Thirty Days and Waiting

Hi everyone.   Yesterday went well, all considering.  Otto was able to get out in the morning for one last round of golf before heading in for his usual bone marrow biopsy and lumbar puncture.  He had a great time with everyone.   His procedures that afternoon went well.  There were no major hiccups and we are now awaiting the results which should come to us Friday afternoon.  If the bone marrow is disease free, then we are here for the chemo days.  If there is disease present in the marrow, then we will be in the hospital until his counts recover (anywhere between 25 to 30 plus days).  We are praying hard for no disease, but since the leukemia cutis is present, you never know.   Today starts Round 4 of chemo commencing this afternoon.  We are lucky in the sense that one treatment will happen during the daytime and the remaining treatments will occur when he is sleeping.  We think this is better from a mental standpoint. ...

This long journey we’ve been on has had so many twists and turns, surprises and shockers along the way. Today we have hit a bump, but it’s one we will get over. Otto found out that his leukemia has returned. Within his body, there have been some sleeper cells that have awaken. These cells have been rapidly dividing now leaving pockets under his skin.  Although this doesn’t change the meds involved his his next round of chemo, it does change the plan. Now he needs a bone marrow transplant.  More of the plan will be discussed as we move forward. Otto will be heading to Yale tomorrow to be admitted as well as have a bone marrow biopsy/lumbar puncture. The following day will be the start of Round 4. On a positive note, we also had testing that determined his lung infection has cleared up. When bad news appears, it’s soon followed by something good. It’s all about the balance. It’s upsetting to know that the cancer has returned, but we know we are going to get through this. ...

A warm hello to you all! Otto has been doing well. We are heading to Yale tomorrow for a repeat CT scan and an echocardiogram. We are also going to be hearing about his dermatology biopsy findings. We are praying that all will be good. Any news, however, will be greeted with strength and positivity. Please continue to pray for our fighter and family. So much love, Mark, Leigh, Otto, Tess and Lulu

Hi all.   So just a quick update.  We took Otto to the Clinic on Friday.  His numbers look great.  In addition, we brought up an issue we have noticed.  There seems to be some bumps that have been popping up on Otto's arms.  The dermatology team took a look and decided to biopsy them.  Those results will hopefully be back to us by Tuesday.    Tuesday will be a long day at Yale.  He will be going in for a follow up CT scan as well as a routine echocardiogram.  We need to determine that his lung infection is clearing up.  After all the results are in, we will discuss our next steps for this upcoming round of chemo.    Please keep us all in your prayers.  Your support means the world! Mark, Leigh, Otto, Tess, and Lulu

Today has been a great day.  Although it was raining outside, Otto was able to get out and enjoy the day.  We decided that due to his birthday being spent at Yale, that we would go on a little birthday shopping trip today.  Otto has been wanting to get some new golf attire.  We were able to find him some golf shoes, shorts and shirts.  He will definitely be ready for the course! We also had a wonderful phone call from our new friend from Make a Wish!  She, along with another friend from Yale, will be working together to help grant a wish for Otto.  Otto has a few ideas already, so we will need to wait and see if it's doable.  Thank you SO much to all of you out there who continue to pray for our guy.  Our family, friends and community are an amazing group of people.  Each day, Mark and I say how much our family is blessed!  Blessed to have been raised by our wonderful parents and extended family.  Blessed to have friends ...

Hi everyone,   Yesterday was a good day.  Otto was switched to a new antibiotic.  This one only needs to be administered once a day.  His body had no reaction to it and no fevers came with it.    Today, we were given the go ahead for being discharged.  We were all very excited to pack the car with our new meds in tow.  Our home health nurse will be coming to the house for the next few mornings to give Otto his IV antibiotic.  Then, we are scheduled to go to Yale on Friday to look at counts and discuss when Round 4 will happen.    Thanks so much to all of you for your prayers, love and help as we tried to work through this last week and half.  We are ever so thankful for family and friends! Mark, Leigh, Otto, Tess, and Lulu

It's been a wonderful weekend hearing about all the support that Otto has been receiving. Our friend Brendan O'Brien rode in the Closer to Free Ride here in New Haven. He rode one-hundred miles on Saturday. Whoa! That is impressive and he wore his Otto Strong shirt for the ride stopping by after the 8 hour ride to visit with Otto.    Our other friend Meg DeRidder hiked 26.2 miles in the Make-a-Wish Trailblaze Challenge at Bear Mountain in Tompkins Cove, NY. Another long and physically challenging show of support for Otto and a great cause. Make-A-Wish Traiblaze Challenge Thank you both for your wishes, thoughts, prayers and actions supporting Otto and others in their challenges. Leigh parents visited us this week also to celebrate Otto's birthday. Since they are 6 hours away in Rochester, it is always nice to have a chance to hang with them and especially to add more birthday cheer! Other good news is Otto's ANC levels are at 1,000 which is great! He has no fe...