Hi Family and Friends!

As I have reached the halfway point of my first "off" month from chemo, I wanted to give an update on my progress and how I’m adjusting to life as a leukemia survivor. All things considered, I’m doing very well. I resume my daily chemo (Arsenic) regimen on August 25 for my 2nd 4-week round.

While I’ve been “off” chemo, both my body and brain have started firing on more cylinders again. I still have to avoid crowds, watch what I eat and drink, and maintain a restricted diet — but many of my numbers (white blood cells, hematocrit, platelets) are finally registering in the "normal" range often. That’s a pretty big milestone!

 
What have I been up to during my chemo-free month?

 
Today, my Physical Therapist said it’s time to crank up the workouts. My balance and mobility have improved a ton — I even kicked my walker to the curb a few weeks ago (don’t worry, it didn’t roll away too far). One of my goals is to get back on the tennis courts soon to see what I can handle physically. Every day off treatment, I feel a little stronger, and that’s incredibly encouraging.

The one stubborn issue? My vision. I’m hoping my optometrist visit this week will fix that — ideally with contacts that let me see normal print again. Right now, my phone text is so big it takes me three swipes just to read a single sentence, and my computer’s zoomed in to 150% so I can tell the “O” from the “Q.” Easing back into work is not even an option until I can see properly again. Unfortunately, there's no way of knowing if this change in my near-sightedness is the result of strokes or treatment medicines.

In two weeks, I see a neurologist and will hopefully get clearance to drive again (on a limited basis). My mornings are much better now — I’m waking up and getting going more quickly — but I’m reminding myself to pace things.

At home, Alli and Darrah are doing great as life slowly normalizes. I’m still not driving, so that’s on Alli, but I have been able to help with meals when the meal train isn’t already delivering something delicious. Huge shoutout to all our amazing friends who’ve kept us fed — it makes such a difference.

I’ve also been able to do house chores, take Duke for walks, and keep things in order. Darrah just started 7th grade last week, so we’re officially back in “school mode,” which means mornings are lively (and by lively, I mean slightly chaotic).

That's about all for now! Thanks for continuing to check in and cheer us on!  It would be hard to be positive during this battle without everyone's love and support! 
Jonathan, Alli, Darrah and Duke!