Cleveland Clinic

Please forgive us for taking so long to update this blog. Many would like to know if their prayers have been answered and we have been lazy in keeping you informed. This blog has been therapeutic as a means for getting our thoughts, fears, concerns and praises out in the open. The blog has served as a way to communicate with our friends and family. I personally have had to tell myself that I'm not typing this to seek attention or sympathy. You want to know how things have progressed. Again, please accept our apology.

Of course, a lot has happened since Mic was in the hospital for his last dose of chemo. We were happy that once his counts started to come up, they came up quickly. The last blood draw showed everything in low but normal ranges. All except his white cell count. It was at 2.5 and should have been at 4. We are scheduled to visit Cleveland Clinic this Monday, Sept. 14th. They will look at Mic's test results and do a few tests of their own. It will be a long day, but necessary for us to know where to go from here. It will also serve as a second opinion.

After being released from the hospital, the following weekend was our son's 9th birthday. Unfortunately, Mic had to learn the hard way that his body is not tolerating chicken like it used to. In the past, it just took one Benadryl tablet and a half hour wait, to be able to eat chicken. (If you don't know, Mic is allergic to chicken, turkey and tuna. If he has any of these without taking Benadryl, he swells up and looks like he's been in a boxing ring.) Anyway, we ordered pizza and chicken for the party and Mic ended up on the bed waiting for his allergic reaction to pass. Unfortunately, he missed half the party. Isaiah was so busy with the bounce house and his friends that he didn't notice.

The next weekend we went to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where I had a leadership conference for Arbonne. Because Mic is a Vince Lombardi and Packers fan, he thought we should travel 9 hours to Green Bay as a family getaway. (I'm not complaining, it's just that 9 hours is a long time driving on a flat, straight highway. And Chicago traffic is no picnic!) Regardless, it was a change of scenery from the sterile hospital walls. We ate dinner at a renovated train station along the bay and visited an all-year around kiddie amusement park. Mic took the kids to Lambeau field, where they went on a guided tour and bought a new cheese head. (Our old one somehow got bite marks in it.)

A funny story that came out of that visit was when Mic took the kids to swim in the hotel pool. The kids LOVE the hot tub and their daddy decided to join them. As he walked to sit with the kids, he noticed that a couple was relaxing there. When he approached, he saw that the couple's eyes get wider and soon they exit the hot tub. It was later that he realized the pair saw the 4 scars on his chest from the catheters, and possibly thought they were 4 bullet wounds. Instead of recently being released from the hospital, they probably thought he was released from prison! I'm certain he got a kick out of it.

He went back to work full-time the 2nd week of August. Besides the heat in the building, it's been good to get back behind the wheel. From what I have learned, the staff and students at Woodridge H.S. have been glad to have him. I also understand that most are liking his new look. He's now sporting a shaved head (Oops! I almost said "bald") and go-tee (or is it go-tea? Or maybe goat-ee? I don't know, I've never had to spell THAT word before!) Anyway, he looks tough, which is important when you are the principal.

We had fun at Cedar Point this past Sunday, a gift from a family friend. It was such a beautiful day. We are amazed at Mic's stamina. He walked the park and never felt like he had to rest. We all complained that our "dogs" were tired, but he never became winded or short of breath. If you remember, those were the symptoms that put him in the hospital. And, he's even been mowing the entire lawn. . .yippee for me! (I'm just kidding, Sweetie! You know I don't mind the exercise.)

The kids and my Arbonne business have been keeping me busy. I will do my very best to update you in regards to our visit to Cleveland Clinic. It would be great to learn that he's in remission, but may be too soon to tell? Not sure how that works.

I'm sure you've heard enough. Oh, I wanted to add that I love his new mantra. After a long day, and he's feeling tired and a bit overwhelmed, he says out loud, "I'm too blessed to be stressed!" I think that would be a healthy mindset for us all.

Thank you for your continued love and support. You mean the world to us!

Warmly,
Wendy & Family