May 5, 2026

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When Marlon recovered from cancer the first time in 2022 and was set free, it seemed life could go back to normal.

This time around I expected it to be the same way.  Treatment is done, and check ups every three months.

Side effects from treatment linger. 

It has been several months that Marlon has been on steroids to help with the GVHD which has mostly affected his mouth. 

Not confirmed but another aspect of GVHD is limited hair growth.  Since being on steroids his hair continues to grow.  His mouth is somewhat better.  It is still sensitive with occasional sores.  Very limited tolerance for spice.  More than a little and he is in pain.

I have come to think that having a strong constitution means that his body is still concerned about the invading cells even though they have been integrated.

Not completely unexpected is sickness.  After having his immunity reset, it is not surprising that he catches most of what is going around.  We started with a nasty cold back in March.  Luckily, Marlon and his brother recovered amazingly well.  T and I were coughing and full of phlegm much longer.  Then the flu.  Barely over that and another cold.  Once again Marlon recovered much quicker than his parents.  And another cold.  Every little thing going around and he is catching it.  

After all this complaining though, he is well.  He gets sick but he recovers without serious difficulty.  He is physically strong, enjoying Jui Jitsu, badminton, long walks, and other various activities.  He is almost finished the school year and has a few trips planned for the summer.

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