Just got back the Day 90 (after transplant) genomic test and there continues to be no detectable leukemia in Sam's system. I mentioned it to Zack after camp today and he said "Isn't that what we expected?" 

And of course it is. What I told him is that it is what we expect, but every time we get back a zero result, I make sure to note how grateful I am that it's that way.

It's an amazing thing that both Zack and Sam just expect this outcome. I don't think it's something Kathy or I will ever take for granted, though. It's amazing, and was never assured.

Next up: testing to see how much function Sam's T-cells have -- we'll get early indications in the next week or so -- but that's the indicator for how well his new immune system is beginning to work. Our best guess is that he won't quite be able to start school in August with his class, but that he should be able to be there in September. 

Also next: Sam turns 18 next week! And so we get to re-execute all the consents, and we get to figure out how to circumvent all the incredibly helpful HIPAA restrictions so that we can continue to work on his health together. Working now on things like bank accounts and credit, and learning about his new car. :)

After that: we'll have another genomic scan for leukemia at the 6 month mark (end of September) and again at 9 months and 12 months. After that it'll start to spread out some. We're now down to 1 clinic visit per week, which is kind of shocking to us, lifestyle-wise, after being at the hospital at least every 3-4 days now for months.

And there's less to talk about, medically, each time. Sam does find new things to talk about though! Can he eat this or that? Can he do this with his friends? Can he do that? We're slowly starting to enter the world again; Sam is doing it in as 18-year-old a way he can. He makes them laugh every week. His Italian doctor says that they have a saying in Italy: "I offer my hand, you take my arm!" but she always laughs that Sam takes both her arms.

It's a good dynamic, and positive. He's still pretty much an indoor cat for awhile. Sun exposure can provoke GVHD, and exposure to fungi & viruses & bacteria can still trip him up. But feeling good each day. Making progress on schoolwork. Getting ready for senior year. 

Good stuff. LFG.