Friday Things #480
1. Joseph got his braces off this week! I couldn’t believe how much older he looked when he first got his braces, then he got them off, and, poof! He looked older again! They were on for about 14 months, and oh my gosh, the difference! They were on to close the gap between his two front teeth, and boy, they did the job. Now, the nighttime retainer.
2. This sweet girl has been living her best summer life. I can’t believe she’ll be in kindergarten in the fall. Time is a serious thief. I have no idea where her toddlerhood went!
3. As I mentioned last week, Dominic had a new scan and bone marrow biopsy on Friday. A couple of days ago, we got the final results from his oncologist in New York. The scan showed a slight decrease, while his bone marrow biopsy remained clear of disease. It shows some benign cells that were there in April, which can also light up on scans. His doctor believes this is likely the case.
The plan moving forward is for two more cycles of antibody immunotherapy, but this time WITHOUT the low-dose chemo, and then a battery of scans after that. His regular MIBG scan and bone marrow biopsy, along with a head MRI, chest/abdomen/pelvis CT, and a full body PET scan. If those scans confirm that what seems to be lighting up is dead disease, they will deem him ready to move on to maintenance, which would be enrolling in a neuroblastoma vaccine trial to help prevent relapse.
This was obviously incredibly good news to receive, but we don’t want to get too excited or ahead of ourselves because, well, you just never know. This has been such a roller coaster, but it is so encouraging to know that there may be a light at the end of the tunnel.
(He is also gracing the walls of Memorial Sloan Kettering and loves looking at his picture when we go!)
4. While we were away, I grabbed a bag of cheddar and sour cream Ruffles to eat with a sandwich. I haven’t had them in YEARS; they tasted exactly the same as I remembered, and they transported me back to my teenage years. Isn’t it crazy how a smell or taste can do that?!
5. I love these two snippets from recent James Clear newsletters about helping others:
And then this: “You help people when they need help, not when you are ready to help them.”
6. I haven’t made my favorite chewy, fudgy brownies in quite a while; I’m due!!
7. I love the mornings and always find myself most productive during that time >> How You Spend Your Morning Matters
8. Can’t wait to make a fresh batch of homemade pizza! >> An Italian Cook Taught Me 9 Secrets That Made My Homemade Pizza Insanely Better
9. Today Duke turns TEN!!!! Such a big birthday for our big guy! The kids have been SO excited counting down the days :)
10. TGIF! Wishing you a wonderful 4th of July holiday next week!
So very glad to watch up on how you and the kids are doing.. thanks for posting. Will keep Dominic I our prayers
I’ll keep praying for Dominic and family. Love the lesson about kindness. Happy Birthday Duke! Happy 4th of July!
Thank you for sharing your family with us! I look forward to your weekly blog posts and I am keeping all of you in my prayers. I have a close family member with an active cancer diagnosis currently so I know a little of the firsthand experience of scans and results and waiting for results and being happy, sad, nervous, cautiously optimistic, etc. You are doing a great job!
Michelle, We are keeping your beautiful family in our prayers. Special healing prayers for your Super Hero Dominic and his strong will for the days ahead🙏 May each day be filled with many blessings❣️
Love the new pictures of your precious 3❣️
Remaining cautiously optimistic with you, Michelle. Hope you enjoy the rest of the summer together!
Duke Is 10??? No way! I still remember when you got him.
Still praying for your family and wishing you the best.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Tell Dominic that all these people who he will never meet pray for him often!! And for your whole family going through this. He’s one brave little guy!! Have a great summer with your beautiful family Michelle! ☀️☀️☀️
Great news Dominic! Pray nightly for him and all your sweet family ❤️🙏🏻
Great news for Dominic and the whole family. He certainly has a fighting spirit. I know there must be days when that spirit is tested but please let him know he has so very many friends praying for him and cheering him on as he heads to the finish line of this very long race. There is lots of love and positivity coming his way each and every day.
Happy #10 to Duke. I remember the picture you posted after you picked him up at the breeder. He was handsome then and is naturally handsome now.
Finally, speaking of handsome…Joseph’s smile is priceless. He must be thrilled to be brace free and able to show off his special smile.
Have a wonderful 4th weekend.
We LOVE you, Dominic!
The BEST news I’ve heard ALL day! Dominic is such a trooper, and our family is so happy to hear things are looking up! He looks so happy and healthy in his pics! We just adore him!
May God bless him and keep him safe from ALL harm. May God Bless you, and your wonderful family, always! It’s just beautiful to witness the love and commitment of a mother, father, sister, and brother, who continue to persevere with such grace in everything you do, and all that you’ve all been going through with Dominic! There is nothing more inspiring than this!
Prayers that Jesus wraps HIS loving arms around Dominick. Best weekend wishes for you and your family.
Awesome news! Prayers continue!!!!❤️🙏
I’m cautiously optimistic regarding Dominic’s health. Fingers crossed! Joseph’s teeth look great. And Isabel sure is growing up so fast. Great family!
Have a happy & safe July 4th.
Hello little HERO…
Your progress puts a BIG smile on our face…our continuous prayers ARE answered and it don’t be long you’ll be home enjoying life with your beloved family.
DO keep that faith-We do for you!
Such great news about Dominic. He is looking great. Joseph has a great smile and so happy your sweet girl is enjoying her summer. Continued prayers for Dominic’s full recovery 🙏🙏❤️
Your kiddos are growing up fast, prayers every day for Dom. I hope you & hubby can get away just the two of you for a few hours, days, maybe a week end to forget the grind of living. Thanks for the pics & update.
This is wonderful news! I will keep praying for Dominic and your whole family. God bless you all
Happy Birthday Duke 🎈🎈🎈. Such amazing news about Dominic!!! Joseph you have a beautiful smile ! Your teeth look great 😊. Isabelle time does fly by ! You’re a kindergartner already ! Have a wonderful fun summer to the whole family 🥰
Dominic is in my prayers every night.
Oh Michelle, it has been such a ride for Dominic and your family. Keeping you all in prayer. Time does go by so quickly. Wishing you a happy 4th with your family and friends.
Praying for you family. What a roller coaster! God bless you all. The reports look good for Dominic.
Hi Michelle! Time certainly does fly by, especially when you are raising children. Sometimes it seems that you will be in “baby mode” forever with diapers, bottles and such, but you blink your eyes and they are getting on a school bus ready to start a new chapter. I continue to keep your precious Dominic in my prayers and also for you and your family to keep strong as you continue this journey. I hope you have a wonderful July 4th holiday and a wonderful summer!!
What wonderful news for this Friday! How exciting for Joseph -full beaming smile. (I do remember those days, for myself and my children) Hang in there with the retainer, Joseph. It’s the key to keeping all your efforts in place.😁
Great news and continued prayers for Dominic. Isabelle is becoming such a young lady…always sharing her charming smile.
Wishing you and your family a Fabulous Fourth—-rain or shine!