Oopsies

That was a really long gap between posts.

But we were sick.  Nicholas and I got sick on the very same day with an upper respiratory illness.  He got better after a few days and I ended up in the ICU for a week.  Then Jonathan got sick and couldn't visit!  It's been a long recovery but I'm feeling more energetic each day.

I've also started up treatment again for my Lymphoma because a couple new spots appeared on my last scan (in late October).  I'm back on the antibody drug Brentuximab, which is an infusion every three weeks with very little side effects.  I've had two doses so far and am doing well :)

Nicholas got a green ribbon because he can now swim at least 6 feet on his own!

He really enjoys the carousel at Golden Gate Park

Trick or Treat!

Nicholas was his favorite superhero for Halloween, a fireman!  I crafted a fire truck out of a cardboard box which he gladly wore (and even added his own siren for effect!).  In the morning, we went trick or treating on Chestnut Street, where the local merchants line the sidewalks with bowls of candy and hundreds of toddlers march along gathering their goodies.  While the morning activity was certainly enough to fulfill any Halloween needs of a 2 year old, I wanted Nicholas to get the nighttime experience too.  So we went to nearby Sea Cliff and went to a dozen or so houses....most of which were on hills and had quite a few stairs, which is hard enough for a little kid, let alone one wearing a box!

Nicholas had the opportunity to show some real fireman his costume and he got scared!

`

 

Oh for Pete's Sake.

I had a scan last week which has revealed a couple new areas of disease in my chest and neck.  This is a real bummer.  I'll be going back on Brentuximab (aka SGN 35, Adcetris) infusions which I had prior to and post transplant.  I responded well to the drug after transplant before (my residual disease disappeared prior to the graft really completely taking effect), so there is no reason to think that won't happen again.  The infusions are every 3 weeks for about 45 minutes (which means about a 3 hour office visit), and the side effects are very minimal -- I'll probably experience some neuropathy (numbness) in my fingertips as I did before, and perhaps some fatigue, but that should be it.  I'm also being tapered off the immunosuppressant really quickly and am now totally off the steroid in order to allow the graft-vs-lymphoma effect to work to its fullest.

Life goes on.....

What We've Been Up To.....

Open House at Fire Station 34!

Visiting Nanny and Grandy's train park in AZ

Checking out Grandy's Mini Cooper.  "Why are there no doors back here?!"

Before....

After!

Like a fish in water....

Nicholas had an olympic moment in the pool today!  Check out our little fishy....

(he also had an olympic moment on the potty a couple days ago but I'll refrain from posting those pictures) 

Day +365

One year ago today, October 10th, I got my new immune system!  It's my 1st second birthday :)

Que Pasa, Calabasa?

NicStats

Nicholas had his 2 year old doctor's visit on Friday.  He is:
32 lbs (95%)
37 in (98%)

Not happy from the get-go......

Said "no" approximately 432 times during the 10 minute appointment....

Getting a pep talk from Cristina on all the things the doctor will look at.....

On a separate note, I received an email on Friday from a woman named Heather Von St. James.  Her daughter was 3 1/2 months old when she was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, a disease caused by asbestos exposure, which she was unknowingly exposed to as a child.  In honor of national Mesothelioma day last week, and as an inspiration to others, I've posted a link to her story here!

Crafty Shirt v. 3.0

I painted another shirt for Nicholas!

Nicholas is 2!

We celebrated Nicholas' 2nd birthday last weekend when family was in town for the walk!  There were lots of balloons, sugar, and presents!  His actual birthday is tomorrow, 9/21, but he "turned" two a month or so ago, when he started saying "no no no," having tantrums, and having an opinion on everything....

Same banner from last year, just a new number!

Cake by Susie Cakes, featuring Nicholas' favorite big red vehicle

Here's a great idea....wrapping paper as a table runner!  It actually covered most of the table, was attractive, and cheap!

I made Nic this festive fire truck shirt using freezer paper, sponge brushes, and fabric paint.  Super easy!

Watching all these weird adults singing to him :)

Check out the top right corner of the cake....Prior to blowing out the candle, Nicholas tried to take a chunk of cake with his hand.  I am sure he thought it wasn't real, after all, he's never seen such a thing!

Nicholas' big birthday gift from Grandy (who also happens to own a mini for grown-ups!).  He was in awe.  And even when it's just sitting in our garage, N loves to just open and close the doors and get in and out!

Nicholas gives baby Jamie a ride.....

Nicholas would also like to send a shout out to Miss Hannah Martin, whose birthday is 5 days after his.  Let's hear it for the two year olds!  :)