Thank you

Alan, Sheera and I want to thank you for all the wonderful, caring messages we have received. The family has been asked if there are any special places that we could suggest for donations in Seth’s memory. We offer the following suggestions:

Rhoads 7 Patient Comfort Fund,

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania,

3400 Spruce St

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Att: Debra Dearstyne

or

Congregation Ansche Chesed

251 West 100 St.

New York, NY 10025.

With love and strength

Mom

The Blog We did not Want to Write

This morning, Seth lost his battle with leukemia.  He died peacefully with no pain or discomfort.

The funeral will be on Monday December 24, 2007

Location:                      Plaza Community Chapel

                                      630 Amsterdam Ave (at West 91 Street)

Time:                           10 AM.

Phone:                          212 769 4400

 

We want to thank all of you for your constant, love caring and support throughout these past ten months.  You will always be in our hearts.

 

Alan, Sheera and Mom

UPDATE +86

On Thursday, Seth had a bone marrow biopsy done, in order for the doctors to see the progress that has occurred since the transplant.  Yesterday we received the results.  The news was a huge disappointment to us.  Rather devastating to be more exact.  Even with all the knowledge, skill and expertise that the medical staff has, there are times when they do not have the ability to change certain things.  We have now refocused our goals.  They are simple and clear…to keep Seth comfortable, safe and secure for his remaining time.  Alan and Sheera are here.  And so are Aunt BJ, Uncle Lenny, Aunt Maxine and Milton.  Seth is very weak and can hardly speak but seeing his closest family has brought a smile to his face.  We should all be proud of the courage Seth has shown, faced with this terrible news.

All of you have been so supportive, nurturing and caring.  You have given us the courage to fight the battle and all of us are so grateful for your constant love. We look forward to seeing your messages on the blog.

We will keep you posted

With strength and peace

Mom, Alan and Sheera

Day + 79

I can hardly believe that an entire week has past since I last got to the blog.  By the time, I got home, I was just too tired to sit down and write. It has been yet another challenging week, filled with a variety of “events” for Seth.  The new chemo protocol that he is taking has helped significantly to control some of the major GVHD problems. However, like all chemo drugs it does have serious side effects.  It makes him very tired as it suppresses some of his blood counts.  They are not at a dangerous level and are being monitored all the time.  As soon as this round of medication is completed, the numbers should bounce back. Seth has lost so much muscle strength, that the daily things we take for granted become so very difficult for him.  He knows that he has to work on this (and he is really trying) but needless to say it is so demoralizing and frustrating for him. 

I so wish that I could have a more positive posting for the blog. I am hopeful that will come soon.  Seth is determined to get through all of this and continues to fight on.

All of your comments give us support and strength.  We treasure them all.

Mom

Day + 72

It is really Sunday (73) but I have not yet gone to the hospital.  Here is the latest update on Seth.  The doctors have tried a new combination of drugs to try to get the GVHD under control.  It will take several days to see if this works.  They use the words drugs and medication but the reality is that is a form of chemo, not nearly as potent as he had before but never the less that is what it is.  Seth has taken it without any major side effects, except that he numbers have gone down a bit.  This was to be expected so we were not surprised but he has felt weaker from it.  The doctors told us it would take some time to see if this new combo of drugs works.  So we have to be patient but it is really difficult.

He is so grateful for the laptop as he can find ways to divert his thinking.  It is so hard to  find things to do when you do not have the strength to even pick up a phone to talk.  At times, we have truly amazing conversations about all sorts of things both trivial and important and other times the quiet of just having another person around  is the way to go.

I know Seth misses all of you and is looking forward to getting out of the hospital and being able to visit and see you, me too

With love and strength,

Mom