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.