Archive for January, 2009

Whoo Hoo - Cleared For Maintenance Phase!

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

Hi All,

Sorry for the long delay in posting an update for Moshe.

Moshe completed his last ‘Main’ chemo (where he stays in hospital) on 8 December last year. He then had blood tests 2 weeks later. TG he was told by the doctors that they are very happy with him and he can go on holiday until 7 January when he has to start his Maintenance Chemo and when he is due to have a major scan/MRI of the head/neck region to determine the success of the treatment thus far.

We hurriedly made arrangements to go to Port Elizabeth for 12 days, where Moshe together with the family had a wonderful time. It was the first time in months that he was allowed ro roam free and run and swim to his heart’s delight without the risk of contracting infections.

We returned for the scan and the beginning of his maintenance treatment on 7 January.

The maintenance phase of the chemo treatment is much easier to handle than the previous treatment so Moshe has to go to hospital one day a month for 8 months (only for the day), to have his maintenance chemo intravenously. He is also permitted to go back to school and resume his regular weekly programme
including music lessons and sport.  Moshe’s immunity will still be a bit low for the next year but BH with his fighting spirit he will stay strong.

We received the results of the scan the next day and to our enormous gratitude to Hashem we were informed that the scan has showed tremendous improvement and that the treatment, with G-d’s help, has done exactly what the doctors had intended it to do.

In other words, they are hoping for/expecting a full recovery for Moshe by the time he has finished the next 8 months of maintenance treatment.

Moshe B’H celebrated his 10th birthday at the ice-rink with friends. Last year he was not allowed to the ice rink or most other places for that matter. He had the time of his life.

He generally BH always has the time of his life in most things he does. It is a wonderful blessing. May Moshe grow to be old and grey and to be blessed with children and grandchildren who sparkle so beautifully like he does. May he take this piece of his life together with the his bright sparkle and grow to do great things. Forever. Amen.

As always Moshe is as upbeat as ever and has been a revelation to us in his beautiful ability to go with the flow and inspire all those who come into contact with him.

We thank Hashem for the beautiful news and pray that he will grant our son Moshe Yair ben Bayla Tanya a refuah shleimah (a full and complete recovery).

My we all have a strong, healthy and peaceful year.

We will continue postings as of now Bli Neder and once again thank everyone for their prayers and support of Moshe.

Love
The Altschuler family

Ezra, Jackie, Daniel, Benji, Moshe, Akiva and Levi

Lots of new photos!

Moshe’s energy takes him racing with his brothers… wow!

Moshe just chilling in the sea. Wonderful freedom again.

Building “sand castles” in the sun.

Moshe racing on his ice skates at 10th birthday.

Moshe turns 10!!!!!!!! Mazal Tov.

Moshe back to school.  What a brocha. He is over the moon to be back with all his friends EVERY day.

Moshe enjoying the visit from Margie from Bikkur Cholim who brought him some special gifts. What wonderful chesed surrounds us. Thank you.

Moshe and his cousin Thelma Altschuler. Giving each other chizzuk at the lab. The dreaded blood test. Moshe has a finger prick while Thelma has a needle in her arm. Yak! Such brave soldiers of Hashem.

Moshe in hospital having chemo. Feeling hungry again. New favorite Corner Cafe cheesecake. Yum.