Cleared for Round Three

Just a quick posting to let you know that today's bloodwork and meeting with the oncologist only served to prove that Andrew is the healthiest person in our family! His platelet count is almost normal (up 30% from three weeks ago) and his white blood cell counts are off the charts (for chemo patients) as well.  The oncologist just had to laugh when Andrew talked about his biking, hiking and tennis activities.  Even I would have though he was bragging if this wasn't the normal way of life for our AJ. Now Andrew is cleared for the next round of chemo which will begin next week.
Even though Andrew is super strong and living a seemily "normal life" during this "sweet spot," I'm reminded of how we often felt living in Rwanda.  Yes, Rwanda is a beautiful country and the people are lovely.  But the history of the genocide is always right below the surface and it wouldn't take much - a conversation, a drive past an unusual "mound" in a field, a political speech - to bring it to consciousness.  The cancer never leaves us either.  Because of this we are especially grateful for everyone who swooped in to offer help on the new "lotsahelping hands" website that a friend set up for us. It seems weird to ask for meals in a "normal" day even as I know this new normal is not the old normal at all.  Thank you, thank you!