards the end of the week, but nothing like this), and it was causing his heart rate to spike, so he needed a lot of extra fluids to bring it back down. I was incredibly relieved when the infusion was done, and then we headed home.
4. Have you heard of or tried Killer Brownies? I discovered them in the snack shop area of the hospital last time we were there and they are the best packaged brownie I have ever had. So good! (I also tried the Brookie, but sadly did not like that one as much.)
5. I loved this quote from a recent James Clear newsletter: “Create your life rather than live it.” Sometimes it can feel like the days and weeks and months just roll together; a good reminder to live intentionally!
6. Do you have a favorite among these, or a different one? >> The 20 Ina Garten Recipes We Can’t Live Without. Her devil’s food cake is actually the only one on that list I’ve made (and I love, love, love it!).
7. Let’s chat books! The last time I mentioned books, I had just started Daisy Jones and the Six. I really enjoyed the story, but definitely found the writing format difficult to get used to at first. I finally did, and it was worth the read! I give it four ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.
Then I moved on to The Last Thing He Told Me and oh my gosh, what a quick, quick read! I finished it in less than 24 hours. Granted, I was at the hospital, so I didn’t necessarily have much else to do, but STILL. I haven’t read a book that fast in years. It had a great, suspenseful pace and I really enjoyed the book, but the ending felt a little bit rushed and incomplete to me. 4.5 stars from me!
Next up: The Midnight Library
8. Speaking of books, did you see that there is a sequel to John Grisham’s The Firm set to come out this fall?! I was in middle school when The Firm came out and I devoured it… at the time, I wanted to be a lawyer and I was obsessed with John Grisham novels. Then, I loved the movie! The name of the new book is The Exchange and you can already preorder it on Amazon.
9. TV things… we haven’t watched anything new lately. I started watching Daisy Jones and the Six on Amazon Prime while I was at the hospital, and it was okay, but I don’t love it yet (I’m a few episodes in).
I’m thinking of taking advantage of the free two months of Apple TV that Jennifer Garner posted about on Instagram so I can see the streaming version of The Last Thing He Told Me.
Have you watched either one? Thoughts??
10. TGIF! I hope you have a fabulous weekend!
I am so happy to hear the wonderful news about Dominic. He has been in my prayers and thoughts. I can’t believe Isabelle is 5! She looks absolutely precious. So good to hear about your family.
I’ve been watching the Last Thing He Told Me on AppleTV, after having read the book when it first came out. I would recommend watching the show!
So happy for Dominic and the family. I will keep praying for all of you!
Love your recipes.
So glad to hear Dominic is doing well with his treatments. If you can wait on the 2 months, not sure if it expires, AppleTV+ only puts out 1 new episode a week so if you subscribe too early you won’t be able to see the entire show.
So very happy that Dominic is doing so well! God is so good! Continuing to keep him and your family in my prayers! What a cute picture of Dominic standing under the poster of himself!
I loved The Midnight Library; I can’t wait to see what you think of it. I also enjoyed The Last Thing He Told Me.
I am so glad Dominic is progressing well. I look forward to your updates.
I’m thinking about you all.
Happy Birthday to your special girl!! The kids look great! Since you love Killer Brownies, you might want to try Fairytale Brownies. I usually get them sent to me for my birthday and I must say, absolute heaven in every bite! Take good care of yourself, too.
If you do get AppleTV try Ted Lasso and Shrinking!
Happy Birthday to Isabelle!! I’m so happy to hear Dominic’s good news!! Continued prayers for your family!❤🙏
Sooo happy that Dominic is doing so well! I love reading about his positive updates!
I live maybe 10 miles from the killer brownie factory and they can also be ordered from the grocery store that developed them, Dorothy Lane Market. We love the original, the peanut butter, the German chocolate and the peppermint that comes out at Christmas-time. You should totally attempt a copycat recipe!
Getting ready to read The Last Thing He Told Me and watch the series. Another vote for Ted Lasso and Shrinking while you’ve got Apple TV
Such good news about Dominic! May it continue!
Love reading, always read before bed every night and I love a good suspenseful book so I’ve added both of your suggestions to my wish list on Amazon. I didn’t know about the 2 free months trial of Apple TV so I’m going to look into that in Canada. I did pay to watch the final season of Animal Kingdom on Apple TV and was happy to watch it but I wish shows were consistent on one streaming service instead of having to follow them around on different seasons. Oh well.
Dominic is a warrior! The good news is wonderful; may it continue to be so. Oh! and a very Happy Birthday to your sweet Isabelle. Your kids are beautiful.
Oh my, such GOOD news. My 87 year old retired neurosurgeon husband who is recovering from lymphoma says,
“Thumbs up, hang in there, kid😁!
Such wonderful news. Dominic is such a strong, brave and special boy.
He has been such a warrior over this past year…a real super hero.
I can only imagine the journey you and your family have been through. I hope you understand you always had an army of support, praying for you whole family.
Happy Birthday to Isabelle. She must be so excited to be ready for kindergarten.
So glad Dominic is doing well!
Wonderful news about Dominic! Continued prayers for him and your whole family! Have you seen Ted Lasso? If not you have to watch it. Love it
Easter season has magical powers…glad your family benefited from the powers! Your family is in our prayers
God is good, i pray that this brave little boy continues to improve and enjoys life to the fullest what a wonderful family God Bless you all..
AND ALL THE TIME – GOD IS GOOD!
Will continue to pray for all of you. Happy Birthday Isabelle! Have a great weekend!
Soooo glad to read this update!!! I wait for them. Very very happy for you. Bestest of Wishes coming your way always.
Thank you for all the recommendations also. I am a BIG sucker for a good mystery. Love John Grisham too!!
Thrilled with the news re Dominic! Big prayers for you and your family continue. Happy birthday Isabelle! Such a cutie❤️🙏🎉
Yay, so happy for the good news. Continued prayers coming your way. My daughter made me do the audio book for Daisy Jones and it was really good that way, almost like a play because they used different narrators for each different character. I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much by just reading it. I liked it, but didn’t love it, so am not even watching the show. Have a wonderful weekend!
My prayers will continue for Dominic. I am so glad to hear that he is doing well. So sorry to hear of his side effects to the chemo… nausea/vomiting and fevers are no fun. Prayers that God will continue to keep him safe on his journey to recovery.
Dominic & family.
You are my hero. May God continue to bless all of you. Belated Happy Birthday sweet girl.
Michelle…all the happy news in your post brought tears to my eyes. Good news for Dominic! Isabelle’s birthday! Easter!
My prayers continue for your brave little boy! He is a true hero! GOD BLESS YOU, DOMINIC
Wow! Great update…thanks so much! I can’t believe your babies have gotten this old already either. I have been reading your Friday updates as long as you have been writing them, and I have always loved watching your sweet family grow. So thankful for Dominic’s continued improvement!
Where is your other pup?
So incredibly happy that you received good news on all of Dominics scans and biopsies! Will continue to keep all of you in my prayers! Thanks for the updates!
The killers brownies are amazing. They are made here in Ohio. The non-nutter is by far the best. Daisy Jones and the Six is streaming mini series on Amazon prime. The last thing he told me is really good so far on Apple. They are releasing episode every week. Just warning on the Midnight Library its can be little repetitive.
Sweet Dominic you’ve come a long way …and the news mummy sends us every time puts a happier smile on our face…You are a strong little boy and it won’t be long our continuous prayers and our Lord’s Blessings will send you in your family’s arms for good and never see hospitals and docs ever again…. My prayers cross over oceans and embrace you…
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Happy Birthday Isabelle ! Love the Birthday pictures posted 🎂🎈🎉. Wonderful Wonderful news for Dominic !!! Great to hear such a great uplifting report !!!!!! Love to all ❤️
That’s great news for Dominic, prayers daily for him, I have a dear friend, his little grandson is battling cancer too, he got to
come home from the hospital on Easter Sunday~~~you guys aren’t by yourselves in this fight. Happy 5th to Isabelle, I love when the kiddos lose there front baby teeth, so cute. Joseph is changing fast, looking more grown up. I’m not on Instagram either, hoping you will post recipes on FB. Take care, enjoyed the update.
Michelle, I am so happy to hear all the incredible good news about Dominic!! I will continue to keep him in my prayers. You children are so adorable and you can tell they are so happy! :) It brings a smile to my face. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! And thank you for all the great recipes! One day I am going to make that devils food cake. :)
So thankful to hear all the good news for Dominic! Will continue to pray for him and your dear family!
I was wondering if you will start posting recipes on your Facebook page again. I miss seeing them, and as I am not on instagram, I don’t see any of your posts except for this newsletter. I understand the time involved may not fit into your very busy schedule, but was curious.
Thanks for sharing your story! You are a wonderful example to so many.
Thank you for the update. Continued blessings to your family.
So thankful for your boy’s good news! If you get Apple — definitely recommend Shrinking for some laughs – be warned there’s some raunchiness & Ted Lasso + Long Way Up
What a roller coaster few weeks! So sorry Dominic had to endure the fevers during treatment (how stressful), but delighted with great news these treatments are working! Happy Birthday to Isabelle. So nice to hear you and your family had so much to celebrate and enjoy together.
So happy to read about Warrior Dominic’s medical successes. You are going to LOVE The Midnight Library. I would like to suggest another book for you, The Measure. It is a quick read. My fave chocolate cake recipe from Ina Garten is Beatty’s chocolate cake. It seems similar to the the devil’s food one. Continued prayers for Dominic.
So glad for your happy news! That fever sounds scary. I hope you try and take care of yourself! Sending all the positive thoughts to you and the family. Such a strong boy and mama!
Great News for your family!
Happy birthday to Isabelle!
My Granddaughter Mirabelle will be 5 this coming September. She’s growing up so fast!
Hugs all around – God Bless!
I tried Daisy Jones-book and show and couldn’t get into either one. However, I just started The Last Thing He Told Me on Apple and love it! I recommend the two months free and while you have it Watch Ted Lasso and Shrinking. I also loved the first season of Schmigadoon and Severence. There are so many good shows on Apple.
I pray for Dominic constantly. My daughter has been studying healthy alternatives to all sorts of illnesses. I heard recently that Lemons have cancer curing abilities. It’s in the white part. And it brought something up in my memory. Around many 2014, I was at a scrapbooking retreat and this woman had some form of cancer. She bought the Lemon Food Grade essential oil through Youngevity and put a few drops in her water every day. She said she was constantly drinking this as if her body just needed it. She no longer has cancer. I just felt I needed to share this because of all the pain this little boy has had to endure. God Bless
Such good noise about Dominic, sending love xx
I have heard of Killer Brownies! They originated in a local grocery store 5 minutes down the road from me here in Dayton OH.
So glad Dominic is on the mend. I’ve been praying for you all through this difficult time.
So happy to hear about Dominics improvements! Continued thoughts and prayers sent your family’s way <3
Praise God for this wonderful news and answers to so many prayers from so many. I’m overwhelmed with this news actually, and so incredibly happy for you and your family. We all love Dominic and your family and this news brought some very happy and thankful tears.
What a brave little boy Dominic is!Continued prayers for him and your family. Shrinking is really good on Apple TV. Daisy Jones and theSix gets better towards the end. Ijust found out the actress who plays Daisy is Lisa Marie Presleys daughter!!
So happy to hear positive news on Dominic Michelle 😊 continued prayers as always ❤️