Hodgkins, Here’s Your Eviction Notice

Last Tuesday morning, Ryan’s doctor reported to us the results of his PET scan and CT scan, and it was great news!  He has seen a reduction of active lymphoma by 66%.  Signs of disease in his spleen and his pelvis have disappeared, and while there is still active lymphoma in his chest, they have a plan to treat that.

Equally as important, we had the most outstanding guests here in Paris with us last week - Ryan’s brother Blaise stayed for 8 days, and my brother Dan (Uncle Dan) and his wife Kait (Aunt Kait) overlapped their visit with Blaise’s during the Easter weekend.  We had the BEST TIME.  I’d love to describe all the fun things we did, but in the interest of space, let’s summarize by saying that Blaise and I ascended the Eiffel Tower TWICE, making it my 8th time and Blaise’s 6th.  That’s a little ridiculous, we realize.  But come on, it’s The Eiffel.  Anyway, pictures say it all, so here you go.

Blaise, Bunnies, and The Eiffel - Can you take a better Selfie than that??

Braille's Grave, in Braille

Brothers in Paris

Ryan, Dan, and Blaise in Montmartre, Paris 18eme

Kait and Dan at Miznon in the Marais

Belgium Colors on The Eiffel Tower

Marie Curie's Grave at The Pantheon, Paris

Ryan, Me, and Blaise at Notre Dame, Good Friday, Paris 2016

Miznon Paris, because it's darn delicious Jewish food. and it's Easter.

Blaise and The Eiffel

Blaise and Ryan on the Rue Mouffetard in the Latin Quarter, Paris

Ryan, Dan and Me at the Louvre, Paris 2016

Today, Ryan started his second week of his 3rd cycle of chemo.  His CT and PET scans are already scheduled for May, after his 4th chemo cycle concludes, and those results will tell us where we are and what’s to come.  We expect we’ll officially hand cancer its eviction notice at that point:  "Au revoir, Hodgkins, you have 2 more months to find new accommodations and vacate the premises."

As always, thanks to our friends (and that includes people we barely know at all), who have been so generous with their time, for stepping up to do SO MANY HELPFUL THINGS.  Your support is truly appreciated, and it does make a difference!

Special Delivery Kudos for this week go to The Bestie (who has a name, by the way, and it’s Gina) and her family, who sent Rocky souvenirs from 9th Street, including the one and only magnet that I would EVER put on my refrigerator.  Also Special Delivery Kudos this week to The Bestie’s friend Cathy, a breast cancer survivor who lovingly knitted a black beanie cap for Ryan exactly like the one Rocky wore in his movies.  Thank you so much, both of you, and everyone, for your love and support!

And PS - Woooooooo Hoooooooooo Villanova!!!!!! :)