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                                      

Lucky #30

Hello wonderful people :)

  Yesterday may have been the 7th day of February, but today is the 30th day of Kelly's treatment cycle (yippee!)...we are @ MSKCC waiting for her to be called into her FINAL TREATMENT! So, I think what I am trying to say is that yesterday may have been powered by the luckiest number, but today just feels 17% luckier.  And to top it off, it looks like it is going to be a sunny day.  This calls for a delicious brunch in celebration of her strength and many victories over the past 4 months! Mimosas and Bloody Mary's anyone?! 

Today, Dr. Chan (Radiologist) will see Kelly for a final visit.  Next Monday, February 14th, we will meet with Dr. Melinghoff (Chemotherapist/ Head of Oncology team) to find out what the next steps are; future appointments, MRI's, etc. 


Thank you all for your love and support through out every step of the way...it is truly priceless.

Keep up the PMA and prayers


XOXO
Kelly and Ani

Lucky #7

Bueno amigos, Kelly has SEVEN treatments left! She continues to feel good and suffer from no side-effects...other than fatigue and some hair-loss.  She requires a good long nap every afternoon from around 1-5pm, so we try to do things around the city before nap time. Her treatments this past week were at 9:15 every morning, so by the time we would leave MSKCC we would have about 3hrs to wander around the hood.  Hector left back to Panama last Sunday (1/23/11), so I am now staying with Kelly in NYC from M-F.  On Fridays we hop on a train from Grand Central to Beacon and spend the weekend with Mami here in Mountainville.  

Since there isn't very much to report to you guys, I thought I would share some photos from this past week...backwards, starting from Friday!

K playing solitaire on the train.

Looking out the window as we rode along side the Hudson River.

Another delicious smoothie made by me :) for my hermana...jeje!
Fridays smoothie was composed of:
1 cup of blueberries, 1 cup of pomegranate,  2 cups of spinach, 1/2 cup of plain kefir, 4tbs of flax oil, 4tbs of wheat germ, and 4tbs of raw oats
...simply delicious!

I am so glad we take the train...I would not be a happy camper if I had to dig my car out from underneath a few feet of snow every morning.

Bye-bye NYC, Mountainville here we come!

It's thundersnowing! 

Give or take 16 inches of snow covering everything when we woke up Thursday morning.  All week long the sound of snow shovels scraping the concrete could be heard throughout the city...by Thursday, the side of the roads were piled so high with snow that the Mini-Coopers and other small cars were completely covered! 

On Wednesday Kelly and I walked as fast as we could to Alice's Tea Cup for breakfast and a pot of HOT tea! At this point I have lost track of how many times it has snowed since winter began...we are so OVER winter coats, layering clothing, and boots! Time to get into our bikini's and build up callus on our feet...we want PANAMA!!

Mmmm! So, this is heaven in a bowl.
Fresh berries, yogurt, & tea-infused granola!
Talk about a purrrr-fect way to start your day...we love love love Alice's Tea Cup.

After we filled our bellies and warmed up our bodies at Alice's Tea Cup, Kelly and I decided to pass a few hours browsing around Bloomingdales...we ended up spending the majority of it getting free mud masks and makeovers by Borghese :)

Tea for two!

Enjoying breakfast with my beautiful sister @ Le Pain Quotidien Tuesday morning.  She looks stoked ah?! Mira esa sonrisa :) That smile is a product of good breads and spreads...and me!? jeje...

On Monday when we woke up to come into the city from Mountainville, it was -4 degrees! Talk about COLD...once Kelly finished her treatment, we walked a few blocks to Asia Grill for lunch, and by the time we made it in the door, my buttocks was frozen! Seriously, NOT cool!

Have you ever seen an emerald pixie?!
Now you have!

Mami cutting Kelly's hair last saturday...now she's cuter than a bunny rabbit! 

H watching K's transformation from mod-bob to pixie...check out his Ace Ventura morning hair!  LOL

Dropping K & H off at the train station in Beacon last week...Hector is now back in Panama, barefoot & wearing t-shirts and shorts! Arghhh! ;)

The Beacon train station is behind me, but this is the pier that goes out into the river, which is currently covered in snow and ice!

Snow turned to ice last week after a day of rain...all the branches were covered by a layer of sharp ice.  It was truly beautiful, we have never seen something like it before.

Ciao!
XOXO

Love Those Locks

Hola amigos,

Sorry for being M.I.A! I can't believe its been over two weeks since our last entry. It seems like a lot has happened since the new year began...hope you are all healthy and happy!

Kelly is in great spirits and feeling just as strong as she did before treatments began. 

This past week has been an especially wonderful one for Kelly being that Yoela, Ella Mia and Rob came to visit us in NY! Yoela (Kelly's best friend since forever) and her family stayed in an apartment just a few blocks down the street from Kelly and Hector in NYC, so the 5 Panameños enjoyed the week doing everything from walking through snowy Central Park, visiting to the Natural History Museum, and enjoying a yummy meal at Serendipity!  On friday they all hopped on a train and came up to the glass house in Mountainville, where Mom and I continue to stay.  Yoela and Rob have never experienced this much snow, so they are stoked! And of course, this is Ella Mia's 1st snow ever! Today we took them to the organic market for a delicious breakfast and some hot apple cider, followed by few hours of sledding down the slope here next to the house.  Then, at about 4pm, Kelly and Yoela said goodbye to their long hair...

Both girls braided their hair before mom took the scissors to their ponytails and cut them off!  As you can see, they look beautiful! Kelly's braid measured in at a whopping 16 inches, and Yoela's measured in at exactly 10 inches.  Both of them plan on donating their hair to Locks of Love.  Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.... 

On a side note...
As Mami & I were falling asleep last night, we started to think about time...don't worry, I am not going to get all philosophical on you guys. But I am going to let you in on what our math skills brought to our attention:

This past Thursday Jan.13, 2011, marked the 80th day since Kelly's tumor was removed. Can you believe its already been that long? We can't believe there was even an operation to begin with!

Today, Saturday Jan. 15, 2011, marks the 100th day since Kelly's seizure. 101 days ago, we celebrated my 24th birthday, and never in our wildest dreams knew what lied ahead of us starting the very next day.

Tomorrow, Sunday Jan. 16, 2011, will be our 90th day in the USA.

This coming Tuesday Jan.18, 2011, marks the 100th day since Kelly was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Craziness...but you know what? That egg is out of her head, and she is braver than ever!