Matthew's Updates

Kathryn (7), Matthew (11) & Michael (13) November 2007


Welcome to Matthew's Update page. We hope it will help keep our friends and family updated on Matty's progress. Matthew was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogeneous Leukemia (CML) December 21, 2002. Presently, the only proven potential cure for CML is an Allogeneic, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (aka Bone Marrow Transplant). Matthew received his transplant at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington on March 24, 2003. His donor is his big brother Michael.

Journal

Tuesday, April 1, 2008 3:55 PM CDT

How lame am I? A year since an update? Pathetic.

I think this will be my final update to this journal. As Matthew is getting older and with things so stable, I think it's a good time stop. As Mark always says, "Let's end it on a high note."

Things are going well for Matt. We just passed his five year anniversary from his transplant and have once again been blessed with good PCR results from his blood work that was tested in Seattle. No sign of Leukemia. We'll probably continue the testing once every 6 months from now until ???. He still sees a slew of different doctors who keep an eye on things, but it's all very manageable. He is doing SUPER in school (95% average - Principal's List) and is playing lacrosse with our youth club here in Northport.

In March, Mark, Mike and Matt all shaved for the St. Baldrick's Foundation. Here is the link to thier page where donations are still gratefully accepted and before and after pictures are up.

http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/shavee_info.html?ParticipantKey=2008|22207

This is the fourth year in a row the boys have shaved and we are so very proud of them. They have made a choice to give up a part of themselves, their hair, in support of the tens of thousands of children who lose their hair because they have NO choice...no choice but to fight for their life against cancer and watch their hair disappear. Their willingness to be shaved, along with the generous donations they collected will help the St. Baldrick's Foundation one day reach its goal - to put an end to all childhood cancers.

Kate and Mike are also doing great in school and with their sports and activities. It's all just flying by and there isn't anything I can do to slow it down. I guess I'll just sit back and enjoy the ride!!

Take care and thanks for checking in on us one last time!

Krista

Links:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AZMWbZm3atGKu   SEATTLE PHOTOS March - June 2003
http://www.nbmtlink.org/rg.asp   About Bone Marrow Transplants
http://leukemia-lymphoma.org   The Leukemia - Lymphoma Society

E-mail Author: bolandm@optonline.net

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