All Is Well

I don't think I'll go quite that far, but I guess I can say a few things are well. Brianna will begin a CNA (certified nursing assistant) course later this month. She's put a lot of mileage on her new pink bicycle, and she's made Thai food for the family a couple of times from a cookbook she purchased. Today, she tried her hand at wonton soup with great success. And thanks to her, we've found that sliced cucumbers are a great addition to the wok when stir-frying, and that watermelon juice is delish.

I finally got my FISH analysis results from the big appointment with Dr. Byrd last Jan. According to his recommendations, I should be heading off for a stem cell transplant in the next little while since it showed I do indeed have the 17p deletion. I'll meet with the local guy to discuss it in the fall. Allogeneic SCT's aren't offered in this state. I'd have to relocate to a willing victim's home for several months, most likely with my sister Julie in Utah. Jordan's patience and courage are definitely an example to me, but there are other considerations. Right now, it's all we can do to cope with Jordan's too-soon journey to what feels like a very distant land.
5/7/09: I decided some time ago that there will be no SCT for this CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia).
We made a trip to WA in June, visiting with Dan's brother and sisters, and Ethan and Missy, and families. Bittersweet...we had wanted to go much earlier, for other reasons. Still and all, we're grateful to have been there. Family relationships are worth traveling, writing, phoning, emailing, and doing whatever it takes (maybe even forgiving and overlooking), to preserve! (In most circumstances, that is.)

Better than a visit from St. Nick, was last week's visit from Julie, Liz, and adorable nieces, Erin and Lily.