Well, the trip to Warner Brothers was a big success! Zach felt great the entire time and had no issues with the travel. If we can get to another “stable” period during outpatient chemo, we might try another trip. Zach does have a low percentage of blasts (leukemia cells) in his blood today, but his ANC is up to 350+….decent count recovery for him. Tomorrow is another bone marrow aspiration procedure to see where we are. My hope and (dare I say?) expectation is that we’ve seen further retreat of his leukemia on Decitabine, as his blast % has been consistently lower, he has improved count recovery, and symptoms like headaches have virtually disappeared…however, the proof is always in the marrow. When mom asked Zach if the Warner Brothers trip was everything he expected, Zach replied “NO! It was more than I expected!”. Warner Brothers really pulled out all the stops for our family, giving us a private tour with one of their best tour guides of the entire studio grounds and the museum. Zach saw all of the sound stages where the Batman and other famous movies were filmed. Though no filming was occurring during our visit, we saw a number of sets including Mike & Molly and Conan. The kids really enjoyed the Warner Brothers museum, where they saw the original Batman and Superman costumes (including the villains!), as well as the Harry Potter costumes and characters. The museum was fantastic, and one thing was off the charts…they let the kids touch everything…something no one else was obviously allowed to do! Another highlight…the staff brought out something covered in a black hood and took the kids to a separate room for the unveiling of the real Batman mask worn by Christian Bale. Both Zach and Jake got to try on the mask and were so excited! It was very form/tight fitting, and for whatever reason, they had a very difficult time getting it on Jake’s big ole noggin. The Warner Brothers team also prepared a huge bag of toys and T-shirts for each child…the toys and T-shirts they chose for Lili were especially outstanding…super cute girly/sparkly Batman/Batgirl shirts and Batman (yes) Polly Pockets with Catwoman, Poison Ivy, etc. But, of course, the biggest surprise of all was the rides for the whole family in the Batmobile Tumbler. It was so special and rare that even the Warner Brothers employees lined the streets with their cameras, smiling and pointing. The kids were all dressed in costume most of the day, as Batman, Robin and Wonder Woman…the WB’s staff were thrilled to host such enthusiastic fans! A very fun and special day was had by all….like I’ve said before, the kids deserved it. They miss out on so much of normal life fighting leukemia, which is really a family disease! When other kids are in camp or outside playing or swimming, they may be in the hospital or clinic playing with brother. Stomach upset, nose tubes, medicines, platelet and blood infusions, bloody noses, sinus rinses….mom yelling to slow down due to “low platelets”…..all part of their “normal”. It was nice to have a normal and exceptionally fun day…many thanks to Sam Fischer and Warner Brothers Studios! Still no surrender, and Batman agrees. J
Posted on: Sun, 21 Jul 2013 20:16:28 +0000
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