Kelly underwent a bone marrow aspiration on Friday, which confirmed that her leukemia has returned. There is some good news - it is the same leukemia it has always been (A.L.L.) so it has not mutated and they know how her body and this leukemia have typically responded to chemo and/or a transplant. It also seems they have caught it relatively early. Her blood counts were fairly good as of Friday; however, throughout the weekend they have begun to show signs that the cancer is on the move.
The other good news is that her docter at Children's Hospital is very optomistic that she has another shot with chemo. He hasn't yet consulted with her doctor at the Fred Hutch, Dr. Sanders, yet, and she may have something entirely different in mind. We are still unsure how they will proceed. For now, they are (attempting to) manage Kelly's pain. She is having frequent, intense headaches, most likely from a spinal tap done on Friday, and has spiked fevers as high as 105 degrees, so they don't see an end to her hospital stay anytime soon.
The disappointing and overwhelming news is the possible time frame for their stay. Her doctor at Children's estimated they may need to be here for up to a year. This is not set in stone because as I said before, he has not consulted with her Hutch doctor and no solid plan of action has been presented or decided upon at this point. But I think more likely than not it will be a longer stay than they would hope, which means hard decisions about jobs, housing, transportation, schooling for Molly and Rose...the list goes on and on. Please pray for them - above all that the Lord would give them clarity in wisdom as they are faced with these choices.
Don, Molly and Rose are settling into the Ronald McDonald House. They had a good Christmas dinner there yesterday and were spoiled a bit by some generous people there. Even so, it is unimaginably hard for them. Specifically, for Molly, a high school freshman, to be uprooted from friends, drivers ed, choir, all the things a normal 15 year old enjoys. And for Rosie, to leave her sweet little dog Gidgi back in Montana...they are inseparable and I know she misses her constant companion.
Travis, Gavin and I are thankful that we are in the area and can be here to support my family. Gavin is an adorable and perfect distraction during this hard time. He gave his grandma a big kiss right on the lips on Christmas Eve and it brought her to tears. I am thankful that he is around to make everyone laugh. He's quite the entertainer now that he is toddling around and chattering.
Things to specifically pray about:
- Kelly's health - that she would have relief from the pain and fevers would go down so she can be released from the hospital
- Wisdom for Dr. Geyer and Dr. Sanders as they discuss the best possible plan for Kelly's treatment
- Wisdom and discernment for my parents as they decide how to proceed
- Financial provision
- A reliable vehicle for them to use in Seattle long-term
- Comfort for everyone as they adjust to life out here
"For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purposes." - Romans 8:28
Love,
Marcy
4 comments:
Marcy, my prayers are again in high geer for Kelly and the rest of the family. I can not imagine what I would do if my daughter were facing this. This year she lost two friends under the age of 21 and it has been difficult. But faith is helping those families go through what they must. I pray Kelly can beat this once again. I have known your mom since high school activities between Malta and Conrad and then we attended Carroll together. If there is anything in addition to prayers that I can do please let me know. May 2007 bring yet another miracle in your lives. Pat
Dear Marcy and family,
Our prayers are with you as are many others who care about Kelly.
Please let us know if there is anything you need or anything we can help with.
We are here for you and your family and know if anyone can beat this persistent disease again it is Kelly. I think the world of Don and Patty and will be praying for them as I can't imagine anything harder for a parent to have to deal with as this affects everyone in the family. I know this is so hard for Molly and Rose. It is such a blessing that you, Travis and Gavin can be there to provide addtional support to your family.
All of our love to you and your family. We are here for you and will support you in anyway we can.
Love, Ross, Sue, Laura and Adam.
ASAP
Marcy, thank you for setting up this account, so that we all can follow Kelly's progress, and in some way send support to you. I can only imagine the decisions they are all having to make. They are so lucky to have you and your husband out there for support. And your mom will need all the hugs and kisses she can get from her little grandson Gavin.. There is just something about a baby's hug and kisses... Please let them know that we are all sending our love and hugs and kisses and most of all prayers for Kelly and you all. Please keep us updated.. thanks. Becky,Jim,Justin,Tricia and Bryan
Thank you Marcy for setting this up for us all to read as Kelly fights to beat this current setback. I am Ross' mother. Feel that I know you all from all the marathons that Ross has run with Kelly as his patient honoree. Could you give us the address for the Grubbs at the Ronald McDonald House? Kelly's birthday will be here before we know it. Joining many others in prayer for Kelly and her special family. Joanne
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