2014

I hear every now and then that people occasionally check Dillon's blog, so I thought I'd post a note.  Dillon just had all of his check ups again this week and he is still cancer-free!  He has been cancer-free for just over a year now.   Been almost two years since he was diagnosed.  
  He is in 9th grade - high school now.  This year he has really struggled, but we are getting things figured out academically.  He is doing some extensive testing to determine what accommodations he needs to be successful in school.  He is amazing!  He is so happy and loving.  Such a good heart.  I sure love him a lot and I cherish every second.

Gratitude

It's officially summer.  Spent the day yesterday poolside with some friends, watching our boys all swim, splash, and laugh.  So very grateful for so many gifts.  Dillon is doing great!  His balance is still a little off, but he makes the best of it.  Ike is adjusting to life in a family of survival.   My boys mowed the lawn last weekend.  Dillon is amazing.  To think of everything he's lost and everything he's gained......I guess we have all lost and gained over the past 16 months.   I am just so grateful for every person in our lives, for every moment with my boys, for every blessing I have.   There are gifts with tragedy.   

One year out

March 29th was the one year anniversary of Dillon's cancer diagnosis.  What a year it's been!  We just returned from his Make-a-Wish cruise to the Caribbean.  What a great time for everyone: Dillon, Ike, Spencer, Preston, Mom, Dad, Angie, Grandma &Grandpa Melle, Aunt Corliss, and Andrea!  A much needed vacation after such a rough year.   Dillon had a great time.  Norwegian cruise lines were so great to us, and made everything extra special for him.  We made friends with another Make-a-Wish kid and her family on the cruise.  So grateful for everyone in our lives who helped us through this year.  Thank you!

Life

Dillon graduated from a four-wheeled walker that he's been using to get around, to a cane today.  It's actually a forearm crutch, to give him a little more control but he's walking so great, he barely needs it.   He went to the middle school dance tonight - probably having a blast, acting like a normal 8th-grader.   He is even growing in some fuzzy hair - it's tiny, but it's there!  So great to get back into life again.

BEST.NEWS.EVER!

Dr. Bruggers declared Dillon to be Cancer-free!!!!
   Now he is done with the treatment phase of things, and we are just in the monitoring phase.  Hooray!
   He goes back next month for some blood work, then in 3 months for more scans and tests.   He's doing great in school, and he is stronger and more energetic every day.   
   Thank you to everyone for your continued prayers and support.  We couldn't have gotten through this year without you!