Bali Update

5 June

Good Morning Momoots and Pops,

Today we leave the Bukit region here at Jasmine's house and head to our second destination - a beach town north of here named Seminyak. This is the villa that I told you was the former pro surfer's who lives half of the year in California.  We will have the entire house to ourselves. I'm excited to see what this next place holds, but I'm sad to leave Jasmine's home.

Staying here at Jasmine's has been a dream.  Since last night was our last night here, we invited her family out to dinner and we went to a place she recommended at a beach called Jimbaran (about 20 minutes driving from the house).  It was a delightful experience!  You arrive to a parking lot that is super smokey and is part of a string of restaurants that are literally built right next to each other.  As you walk past the open-air kitchens you see about 15 chefs in front of huge fire pit bbq grills cooking fresh seafood. They cook the seafood inside of the husks of matured coconuts so that the fire doesn't burn the seafood, and it gives the food a wonderful taste.  This is the first time that I've ever seen this technique used and it's a good way of using the brown coconuts since they strip out that brown mesh-like inside and cook the seafood on that bed of coconut mesh.  

She then proceeded to walk us up to a glass pane where you select which seafood you would like them to prepare: fish, crab, lobster, squid and prawns.  We chose a good sized Pompano, as well as about 25 large prawns.  You're given a number and find a place to sit. The most exciting part was yet to come!  You walk through this sandy alleyway and then into a large bohio and just beyond the edge of the bohio you get to the beach where there are about 200-plus tables and hundreds of people all sitting in front of whichever "seafood grill" they have chosen to eat from.  While we waited for the waiters to clear our table, we walked down to the water's edge to admire the full moon. 

When we were leaving the house, the moon was bright red and rising just beyond the trees on Jasmine's property.  The last time I saw a red moon was in Coronado about 10 years ago.  Now, at 7:45 pm as we stood on the beach with the waves lapping at our toes, the moon was massive and yellow.  Next to us, there was a man and his wheeled rickshaw cooking delicious corn on his fire pit. The smell was like creamy corn...soooooo good! Jasmine's son (Zen) told me that I should wait and have the corn for dessert since it's a specialty here in Bali.  I decided to take his advice and wait until after dinner.  

Once we took our seats at a candle lit table, we chatted about surfing with Jasmine's 12 year old daughter who had been at the beach while we were there earlier in the day.  She was telling Hector all about the local spots.  Hector and I had talked about how it must be crazy to live on an island where you enjoy world-class surfing waves while going to school. We laughed about how we would have skipped school all the time to hang out at the beach if we had grown up here.  What a life these people live.

Soon, dinner came out and boy was it a feast!!!  To accompany our seafood, they served us a large portion of steamed white rice in a bamboo tub with a lid on it, as well as a spicy watercress salad. The watercress salad was just the right amount of spice to perfectly accompany the coconut smoked flavor of the fish & prawns. They also give you 4 tiny bowls with different sauces you can put onto the seafood if you like (a garlic and onion in a vinegar, a sweet soy sauce blend, and two picante sauces). Hector and I ate the seafood without any of the sauces because it was just so incredibly tasty. I've never eaten fish or prawns that have such an amazing bbq taste to them!!!  Dad would have loved it.(Pops, I've thought about you many times on this trip as we have eaten some of the best food I've ever tried in my life...and we've had some pretty good food on our travels around the world). After dinner, as promised, Zen ran down to the man with the corn and ordered 2 sweet corn on the cobs.  It was the perfect ending to dinner.  They apply a honey glaze and brush it on the hot husks.  It melts in your mouth. 

We then all walked up to the restaurant and washed our hands and headed back home. When we arrived back to the rooftop, I started up the tub that sits under the moon and stars and let it fill up to enjoy a moonlight tub.  We all smelled like marinated bbq smoke, so it was necessary to shower before crawling into bed and passing out.

I woke up early this morning before the sun rise and the full moon was still out.  Hector is writing and checking his emails now and we have both had our 2 cups of coffee and are heading out on scooters to our favorite breakfast joint down the road called Cafe Moka.  I think I will have a chocolate croissant with breakfast this morning!  Yummy.

Thinking of you and love you very, very much!!!!

Seminyak, here we come!

Besos,

Kelly (and Hector)  

The Honeymooners

It has been our fervent prayer that Kelly would resume a full, healthy and fruitful life, as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend and neighbor. Those prayers continue to be granted every day as she heals and strengthens and perseveres. Her marriage to Hector on April 7th is another step in that progression, and in that reaffirmation of life's blessings.

And now Kelly and Hector have flown off to their honeymoon/adventure in Bali. Flying east, it took nearly two days to get there (with a layover in Amsterdam for a scooter tour). We expect numerous updates during their travels and we would like to share their joys with you.

So hold onto your hats! Here we gooo......

3 June

Hola!!!

We woke up this morning (June 3) as the sun was rising and boy was the sunrise breathtaking. Yes, our internal clocks are totally off as jet lag is in full effect.  Hector started up the coffee while I walked out onto the grassy patio looking over the Indian ocean...the view takes your breath away.  Apparently, as we look across the ocean, Australia is in front of us, although it's very far.  It really blows me away to think that we are half way around the world.
Hector and I proceeded to take a seat under the cushioned pagoda on our grass rooftop terrace as we sipped on hot coffee and watched the sun begin its ascent, all the while hearing cocks crowing, cows mooing and birds taking flight across the ocean blue.  It surprised me that the breeze coming off of the ocean is actually very cool, so much so that all you have to do is keep the windows open and it keeps the apartment cool (just a tad warmer than Volcan, but cool like it is there during the day).  

The owner of the chateau brought up our breakfast a tad later and I picked our host's (Jasmine) brain about the best way to get around, where she recommended we should eat lunch and also asked her about getting a massage.  My back was killing me from 35 hours of sitting in those cramped seats on the airplane.  It just so happened that she had a massage lady who was downstairs giving her husband a massage and offered that this young lady could come up, so I had a massage for $10 and it blew all other massages out of the water.  They really know what they are doing.  You can actually feel the immediate effects of your blood circulating better throughout your body.

Our scooter arrived to the house around 11 am and you've gotta love it...it costs $15 to rent the scooter for 3 full days.  Now that we had wheels to get around, we hopped onto the scooter and headed out to have lunch at a place called "Warung Yeye" that was rustic but in a beautiful setting with lilly flowers all around us in water-filled pots, lanterns hanging from the trees and tropical plants around the patio.  We each had a delicious coconut shrimp soup and then we shared a plate full of marisco fried rice.  The rice was the tastiest I have ever eaten. You didn't have to add anything to it like soy sauce as you normally do to fried rice.

Hector and I laughed since you have to drive on the opposite side of the road than you do in Panama and most other places in the world.  People here drive even crazier than in Panama too!  You share the lane with cars, more scooters, pedestrians, motorcycles, all sorts of rigged motor vehicles that are transporting everything from food, ice, water bottles on ice, bamboo and even building blocks as they go along their merry way.  You can't help but have a permanent smile on your face and everyone is very kind and helpful.  As we were "scooting" around, hundreds of other locals, surfers, families of up to 4 people on their scooters passed us.  Most scooters are rigged with surf racks so surfers just place their surf boards on this rack and head to the beach.  

After lunch, we decided to venture around and headed to a world class surf spot called Padang Padang beach.  You can see the 2 surf breaks (a right and a left break) from a bridge that sits above the beach.  We pulled up our scooter to watch on this bridge, along with about 25 other scooters who were all just checking out the action. I couldn't believe the amazing and massive waves that were going off right there before my eyes.  Panamanians DREAM of waves like this, and it was just a typical day here, there isn't even a swell.  I don't know if it was due to the time we were there, but there were only about 10 people out surfing these mega-waves and Hector commented on how you never get to be on waves like that and not have to share it will a bunch of people.  We will go back tomorrow to enjoy a day at the beach.  It's one of the nearby beaches that is good for swimming as well as surfing, so both of us can enjoy. It's about 15 minutes on our scooter, so it isn't far and the drive is full of sites to see.

After watching the surf at P.P we then crossed the bridge and happened to come upon a surf board hanging from a tree with an arrow pointing to another world class surf spot called Dreamland.  It's mind blowing that the beaches are lined one after the other and each has a massive surf break that is even bigger than the one you've previously seen. It's times like this when I wish I at least knew the basics of surfing to get out there and see surfers catch waves.  Oh well, I will watch from the beach manana.

Bueno, after a long and exciting day I'm headed to the shower and then to bed.  I hope all is well with you!!!

Besos,

Kelly & Hector

ONE YEAR ON

A year ago our lives veered off in an uncertain direction. Uncertain, and full of risk and danger. Kelly was ill…seriously ill. A seizure, examinations, brain tumor (!), prayers, searching, choosing, prayers, travel, cancer (!!), surgery, prayers, recovery, therapies, waiting, clinging to hope, travels; the events and reactions too numerous and varied to detail. But one year on, Kelly's prognosis is excellent.

Kelly continues her work-a-day schedule, interrupted by those bi-monthly trips to NYC and by her 5-day chemo treatments. But she still manages to keep her office on the straight and narrow! That is, when school is in session. Between now and mid-January, we have nine - 9 -  National holidays. And, of course, Carnival Week  arrives in February and 40 days later we celebrate Holy Week. And don't forget the school's Jewish observances. Ahhhhh. Life in the tropics!

UPON REACHING ANOTHER MILESTONE

Kelly has now reached an important milestone – six months of home-based chemo therapy controlled by bi-monthly exams and consultations with her medical team at MSKCC in NYC. It is at this point that a decision about the course of future care and treatments must be made. So, last Friday she returned to MSKCC; first for an early morning MRI series and then we all crowded into an exam room once again for our usual discussion of Kelly’s care and treatment. Dr. Mellinghoff prepped us by casually announcing that the team radiologists only took a few minutes to review the MRI images, an indication that their analysis would be positive. And so it was! The entire medical team remains delighted by the lack of any reappearance of the tumor and by the complete absence of any other physical or psychological distress. In our hearts we know this to be a continuing miracle!

Dr. Ingo Mellinghoff and Dillon Clan

There is no obvious progression for Kelly’s treatment at this point – a clinically proven research result that might guide the team doctors. The lack of this “signpost” left us with a quandary – Where do we go from here?

We do two things: First, we start by investigating Kelly’s tumor for clues. A number of very thin samples of the tumor will be analyzed for the presence of a biological marker. The presence – or absence – of the marker will provide her medical team with a link to the results of a large research study that can guide the team in deciding upon the length of time to keep Kelly in treatment.

A very similar investigation was done at the outset of Kelly’s post-op treatment nearly nine months ago. Tumor samples were analyzed for the presence of a specific genetic marker. If Kelly had the marker, her post-op treatment would follow a more proven and effective route. But the marker was not present, and that guided the treatment regime chosen – a more aggressive one that she has been undergoing these many months.

Secondly, and by joint agreement, a decision was made to continue the identical chemo therapy for an additional two cycles (eight weeks) – same medication, same dosage, and same intervals – while the new clinical analysis is completed.

No other restrictions to her lifestyle are needed. Family and work re-take center stage in Kelly’s daily life, supported by her positive nature/convictions and faithful prayer.

29+1

KELLY!

Springtime in New York

“It couldn’t get any better than this. And you ARE getting better.” Those words from Dr. Mellinghoff on Friday morning confirmed the great good that hope, faith and courage can bring. The fervent prayers and heart-felt well wishes on Kelly’s behalf have continued to facilitate this miracle – a return from a yawning precipice.

Kelly, accompanied by Mom and Dad, returned to NYC late last week for her first scheduled examination and consultation with Dr. Mellinghoff, her neuro-oncologist at MSKCC, since leaving the city in mid-February. We settled into Sally’s apartment in Manhattan, making ourselves comfortable for an extended springtime weekend. And cousin Suzanne and her hubby, Ryan, came to town to lend their welcome support and enthusiasm. Ani was very disappointed that her commitments at Magen David Academy would not allow her to journey with us – and she is sorely missed! New York is her type of town.

First stop on Friday was to have an MRI taken of Kelly in preparation for her exam. The entire procedure and the time spent inside the tube threw Kelly back into a depression – reminding her of the discomfort and dislocations that this illness brings into your life. A quiet moment afterwards with Mom and some brightly colored tulips helped to stabilize her outlook going into her exam/consultation. (By the way, tulips are everywhere in full bloom and striking colors throughout Manhattan). Shortly, we were consulting with Dr. Mellinghoff’s nurse about Kelly’s recent physical and mental conditions, drug dosages and reactions, etc. as a prelude to meeting with the doctor. Kelly had, in fact, experienced a serious setback in her spiritual strength as she completed the second cycle of chemotherapy earlier this month, a challenge that she has only surmounted within the last few days. We had maintained contact with her MSKCC medical team during this episode, and they had been very effective despite the geographic separation.

Dr. Mellinghoff began his exam and consultation with a brief description of the “reading” of the day’s earlier MRI images by a team of radiologists, namely that it had been an easy and quick reading as there were no new specters within the images to give any alarm. No re-growth, no new shadows, nothing to be concerned about! He patiently showed us the library of past and current MRI images that have now been compiled, explaining the significance of key images and comparing images over time and type (either enhanced or radial). It was a very helpful tutorial and explanation, given in layman’s terms.

So it was the stated opinion of the radiologists and Dr. Mellinghoff’s own reading of the images that led to those very positive declarations that started this post. A short physical exam confirmed that Kelly’s neurological reactions remain excellent. A thorough discussion of her reactions to drug dosages led to a decision to reduce the dosage of Temodar in her next two cycles. Kelly’s return to work was also weighed, and it was decided that there was no impediment to her return and that the social interactions and her recommitment to the daily responsibilities of work and home could help to reduce her anxiety and depression, especially now that the Temodar would return to a dosage that was more acceptable to her body’s tolerance.

It was truly a Friday very full of promise and optimism.  We celebrated with hugs and tears, and the celebration continues – for every day brings joy. 

A wonderful spring morning greeted us as we awakened Saturday; a day to explore and discover. The five of us met at the Flea Market by Fort Greene in the heart of Brooklyn. Dozens of tents and open-air show spaces were jammed with an overwhelming menagerie: furniture, clothing, foods (sweet, sour and otherwise), ephemera, antiques, junkyard rejects, art, comics, books, and all manner of esoteric items. And, of course, the people-watching was half the fun. We left after several hours with only a brightly colored Haitian quilt – a demonstration of true self-control by the women in our group!

And how better to continue our celebration than by enjoying a cool afternoon’s baseball game from great left field line seats at the new Yankee Stadium. The Toronto Blue Jays did their best, but the Yankees won this second game of a three game series. A bit of home town glory was served up as Mariano Rivera “saved” the game for the Yanks (and the 567th save of his career). We hopped onto the #4 subway with a throng of rowdy fans for the trip back to Manhattan, with echoes of the game carrying us across (under) the East River.

Sunday bloomed brighter yet, affording us all a day full of sightseeing along with the throngs milling in mid-town and through Central Park. Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral was especially comforting for Mom and Dad, and candles were lit for Saint Jude (Kelly’s guardian) and St. Anthony (Nanny’s protector). Throughout the day we played out the essence of that famous tune:

These vagabond shoes

Are longing to stray 

And step around the heart of it

New York, New York.

But we still had things to do and places to go! Monday was jammed with appointments and tests for both Kelly and Mom. Kelly spent some crucial time with the chief MSKCC oncology therapist, a wonderful doctor from Texas, Jimmie Holland. Dr. Jimmie explained that her name is just an old Texan tradition where they give girl’s a boy’s name and vice-versa! Dr. Jimmie struck a positive note about Kelly’s ability to surmount the psychic ravages of the disease and she seconded the opinion of Dr. Mellinghoff that a return to work would be helpful. Mom, meanwhile, started tests and consultations with Dr. Dexter Sun, a neurologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery, for a nerve ailment that seems to originate in her back. Initial test results showed no nerve damage in the legs or arms and speculation that a pinched nerve somewhere in the spine may be the culprit. Those tests continue and we must patiently wait for the doctor’s analysis and recommendations.

Currently, we write this blog entry from our home in Atlanta, where we have stopped to rest on the way back to Panama. Springtime here has a different mantle, as the two cities are so different from one another. We are thankful that we took this trip with Kelly, as it has reinforced our conviction that her continued return to good health has encountered many blessings: wonderful medical facilities and physicians, very dear and dedicated friends and family, caring well-wishers from around the world, the most protective guardians, and a truly loving God in whom we trust.

Valentine’s Day

How’s this for a love story….

At Monday noon, a high-contrast MRI was performed at MSKCC immediately prior to our consultation with Dr. Ingo Mellinghoff, the team leader for Kelly’s therapy regime. Rabbi Goldwasser arrived at the appointed hour to join us for the “family” meeting (we always seem to overwhelm the nurses and they worry how we’re all going to fit into their small examination rooms!). During the ensuing consultation, the Doctor patiently laid out for us his judgment on Kelly’s post-therapy status and the plans for future treatment.

The Doctor expressed awe at the emotional and physical strengths Kelly has demonstrated/maintained throughout her ordeal. Then, giving credit to Dr. Stieg for an “excellent” resection (surgical removal) of the tumor, he reported that this latest MRI shows no growth or spreading of the cancer. When he later showed us the images, contrasted side-by-side with images of the MRI performed immediately after the operation, we were astonished! Kelly really does have a hole in her head (something we always suspected). A better prognosis could not have been hoped for; but more treatment is required.

Dr. Mellinghoff and Dr. Chan take no credit for Kelly’s successful therapy, but we know they deserve our warmest thanks for a job well done (Bien hecho, Doctores!). The Dillon Clan also has no doubt that the many interventions and recommendations of Rabbi Goldwasser on Kelly’s behalf are directly responsible for the successes that we have always been able to report in this blog. His is a very large heart and his faith in God is clear in all that he does for his “patients”.

The orally-administered chemo therapy will reinitiate after a month’s rest, and continue for at least six months. Working on a 28-day cycle, Kelly will take the Temodar capsule for five days consecutively and then rest for 23 days. This “cycle” will be repeated at least six times.  The Temodar dosage strengths during these cycles are several times more potent than the dosage that she has just completed. The Doctor placed no restrictions on her activities or diet, but recommended that she pay close attention to her body’s signals to reduce stress from work, physical activities and other daily responsibilities.

And, as icing on the cake, the Doctor gave his permission for Kelly to travel home as soon as she would like. A collective sigh of relief and a round of applause greeted this welcome pronouncement! Now how’s that for a Valentine’s Day full of love, courage, emotion, warmth, kindness and hope and faith! Why, every floor of the hospital facility was decorated throughout with hearts and festive colors to celebrate the day of love.

Tia Bea and Ernesto joined us later for dinner at the Glass House, when we raised a toast to them, Tio Kurt and Charlotte (who are away at work and school) for hosting our family these past four months (!) in the most comfortable of surroundings and in their genuinely kind and loving embrace.

Our mini-celebration continues tonight – we’re off to enjoy the Gypsy Kings in concert at Radio City Music Hall in Times Square. Packing of suitcases, bags and boxes continue at a furious pace. Mom and Kelly fly home on Friday; Dad and Ani return the cars and excess freight to our home in Atlanta and will return to Panama next Wednesday.

Thus comes to an end Act I of Kelly’s life-threatening ordeal. She will return to NYC at the end of April for another check-up and consultation with her team of doctors and her treatment may well be of a very long duration. We will continue to update this blog. But it is now clearly evident that the heart-felt prayers and intentions from Kelly’s family and friends have combined to create a miracle of recovery and renewed faith. A story of love and kindness written by each of you! Gracias a Dios y a todos ustedes!

Clan Dillon