August 08, 2010
Michael’s numbers were high enough toward the end of July, so the doctors cleared the family to spend the last 12 days at their family beach house in Galveston. They had a wonderful trip. It was a magical time for Michael and by far the best family vacation the Malones have had in a long time. They would like to thank all of their dear friends from Dallas, Houston and Austin who made the trip to the beach to spend time with them and make it so very special.
Michael is felling well, though he gets tired occasionally, as his numbers have not fully recovered from transplant. Overall, he is full of laughter and energy and fun as always!
Alison and Mike had good, productive meetings with both Texas Children’s Hospital and M.D. Anderson in Houston with pediatric oncologists who specialize in neuroblastoma to discuss the next step in Michael’s treatment. They will be meeting with radiation oncologists on Monday and Tuesday this coming week at both hospitals and have sent Michael’s latest scans to a neuroblastoma specialist in Michigan. The next phase of treatment will depend on these discussions and input, but the family feels fairly certain that Michael will begin radiation at M.D. Anderson in Houston as soon as possible. Beginning Monday, August 9th, Michael and Alison plan to be in Houston for three weeks, and will hopefully be able to come home most weekends.
As always, Alison has access to email and will have her cell phone with her while she is traveling back and forth from Dallas to Houston. Please also feel free to contact me at 214.683.8511 or this email address at any time – it is my pleasure to help the family with communications.
PRAYER REQUEST: Guidance for the family and doctors as they make decisions for treatment. Encouragement for Alison and Michael as they will be traveling and away from Emmy and Mike over the next three weeks. Strength for Michael as he undergoes radiation. Healing and a cure!
Blessings,
Evelyn Costolo