Wednesday, December 23, 2009

"M-A-X spells MAX!" says Max. A stem cell miracle? Who knows....



This is the week we're due to e-mail an update to Dr. Kurtzberg, the wonderful Duke University doctor who did Max's stem cell transplant in August. It's been four months, and while she said that if we were to see results they would happen at around the six-month mark, she wanted us to get in touch in December.

I haven't seen any major transformations in Max since the infusion other than his sudden passion for the color purple, not a known benefit. I feel like I've maybe seen some improvement in cognition and alertness, though it's impossible to say whether that's the stem cells doing their thing. It was always going to be a crap shoot: We'd never know whether Max's progress would be due to the stem cells, due to his own natural development, or a combination of both.

You know what?

I don't care.

I'll take whatever progress he makes, for whatever reason. I'm not concerned with the hows or the whys; all the proof I need is in his smile, in his eyes, and in the sound of his voice saying "M-A-X!"
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17 comments:

  1. ErinDecember 23, 2009 at 1:14 AM

    I can't get over how smart Max is! Thanks for sharing him with us, Ellen!

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  2. AmyDecember 23, 2009 at 1:19 AM

    OH, I watched this over and over! That child is beautiful!!! He sounds so much like Emma--but with more energy!! Emma is more breathless because she is less physically able!! Wow, this is very impressive!! GO MAX!!

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  3. FeliciaDecember 23, 2009 at 2:47 AM

    Max is such a clever, happy and handsome boy! And definitely alert and wired into the task at hand.

    Is he making the point with a PURPLE crayon? Tee hee!

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  4. Staying AfloatDecember 23, 2009 at 6:44 AM

    So glad to see that! And I can so relate to maybe seeing improvements but not knowing what to attribute them too. Because you want to just appreciate it all, but you also want to know if you should continue your course of treatment. I wish you success.

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  5. CandaceDecember 23, 2009 at 8:07 AM

    AMEN, Ellen! So stinkin' cute, he is!

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  6. Wherever HE Leads We'll GoDecember 23, 2009 at 8:19 AM

    Oh my word! He is so cute I cannot stand it! I LOVE that smile - he could melt your heart! Way to go Max! Keep it up! (did I use enough exclamation points? I think so!)

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  7. JaydeDecember 23, 2009 at 9:08 AM

    I agree that the cause is irrelevant The fact that he is doing great is all tha is important. Have a Merry Christmas!

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  8. Territory MomDecember 23, 2009 at 9:29 AM

    You have a Christmas miracle.

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  9. AndyDecember 23, 2009 at 10:43 AM

    Good work Max!

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  10. SharonDecember 23, 2009 at 12:40 PM

    Y-E-S!

    I love his smile!

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  11. Hopeful MotherDecember 23, 2009 at 1:34 PM

    M.A.X. is A.W.E.S.O.M.E!

    You have every reason to be proud of your little man.

    And, I love the purple crayon!!

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  12. pixiemamaDecember 23, 2009 at 4:48 PM

    Go M-A-X!

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  13. Jennifer OrtizDecember 23, 2009 at 5:28 PM

    Wonderful, just wonderful!

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  14. KatyDecember 23, 2009 at 10:44 PM

    I love it--Max is a true inspiration and so are you. Stem cells? Maybe. Taking a shot on your kid? Always worth it.

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  15. AnonymousDecember 24, 2009 at 4:06 PM

    His understanding is understanding is clearly evident!

    Barbara

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  16. MelanieDecember 24, 2009 at 7:25 PM

    We love watching the video and listening to Max spell his name!! Great job, and I love your purple crayon Max!

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  17. AnonymousDecember 28, 2009 at 11:15 PM

    I totally agree. It doesn't really matter where the improvements come from, so long as they come. The only way I see it mattering is to continue to do the "thing" that makes the difference. For right now, Yippeee Max!

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Thanks for sharing!