January 25

It's been a long time since I wrote a blog, but I've been very busy (and wiped at night!). My uncle passed away early Thursday morning. He was an incredible person, and we were very sad to see him go. The boys have some great memories of him - he was a big joker with them. I have incredible memories of him - you couldn't find a nicer guy - and am sure that I will always chuckle to myself when I think of my Uncle Cal. His funeral will be this weekend. David's niece is also getting married on Sunday, so we're trying to figure out the logistics for him to go to the wedding and the boys and I will stay with my family (although the boys will not attend the funeral) while my aunt and cousins begin sitting shiva.

This week has also had some good. On Sunday my best friend came from Spain for a visit, so I've been able to spend time with her. Eva, David, and I planned out our trip to Spain, and we are so excited!!!! I can't even tell you how much I miss her. Also, yesterday David's sister, Nurit, came in from Israel for the wedding and Yoni's bar-mitzvah. We are excited about having some time with her.

Jamey is doing much, much better. He wasn't able to start maintenance this week, though, because his counts were too low. We are hoping that he will begin on Monday. I will drop off a tube of blood at the clinic today to see how his counts are. On Wednesday, Jamey went back to school, although he was definitely not happy about going. He asked me if I could just teach him at home for the rest of the year. As much as I would love to do that, I don't particularly think it's in his (or my) best interest. In any event, it's been a bit easier every day at school for him. He has a new teacher, whom he seems to like and who seems very competent. Last week I had a meeting with his school about him coming back and I left feeling like they were really going to take care of him. I think he'll be fine once he gets into the swing of things.

This week the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society asked Jamey to be their honoree at the Jason Campbell Golf Tournament, which will raise money for the Society. Jamey was very happy to do it because he knows that their research has saved many lives, including his own. I was surprised when he agreed because he does not like to talk about his leukemia - I'm not even sure if he acknowledges that he has leukemia yet (I think there is still some denial in him about this whole thing). I have to send them a picture, and he even wants me to take one with his hat off because he thinks it will be better for the cause. That's a big deal because he always keeps his hat on (except when I'm putting whipped cream on his head!). The event will take place in April, so that is something else we have to look forward to.

This past week has also been a big one in leukemia research. They found what causes leukemia - a type of stem cell. The implications of this are huge, not in the least I would like to get Coby and Noah tested for the stem cell. Here is the article, if you are interested. It's short and extremely interesting. http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2008/117/5

I will try to update more regularly!!

At Home . . .

Well, we've been home for a little while, and it was definitely a good decision. Jamey is feeling better now that his body has had some time to recover. His blood counts are up a bit, and he has more energy. He's very happy staying home and learning with me. We've been very consistent -doing math every day for 1 - 2 hours and language arts for an hour. His science and social studies have suffered, but I don't have the curriculum for that so I haven't been able to cover it. He will definitely go back next week, though (to a new teacher because his left last week). Tomorrow I have a meeting with the school about how to catch him up and ease him in so he doesn't feel overwhelmed. He's almost caught up with the math, so I don't think it will be too bad for him, and he was so far above grade level for reading, that it is a non-issue. It's awesome, though, to see him feeling stronger.

Noah and I went to NY this weekend for our alone weekend. We had such a good time! My parents made sure to take great care of us. We saw my sister and nephew (he is so cute!), went to the Museum of Natural History, and then to a great restaurant (I've never eaten such a good artichoke). Noah really enjoyed a weekend where the focus was on him, with no talk of cancer. I also had a great time. A big THANK YOU to my parents for being so wonderful with us.

While Noah and I were in NY, David took Jamey and Coby to Richmond to Orly's house. They also had a great time with their cousins (how could they not?).

If Jamey continues to do better we will start maintenance next week. Things are definitely looking up!

Hard Times . . .

It's been a very difficult few days for Jamey. His ANC has dropped very low - it's down to 50 right now. When we talked with the doctor last Thursday, she told us that Jamey will probably not be able to go to school for a few weeks (at least not for full days and not consistently). David and I decided that we will keep him home until he has the energy (he has absolutely none) and the counts to go back. We're figuring 2 - 3 weeks. I went into work today and left Jamey home alone in the morning. David came home in the early afternoon (he was able to work from home). I felt so torn, though. While I was there, I really felt like I should be home taking care of Jamey. It's a terrible feeling - guilty no matter what (although mothers know this feeling well). I talked with my friend Monica while I was at work, and she reminded me that I was being ridiculous - that my place is here with Jamey and that the school will be fine. She totally understands what I'm going through because she's going through it with her mother. Anyway, after my conversation with her I told my principal that I will need to take the time off so I can be home and take care of Jamey. He was very supportive (as he has been throughout this ordeal). We really appreciate that. I can't imagine having to worry about my job on top of all of this. I feel pretty comfortable with this decision - Jamey is in pretty bad shape. He was pretty happy to be staying home.

We are hoping that a home teacher will come to work with Jamey while he is home. Meanwhile, I will work with him about 1 - 2 hours per day so he doesn't fall behind. The PPW was supposed to have this ready, but it wasn't. I feel like this has been a very contentious year with his school. I've spent more time and energy there . . . it makes me sad to think that his last year in elementary school will be so difficult. I hope the rest of the year will be better - once he's on maintenance.

Happy New Year!

We had a pretty good vacation, once Jamey came home from the hospital. We relaxed around the house for a couple of days, then went to visit my parents at their farm. It was so nice! We always have such a great time with them. We were back for the New Year because Jamey needed to get his Erwinia shot, and went to Michelle's for the night (the SIlverstones were there, too). We had a great time playing Trivial Pursuit (the WOMEN won) and eating a ton. I decided to put some whipped cream on Jamey's head. I don't think he's laughed that hard since May. Noah and Coby had a great time, too. They watched movies and played with their friends. It was one of the best New Year's evenings we've had. Coby and I spent a lot of New Year's Day with his karaoke machine (he is too cute!), while Noah spent a lot of the day reading and Jamey went to William's (and had a ball). Noah, Coby and I then watched the Michigan football game - pretty good game. David installed a new back door to the garage. What a guy!!

We will go on Monday to see a cardiologist about Jamey's low blood pressure. Today we saw an opthamologist about the orthostatic hypotension. His eyes are fine (phew . . .), although he does need new glasses. Friday and Sunday we go back for more chemo shots, then we're done for a week. After that it's MAINTENANCE!! Although I hear that maintenance is much easier than now, I also hear that it is not a piece of cake. I guess we'll see . . .