Weekend in Brooklyn
Luca's doctors felt that a weekend at home would do us all some good. So on Saturday morning Ummo Fadi and Auntie Nujie, visiting from Buffalo, drove into the city to pick us up. Luca seemed excited to be back in his old room, and welcomed the chance to sleep without being poked and prodded every few hours. Allison from PS 372 stopped by to drop off some delicious home-made food, a nice break from all the hospital food and take-out. Thanks Allison!
Although it's been great to be back to normal life (sort of) for a couple days, we actually miss everyone at Sloan-Kettering. We'll be checking back in to the hospital on Tuesday morning for a bone marrow aspiration, and the start of the second cycle of chemotherapy. This will be a tough round, since he's only had a short 6-day break, but we have absolute faith that he'll fight through it.
Thank you so much to everyone for all of the positive comments and emails we've been receiving. We check them every day, and are always excited to read new messages. We also read them aloud to Luca, who can't wait to meet everyone in person.
Luca! even amidst this chaotic time, your mommy, daddy, aunts, and whole family have amazing sense of style and creativity! Just look how cute you look!
Hang in there, little guy. Everyone's routing for you! You'll feel better soon.
Posted by: Karen Hibbert | March 22, 2008 at 04:37 PM
Manal, Greg and Luca,
You all are so amazing! We know that Little Luca will get through this round of his treatment as he did the first....with the help of GOD'S healing hands and the prayers of all those around him. Not a minute of each day goes by without a prayer for you, my little man. Keep strong, Manal and Greg - he WILL do GREAT! GOD will guide you through the next few days.
Lots of Love,
Nabil, Irene, Rina and Tee
Posted by: Nabil, Irene, Rina and Tee | March 18, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Luca, Greg, and Manal,
May God continue to Bless you and help you get through this second round of chemo. Look ahead to being able to rest and relax in the comfort of your own home again, very soon!! You're in our constant thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Michelle, Alex and the kids.
P.S.--AJ wanted me to tell you that he prayed for Luca today at church school!!
Posted by: Michelle Cimino | March 18, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Manal, Greg, and Luca,
Your bravery and faith are an inspiration. Luca is a beautiful a strong little guy! We are keeping Luca, and your entire family in our prayers every day.
Posted by: Eric and Erica Toyama | March 18, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Manal, Greg & Luca
You have been in our thoughts and prayers since we received the news. Stay strong and love each other lots.
Luca- you are BEAUTIFUL,
Beth, Anthony & Ella
Posted by: Beth | March 18, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Hi Manal,
Its Jennifer, Manar's friend. We just heard and will do all that we can. You are in our thoughts and prayers sweetie. Try to enjoy him even though this is a tough tough place you're in. God Bless you all.
Love,
Jennifer,Jake and my children Emilia and Jacob.
Posted by: Jennifer Hafner | March 18, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Manel, Greg and Luca,
We are so happy to hear you had some time at home together- there is nothing like resting in the warmth of your own home. May God give you all the strength you will need to get through this second round. We are confident all will go just as well and hope you continue to know you are always in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Kelli, John and boys.
Posted by: Kelli and John and boys | March 18, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Dear Luca, Manal & Greg,
Kevin and I are thinking such positive thoughts for you all. Be strong Luca! Our love and well wishes are with you.
Emily and Kevin
Posted by: Emily Natoli and Kevin Burns | March 18, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Long time no speak since high school, but I heard your news from Sally. My belief in the power of the human body to heal itself with the love, support, and prayers of family and friends makes me think that little Lucas has all he needs to return to health. We all have to believe in his health beneath the challenge he is facing at the moment. I believe that the best cancer center in the world is just the place to unleash his true health, and assist his bodys abilitiy to regain it, that he has beneath the current condition.
Love, and Prayers of Health to little Lucas, and the family.
Maggie Soltyk
Posted by: maggie soltyk | March 18, 2008 at 02:43 AM
Luca Bear,
We are thinking of you every day buddy. Glad that you got to spend some time home in the comfort of Mommy, Daddy & Tata's arms. Wishing you all the best during this next round of treatment. We are here for you any time, all the time. Please do not hesitate to call. The boys buoght a gift for Luca in the mail tomorrow that he is sure to enjoy! Mommy & Daddy will enjoy it to!
Lots of Love & Prayers,
Andrew, Sally & The boys
Posted by: Sally, Drew, Christian & Cameron Aitchison | March 17, 2008 at 10:37 PM
We heard the news from Leigh and wanted to pass on our thoughts, prayers and best wishes. Luca is a beautiful boy (and looks so cute all wrapped up! He should be in an ad)! We look forward to meeting him in the very near future. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.
Noraan and Stephen
Posted by: Noraan and Stephen | March 17, 2008 at 09:04 PM
We are thinking of you and sending you much love! You are a strong boy and we are praying for you...
Love, The Morton Family
Posted by: Amy, Geoff, Jake & Katie Morton | March 17, 2008 at 08:44 PM
Luca,
We're thinking of you and wishing you the best. If there's anything we can do, just let us know! Our prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Maysa, Helga and Shukri
Posted by: Maysa, Helga, and Shukri | March 17, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Baby Luca,
You are one gorgeous hunk of a baby!!! We are thinking about you and are praying for you everyday.
Love,
Brian, Joanne, Alex & Alaina
Posted by: Brian, Joanne, Alexander & Alaina Craig | March 17, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Dear Luca, Manal & Greg,
Our best wishes and love to you all. May Luca get well very soon. God's strength and blessings be with you and your families.
Souri family
Posted by: The Souri Family | March 17, 2008 at 07:54 PM
Hi Luca baby!
I have been thinking about you a ton and am praying so hard for you and your next four days at Sloan!
Please say hello to Frank the candy man, your girlfriend Anastasia, and Lindsay at the front desk. Miss you guys like you wouldn't believe.
Nujoud, Fadi and your Godbrothers
Posted by: Nujoud | March 17, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Such a sweet boy! I'm glad you had some time at home.
Posted by: Shannon O'Brien | March 17, 2008 at 04:57 PM
Hi Luca!
I am so glad that you had some restful time at home with your mommy and daddy. You look so cute and cozy all wrapped up in your blankies! I am sure that your friends at the hospital will greet you with open arms on Tuesday. I bet they missed that sweet smile of yours!
We'll be thinking of you...
Adelle, Erik, and Mila
Posted by: adelle and erik | March 17, 2008 at 04:51 PM
I have so much faith that Mr. Luca will fight through this second round of chemo. He is a little fighter and I can't wait to see him again.
With Lots of Love for Luca,
Tee
Posted by: Tanya Allawh | March 17, 2008 at 04:37 PM