It has been 3 years since Max got his brand new cells!

I think the magnitude of this miracle is best shown in pictures.

Transplant Day. 8/20/2009

                                                                    1 year post transplant.

2 years post transplant. 8/20/2011

Thank G-d! This is 3 years post transplant! 8/20/2012

Almost three years since the transplant!

I can't believe it has now been 7 months since I have updated this blog. I apologize to everyone reading and to everyone that gave up and is no longer reading. I understand.
We've gotten so used to our almost perfectly normal happy lives that I've lost track of the blog and even new MPS drugs. I guess I've gotten comfortable.
Max is doing well so far. We've tested his engraftment level monthly and the most recent result was 11%. His MRI and MRS has shown normal brain. We have some appointments coming up on September like ophthalmology since Max's right eye looks a little lazy sometimes when he relaxes. We also have ortho coming up and a visit with Doctor D. So far, thank G-d, no serious bone issues or brain issues although I am a little concerned about the ophthalmology visit and Max's eye health.
Max loves school and went to summer camp this year and loved all of the awesome field trips. I have been busy working and so has Roman. I guess this is pretty much what we were hoping for! Thank G-d!

Updating for the last few months.

Oookay. I didn't even realize so much time has flown by since my last update. We have been a little busier than usual around here but all has been very well, thank G-d.

First of all, Max is doing just fine! He is loving daycare, and I can't even count the words he is using. He regularly speaks in full sentences, but sometimes it's hard to understand his pronunciation. It should also be noted that very little of his speech is in Russian, but that was to be expected when we sent him to daycare. He loves going all day and learned all of his colors. We are now working on learning to count. Potty training is not even a little bit fun. It seems he knows what is going on, but refuses to tell me. At one point we had the potty in the living room and so Max can sit on the potty and not interrupt his play. He made it in almost every time. Then I got tired of him pooping in my living room, and he refuses to tell me and go to the bathroom, so we're not sure how to proceed from here. Buying him nice underwear with cars on it didn't work.

As far as medical stuff is concerned, Max's engraftment was 10% from December 30th. Since we're testing it only monthly, the number in November was 11%. In October, we tested twice and the first time was 7% and then went up to 11% (I think, or maybe 10?). I'm pretty happy with it, if it stays this way.

Max had his second MRS/MRI and there was no change from the first one! So we are still clear as of October. We'll probably test again in April and hopefully there will still be no change.

The biggest reason for why we have been so busy is that I got a job! It is really nice to be working again. It is really nice to wear nice pants and nice shoes and a nice sweater and not worry about anyone smearing yogurt all over me. It is also really nice to talk to adults! But, and there's always a but, I miss hanging out with Max. I guess this is what everyone goes through, and I have to say that working full time is 1000 times better than being a stay at home mom full time. Maybe someday I'll be able to work 30 hours a week, which will probably be better, but I don't really know.

So, thank G-d, we are doing ok. Thank you for keeping up with us and enjoy the pictures!