All arrived home today. Don and Rose made it last night and the rest came in today. They are happy to be home and just enjoy home cooking, sleeping in their own beds, playing with the dogs and having room to be with family but yet have some privacy. Kelly goes to doctor on Thursday.
Unless there is much change I probably won't update very often.
Thank you for all your prayers and please continue to pray that Kelly remains healthy enjoy to enjoy the activities that Senior get to do. That Rose and Molly have a smooth transition back into school.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Don sent this 3/26. Please also remember Marcy in your prayers as she lost her father. She had not had much contact with him for many years but it still hurts. Also pray that all have a safe trip to Cut Bank.
Today Kelly had a blood draw and a doctor's visit. The blood draw went fine. The doctor's visit was to discuss the CT scan she had last Friday to check the leukemia in her kidney. It is like a little mass about 3cm. The doctor said the scan showed the mass is shrinking, so the chemo is doing what it should. Praise the Lord!!!! He is so wonderful!!!!
Kelly, Molly, Rose, and I went to a Sonics game last night. It was a lot of fun. We had courtside tickets for the game. When the players were on the sideline we could just reach out and touch them they were so close. The game it self wasn't all that good. The Sonics lost by 40 points to the Spurs. It was sort of cool to see Duncan of the Spurs up close and personal.
Tomorrow if the weather is nice we are going to go to the zoo, I think. Still a little undecided about that. Rose and I might go fishing at the fishing pier in Des Moines in the morning. Once again if the weather is nice.
Later in the week we plan on going to the EMP, Experience Music Project. This is suppose to be a really interesting place. The girls are pretty excited about seeing all they have.
Don't really know what else they all have planned. But, we are trying to squeeze in all the tourist type stuff before we head for home.
God Bless,
Don
Today Kelly had a blood draw and a doctor's visit. The blood draw went fine. The doctor's visit was to discuss the CT scan she had last Friday to check the leukemia in her kidney. It is like a little mass about 3cm. The doctor said the scan showed the mass is shrinking, so the chemo is doing what it should. Praise the Lord!!!! He is so wonderful!!!!
Kelly, Molly, Rose, and I went to a Sonics game last night. It was a lot of fun. We had courtside tickets for the game. When the players were on the sideline we could just reach out and touch them they were so close. The game it self wasn't all that good. The Sonics lost by 40 points to the Spurs. It was sort of cool to see Duncan of the Spurs up close and personal.
Tomorrow if the weather is nice we are going to go to the zoo, I think. Still a little undecided about that. Rose and I might go fishing at the fishing pier in Des Moines in the morning. Once again if the weather is nice.
Later in the week we plan on going to the EMP, Experience Music Project. This is suppose to be a really interesting place. The girls are pretty excited about seeing all they have.
Don't really know what else they all have planned. But, we are trying to squeeze in all the tourist type stuff before we head for home.
God Bless,
Don
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Don sent this late Monday night.
Kelly had a blood draw and doctor's appointment today. All of her counts are up where they need to be, so we started on the oral chemo tonight. She has to take one pill on M,W,F,SUN and then two of the pills on T,TH, & SAT. I don't think she had very much trouble getting it down, so that was good. We will go in next Monday for a blood draw to see how her counts are doing and to do a CT Scan to see if the little node on the kidney has done anything. Doctor seemed very optomistic about everything.
Everyone else is doing great. Excited to be going home soon, but at the same time a little nervous about leaving. Patty and I like the safety net of the doctors and the hospital being so close. The girls, I think, are a little nervous about going back to school in Cut Bank. We also have quite a list of things we want to get done before we leave. We have been crossing out a few items, but have a bunch left to go.
We do know though that God is always there to take care of us no matter what happens. He has been our strength and will continue to be our strength. Through all of this we know we have truly been blessed and hopefully have helped others that are just starting their cancer journey. I feel the whole family is a wonderful witness to what God can do in our lives.
Not much else to report right now.
God Bless,
Don
Kelly had a blood draw and doctor's appointment today. All of her counts are up where they need to be, so we started on the oral chemo tonight. She has to take one pill on M,W,F,SUN and then two of the pills on T,TH, & SAT. I don't think she had very much trouble getting it down, so that was good. We will go in next Monday for a blood draw to see how her counts are doing and to do a CT Scan to see if the little node on the kidney has done anything. Doctor seemed very optomistic about everything.
Everyone else is doing great. Excited to be going home soon, but at the same time a little nervous about leaving. Patty and I like the safety net of the doctors and the hospital being so close. The girls, I think, are a little nervous about going back to school in Cut Bank. We also have quite a list of things we want to get done before we leave. We have been crossing out a few items, but have a bunch left to go.
We do know though that God is always there to take care of us no matter what happens. He has been our strength and will continue to be our strength. Through all of this we know we have truly been blessed and hopefully have helped others that are just starting their cancer journey. I feel the whole family is a wonderful witness to what God can do in our lives.
Not much else to report right now.
God Bless,
Don
Friday, March 16, 2007
received this from Don today.
Well, not too much to report. Kelly is feeling pretty good and has us on the run. We have been doing a lot of shopping here lately.
Right now we are waiting for her platelet count to come up to start her oral chemo. All of the other blood counts are up, but the platelets are moving a little slower. They are higher now than they have been for a while, but they want them at a certain level before they start the next round of chemo. So, we will go in on Monday for a blood draw and if they are up, we will probably start on Tuesday. This won't be as bad as past treatments, as this is in pill form and she will take one pill each night before she goes to bed. Something we can do at home. She then has to go in once a week for a blood draw.
Everyone is ready to go home. The girls miss their dogs and their own house. Kelly wants to get home to start planning for graduation. She is getting pretty excited. She also misses her friends and the activities at school. We don't know how much school she will be able to attend, have to keep her away from as many germs as possible, but she wants to do what she can.
That is about it for today. God Bless!!
Don
Well, not too much to report. Kelly is feeling pretty good and has us on the run. We have been doing a lot of shopping here lately.
Right now we are waiting for her platelet count to come up to start her oral chemo. All of the other blood counts are up, but the platelets are moving a little slower. They are higher now than they have been for a while, but they want them at a certain level before they start the next round of chemo. So, we will go in on Monday for a blood draw and if they are up, we will probably start on Tuesday. This won't be as bad as past treatments, as this is in pill form and she will take one pill each night before she goes to bed. Something we can do at home. She then has to go in once a week for a blood draw.
Everyone is ready to go home. The girls miss their dogs and their own house. Kelly wants to get home to start planning for graduation. She is getting pretty excited. She also misses her friends and the activities at school. We don't know how much school she will be able to attend, have to keep her away from as many germs as possible, but she wants to do what she can.
That is about it for today. God Bless!!
Don
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Coming Home
Not a whole lot going on right now. Kelly is feeling pretty good and is ready to go out and do some Seattle things. We do have to be careful though, as her counts are low and the doctors don't want her out with large groups of people. Outdoor type things are the best for us to do.
We made train reservations for Patty, Kelly, and Molly the other day. Rose and I will be driving home. We will head for home on April 2. We all can't wait to get there. Rose and I should be home some time on the 2nd and the rest will arrive by train the next day.
Kelly will start her oral chemo the week before we leave, as long as her counts are up, so the doctors can monitor that first week. They told us there are not a lot of side effects with this except for low counts at certain times. Overall, they said Kelly should feel pretty good and have good energy to do what she wants to do. She may get tired at times, but she is good about getting a nap in when she needs to.
Can't wait to see everyone again.
God Bless,
Don
This is good news for all of us. Those of us at home cannot wait to see them. Easter will be extra special. Pray that Kelly's counts go up so that she can have the week of oral chemo before they leave. Pray that the trip home does not wear on her too much so that she can join our family for Easter. My granddaughter always wonders where "Her Girls" are if they are not here. Pray that the school will make accomodations so that Kelly can graduate with her class. Also remember to give thanks for all the blessings we have already received, and thanks to the doctors for respecting Kelly's wishes to come home and finding a way to make that happen.
Always say a prayer
Linda
We made train reservations for Patty, Kelly, and Molly the other day. Rose and I will be driving home. We will head for home on April 2. We all can't wait to get there. Rose and I should be home some time on the 2nd and the rest will arrive by train the next day.
Kelly will start her oral chemo the week before we leave, as long as her counts are up, so the doctors can monitor that first week. They told us there are not a lot of side effects with this except for low counts at certain times. Overall, they said Kelly should feel pretty good and have good energy to do what she wants to do. She may get tired at times, but she is good about getting a nap in when she needs to.
Can't wait to see everyone again.
God Bless,
Don
This is good news for all of us. Those of us at home cannot wait to see them. Easter will be extra special. Pray that Kelly's counts go up so that she can have the week of oral chemo before they leave. Pray that the trip home does not wear on her too much so that she can join our family for Easter. My granddaughter always wonders where "Her Girls" are if they are not here. Pray that the school will make accomodations so that Kelly can graduate with her class. Also remember to give thanks for all the blessings we have already received, and thanks to the doctors for respecting Kelly's wishes to come home and finding a way to make that happen.
Always say a prayer
Linda
Thursday, March 8, 2007
I would ask that all of you read this from the gentleman who runs in Kelly's honor. He is a fantastic person and could use help in his fund raising efforts.
God Bless,
Don
-----Original Message-----
Subject: Racing towards a cure for Kelly
Dear Friends, family and colleagues,
As many of you already know, my very special friend Kelly Grubb's cancer
returned the week before Christmas last year. Kelly is currently undergoing
treatment in Seattle, Washington. As Kelly's fight against this disease has
progressed well past the marathon stage(11 + years) I have decided to
compete in her honor this August in Boulder Colorado at the 5430 Long course
Triathlon. This event consists of a 1.2 mile open water swim, a 56 mile
bike ride and then a 13.1 mile run. I will continue to cross as many finish
lines as necessary until Kelly can cross her finish line with a cure for
this disease.
I am raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as a participant in
their Team In Training program. I am asking for your support to honor Kelly
and help accelerate the cures for Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma. Your
generous donation brings hope to the patients and families who are on the
front lines of the battle against these diseases. I have set a personal
fundraising goal of $9000.00 for this event.
Kelly has touched and inspired so many people during her cancer journey.
Kelly is the sweetest person I have ever met and she is also without a doubt
the toughest. The special bond and love I have for Kelly is such a
blessing in my life.
Please use the link in this email to donate online quickly and securely.
You will receive a confirmation by email of your donation and I will be
notified as soon as you make your donation.
On behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, thank you very much for your
support. I really appreciate your generosity!
You can learn more about my efforts and make a donation by visiting my Web
site:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntrm/tntrmRKinney
P.S. Please forward this email to as many people as you can to encourage
them to donate as well!
God Bless,
Don
-----Original Message-----
Subject: Racing towards a cure for Kelly
Dear Friends, family and colleagues,
As many of you already know, my very special friend Kelly Grubb's cancer
returned the week before Christmas last year. Kelly is currently undergoing
treatment in Seattle, Washington. As Kelly's fight against this disease has
progressed well past the marathon stage(11 + years) I have decided to
compete in her honor this August in Boulder Colorado at the 5430 Long course
Triathlon. This event consists of a 1.2 mile open water swim, a 56 mile
bike ride and then a 13.1 mile run. I will continue to cross as many finish
lines as necessary until Kelly can cross her finish line with a cure for
this disease.
I am raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as a participant in
their Team In Training program. I am asking for your support to honor Kelly
and help accelerate the cures for Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma. Your
generous donation brings hope to the patients and families who are on the
front lines of the battle against these diseases. I have set a personal
fundraising goal of $9000.00 for this event.
Kelly has touched and inspired so many people during her cancer journey.
Kelly is the sweetest person I have ever met and she is also without a doubt
the toughest. The special bond and love I have for Kelly is such a
blessing in my life.
Please use the link in this email to donate online quickly and securely.
You will receive a confirmation by email of your donation and I will be
notified as soon as you make your donation.
On behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, thank you very much for your
support. I really appreciate your generosity!
You can learn more about my efforts and make a donation by visiting my Web
site:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntrm/tntrmRKinney
P.S. Please forward this email to as many people as you can to encourage
them to donate as well!
Monday, March 5, 2007
Talked to both Patty and Kelly today. Kelly sounds good. They will meet either the end of this week or first of next week with a team of caregivers to find out all their options for treatment and help with making the best choice for all. But Kelly has decided she wants to come home and participate in as many activities for Senior that she can. Kelly will listen to what the team has to say but will make her wishes know also.
If all goes well they will be home for Easter. What a great way to start the spring and renewal season.
Will update when I know more.
If all goes well they will be home for Easter. What a great way to start the spring and renewal season.
Will update when I know more.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Kelly 3/3/07
Just received this from Don.
Sorry I haven't written in awhile. Right after we visited with the doctors, I came down with a flu bug and have been in the room since. Didn't have any way to e-mail.
The doctors told us that the biopsy did show leukemia in Kelly's kidney. He said that this is common in relapse patients. There are some that only relapse in their kidneys. The good news is that the bone marrow is in remission and the size of the area they biopsied is getting smaller. The doctors feel the chemo is doing what it is suppose to do.
Now we have to decide what we want to do as far as the chemo goes. Kelly decided to do the next round in the hospital and went in on Tuesday for five days. She got out this morning at about 11:00. This time around, the chemo wasn't so hard on her. She is tired but that is about it right now. She doesn't have the pain she had last time.
We are going to visit with a team of people next week to go through our options for what to do next. One option is to go on oral chemo and go home. This sounds good to Kelly. So, we might be going with that and could be home by the first of April. We will let you know after we have our meetings and make our decision. One of the other options is to keep going on with what we are doing now. That would be in the hospital for a week of chemo, out for two week or until her counts are back up, and then back in the hospital for a week. We would continue this cycle for eight times. That would mean 48 weeks if everything went according to the plan. This does not sound very good to us. We will have to see!!
Continue to pray that Kelly stays strong and that as a family we can come to the right decision for all of us.
Kelly got out of the hospital just in time today. They have what they call a hockey challenge to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. The local semi-pro team, Thunderbirds, play celebrities in a number of games. So, some of these people came to the house to meet with the kids and their families. Kelly, Molly and Rose met the guy that plays Lex Luther on Smallville. They all thought he was pretty "HOT". They also met a couple of guys for General Hospital and Tom Arnold. Tom was a kick. I think the girls enjoyed Michael,Lex Luther, the best.
Kelly is in the room taking a nap and then I think we are going to Red Robin for supper. She has a friend her visiting from Gig Harbor. They were best friends when we were here in 1999.
We all loved the quilts that were sent with all the well wishes and signatures. We all had a few tears reading the messages.
I will try to do better in the future with the e-mails. I will try to get one out every two to three days if not more.
God Bless,
Don
Sorry I haven't written in awhile. Right after we visited with the doctors, I came down with a flu bug and have been in the room since. Didn't have any way to e-mail.
The doctors told us that the biopsy did show leukemia in Kelly's kidney. He said that this is common in relapse patients. There are some that only relapse in their kidneys. The good news is that the bone marrow is in remission and the size of the area they biopsied is getting smaller. The doctors feel the chemo is doing what it is suppose to do.
Now we have to decide what we want to do as far as the chemo goes. Kelly decided to do the next round in the hospital and went in on Tuesday for five days. She got out this morning at about 11:00. This time around, the chemo wasn't so hard on her. She is tired but that is about it right now. She doesn't have the pain she had last time.
We are going to visit with a team of people next week to go through our options for what to do next. One option is to go on oral chemo and go home. This sounds good to Kelly. So, we might be going with that and could be home by the first of April. We will let you know after we have our meetings and make our decision. One of the other options is to keep going on with what we are doing now. That would be in the hospital for a week of chemo, out for two week or until her counts are back up, and then back in the hospital for a week. We would continue this cycle for eight times. That would mean 48 weeks if everything went according to the plan. This does not sound very good to us. We will have to see!!
Continue to pray that Kelly stays strong and that as a family we can come to the right decision for all of us.
Kelly got out of the hospital just in time today. They have what they call a hockey challenge to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. The local semi-pro team, Thunderbirds, play celebrities in a number of games. So, some of these people came to the house to meet with the kids and their families. Kelly, Molly and Rose met the guy that plays Lex Luther on Smallville. They all thought he was pretty "HOT". They also met a couple of guys for General Hospital and Tom Arnold. Tom was a kick. I think the girls enjoyed Michael,Lex Luther, the best.
Kelly is in the room taking a nap and then I think we are going to Red Robin for supper. She has a friend her visiting from Gig Harbor. They were best friends when we were here in 1999.
We all loved the quilts that were sent with all the well wishes and signatures. We all had a few tears reading the messages.
I will try to do better in the future with the e-mails. I will try to get one out every two to three days if not more.
God Bless,
Don
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
I just received this from Marcy.
"They admitted Kelly this morning to do another round of chemo. Since the leukemia is in her kidneys they have several options...basically if I'm understanding right they can go home and sort of do what they're doing now or stay here and do really intensive stuff through December - chemo every three weeks or so. So the family has a big decision to make, but it would really, really surprise me if they didn't return to MT, I can't see them staying out here till Dec. Not really any bad news or good news, just lots of information and choices at hand."
Hopefully Don will soon update with more details.
In the meantime pray for them as they try to sort through everything.
ASAP (always say a prayer)
"They admitted Kelly this morning to do another round of chemo. Since the leukemia is in her kidneys they have several options...basically if I'm understanding right they can go home and sort of do what they're doing now or stay here and do really intensive stuff through December - chemo every three weeks or so. So the family has a big decision to make, but it would really, really surprise me if they didn't return to MT, I can't see them staying out here till Dec. Not really any bad news or good news, just lots of information and choices at hand."
Hopefully Don will soon update with more details.
In the meantime pray for them as they try to sort through everything.
ASAP (always say a prayer)
Friday, February 23, 2007
Pray for better news
2/23/07
Well, we got news of Kelly's biopsy today. Sadly to say they did find what they think is leukemia in the sample. We will meet with the doctor on Monday to find out what our next step will be. It sound like they will do the next round of chemo here and then we may be able to go home and do the chemo there. I think they might put her on some oral type chemo. Don't have a lot of answers right now, but will know more when we meet with the doctor on Monday.
Molly and Rose got back from Cut Bank this morning. It sure is nice to have everyone together again. We might go out to Marcy's tomorrow depending on how Kelly feels. She is a little sore from her procedure yesterday. I think she is feeling better though, she is teaching Patty how to play a video game on the Game Cube. It is kind of funny to watch Patty as she doesn't play very often.
I will update everyone when we find out more from the doctor. Please keep Kelly in your prayers and that this latest news will not be a big set back for her treatments.
God Bless,
Don
Please use the weekend to do some extra praying.
Well, we got news of Kelly's biopsy today. Sadly to say they did find what they think is leukemia in the sample. We will meet with the doctor on Monday to find out what our next step will be. It sound like they will do the next round of chemo here and then we may be able to go home and do the chemo there. I think they might put her on some oral type chemo. Don't have a lot of answers right now, but will know more when we meet with the doctor on Monday.
Molly and Rose got back from Cut Bank this morning. It sure is nice to have everyone together again. We might go out to Marcy's tomorrow depending on how Kelly feels. She is a little sore from her procedure yesterday. I think she is feeling better though, she is teaching Patty how to play a video game on the Game Cube. It is kind of funny to watch Patty as she doesn't play very often.
I will update everyone when we find out more from the doctor. Please keep Kelly in your prayers and that this latest news will not be a big set back for her treatments.
God Bless,
Don
Please use the weekend to do some extra praying.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
I am Kelly's aunt and am going to help Marcy out with keeping blog updated. Gavin is walking and so she has less time and with pregancy also more tired.
Usually I will just post copy of Don's updates that he emails.
Kelly's last bone marrow showed no signs of luekemia and doctors consider her in remission. The CT scan is on the lymph glands that were swollen.
2/20
Kelly had her CT scan today and now will have a biopsy on Thursday. The doctors sounded like they weren't sure exactly what it is. The one doctor said these could have been there since birth or could be caused by the chemo. They won't know for sure until they do the biopsy on Thursday.
Everything is going pretty well right now. Kelly and I got tickets to a Sonics game tonight. We had a lot of fun. The seats were pretty good too, 18 rows up from the floor at one corner. We had a blast watching everything that goes on at a game.
Well, better get to bed for the night.
God Bless,
Don
Kelly's sisters have been with us for week and we sure enjoyed having them and getting a chance to spoil them. They both commented how nice it was to eat in a normal family setting not a dining room with 20 other families. They also enjoyed having some alone time. Their dogs were real glad to see them.
Kelly's classmates put on an awesome fundraiser for her last Sunday. They had a Mr Upperclassman pageant. The guys hammed it up and did a fabulous job of entertaining everyone. There also were 3 prayer quilts made for Kelly. One of the quilts was available for everyone to sign. Molly and Rose are taking those back to Kelly along with other things people have gave them. Cut Bank area has really been supportive of the family.
Also thanks to all who continually pray for Kelly and her family and caregivers.
Usually I will just post copy of Don's updates that he emails.
Kelly's last bone marrow showed no signs of luekemia and doctors consider her in remission. The CT scan is on the lymph glands that were swollen.
2/20
Kelly had her CT scan today and now will have a biopsy on Thursday. The doctors sounded like they weren't sure exactly what it is. The one doctor said these could have been there since birth or could be caused by the chemo. They won't know for sure until they do the biopsy on Thursday.
Everything is going pretty well right now. Kelly and I got tickets to a Sonics game tonight. We had a lot of fun. The seats were pretty good too, 18 rows up from the floor at one corner. We had a blast watching everything that goes on at a game.
Well, better get to bed for the night.
God Bless,
Don
Kelly's sisters have been with us for week and we sure enjoyed having them and getting a chance to spoil them. They both commented how nice it was to eat in a normal family setting not a dining room with 20 other families. They also enjoyed having some alone time. Their dogs were real glad to see them.
Kelly's classmates put on an awesome fundraiser for her last Sunday. They had a Mr Upperclassman pageant. The guys hammed it up and did a fabulous job of entertaining everyone. There also were 3 prayer quilts made for Kelly. One of the quilts was available for everyone to sign. Molly and Rose are taking those back to Kelly along with other things people have gave them. Cut Bank area has really been supportive of the family.
Also thanks to all who continually pray for Kelly and her family and caregivers.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Out of the hospital
Kelly is out of the hospital after a few pretty rough weeks of chemo. She is home at the Ronald McDonald house recouperating and sleeping all the time, which is exactly what she needs to do. Mom and Kell are both very happy to be free!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Quick update - not much new
I'll make this brief since there's not much new to report.
Kelly's still in the hospital and still struggling with mouth sores. Her counts have yet to rebound so the docs estimate it might be another week before they are healed up. They are managing her pain as best as they can but it is still quite uncomfortable. She is sleeping most of the day because of the high dosages of pain killers.
They have decided to give her a little break from chemo and allow her body to heal a bit. I think this break will be a couple of weeks.
That's all for now...
Kelly's still in the hospital and still struggling with mouth sores. Her counts have yet to rebound so the docs estimate it might be another week before they are healed up. They are managing her pain as best as they can but it is still quite uncomfortable. She is sleeping most of the day because of the high dosages of pain killers.
They have decided to give her a little break from chemo and allow her body to heal a bit. I think this break will be a couple of weeks.
That's all for now...
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Update - January 21st
I apologize for the delay in posting an update. I know you all are trying to stay posted! It has been an incredibly busy week mixed with the fact that our son broke our keyboard on our family computer, so I am finally giving in and using my husband's work computer in what we affectionately call the "Bat Cave" (his home office).
..................................................................................................................................................................
Kelly is not feeling well and could use an abundance of prayer right now. She was admitted to Children's last Tuesday to begin another regimen of chemo and the effects are really starting to set in. She woke at 3 a.m. this morning with terrible mouth sores, which are a symptom of one of the drugs. As you can imagine, this is very painful - they are all over the inside of her mouth and down her throat so ice cream is about all she can handle. Thankfully today they were able to help her control her pain better, and hopefully tonight she will get more sleep than last night.
The doctors say that these sores will probably stick around until her blood counts begin to bounce back after the treatment, which could be as little as a couple of days since she is now done receiving the drugs, or it could last for weeks.
This is our main request - that her counts would come back quickly so she would be relieved of the terrible discomfort.
Special prayer for Rosie - who is having a tough time adjusting to her new school. She is such a quiet, introspective girl as it is, and to be thrown into a new place with new people is pretty hard. She has stayed home for most of the days, so please pray that God would comfort her and she might make some great friends and really start enjoying it as much as possible.
Thanks for your continued support and prayer.
..................................................................................................................................................................
Kelly is not feeling well and could use an abundance of prayer right now. She was admitted to Children's last Tuesday to begin another regimen of chemo and the effects are really starting to set in. She woke at 3 a.m. this morning with terrible mouth sores, which are a symptom of one of the drugs. As you can imagine, this is very painful - they are all over the inside of her mouth and down her throat so ice cream is about all she can handle. Thankfully today they were able to help her control her pain better, and hopefully tonight she will get more sleep than last night.
The doctors say that these sores will probably stick around until her blood counts begin to bounce back after the treatment, which could be as little as a couple of days since she is now done receiving the drugs, or it could last for weeks.
This is our main request - that her counts would come back quickly so she would be relieved of the terrible discomfort.
Special prayer for Rosie - who is having a tough time adjusting to her new school. She is such a quiet, introspective girl as it is, and to be thrown into a new place with new people is pretty hard. She has stayed home for most of the days, so please pray that God would comfort her and she might make some great friends and really start enjoying it as much as possible.
Thanks for your continued support and prayer.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Disappointing news
We got word today that the test results from Wednesday show that Kelly is still not in remission. This is so disappointing, as she was looking forward to a break between rounds of chemo. Now they will dive right into the next phase instead of waiting for her counts to bounce back, which means she will not have time to recover from the last month and thus will probably feel the effects of the treatments more.
Mom was also discouraged because it sounds like the Hutch is not open to doing another transplant. We were all hoping for another shot because it worked so well last time - five years! - and it seems like the best long-term solution.
Kelly's still feeling well though and is looking forward to a long weekend of doing some fun things before they begin the next round on Tuesday.
Mom was also discouraged because it sounds like the Hutch is not open to doing another transplant. We were all hoping for another shot because it worked so well last time - five years! - and it seems like the best long-term solution.
Kelly's still feeling well though and is looking forward to a long weekend of doing some fun things before they begin the next round on Tuesday.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Kelly's feeling great!
Kelly had a bone marrow and spinal tap yesterday, but she is feeling surprisingly good today. Normally those tests knock her out for a few days, and she had chemo as well, but she stayed in a quiet, dark room to prevent a spinal headache and the doctors gave her anti-nausea medication with her chemo, which seemed to help.
I talked to her on the phone and haven't heard her sound this good since before she was diagnosed! Very encouraging!!
After a brief (hopefully) doctor's visit tomorrow morning she should have a four-day stretch of time off. We are all hoping to go to the Old Spaghetti Factory sometime this weekend and have them over for the day on Monday.
Molly and Rose had their first day of school yesterday, only to have their next day (today) cancelled due to bad weather. The Seattle area has received quite a beating this winter weatherwise, with a huge power outage in December and more snow than most people remember getting in years. It just dumped on us again last night. They got about 2" in Seattle at the Ronald McDonald House, but here in Issaquah, we got about 10". A little piece of Montana!
Please continue to pray that Kelly would keep feeling better and better. Getting these glimpses of her feeling herself gives us so much hope and reminds us of what we're fighting for.
I talked to her on the phone and haven't heard her sound this good since before she was diagnosed! Very encouraging!!
After a brief (hopefully) doctor's visit tomorrow morning she should have a four-day stretch of time off. We are all hoping to go to the Old Spaghetti Factory sometime this weekend and have them over for the day on Monday.
Molly and Rose had their first day of school yesterday, only to have their next day (today) cancelled due to bad weather. The Seattle area has received quite a beating this winter weatherwise, with a huge power outage in December and more snow than most people remember getting in years. It just dumped on us again last night. They got about 2" in Seattle at the Ronald McDonald House, but here in Issaquah, we got about 10". A little piece of Montana!
Please continue to pray that Kelly would keep feeling better and better. Getting these glimpses of her feeling herself gives us so much hope and reminds us of what we're fighting for.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Feeling a little better
As has been the norm with Kelly in the past, the chemo hits her platlets pretty hard and so she's been receiving reds and platlets for the past couple of days which will hopefully give her the boost she needs. She certainly sounds much, much better over the phone - unfortunately we haven't visited them in over a week because our little family has been fighting quite a nasty cold and we don't want to expose my family to this bug. Hoping and praying that we're better by her birthday!
Speaking of which...her 18th birthday is Tuesday. We don't have any solid plans yet because it's not for sure that she'll be out of the hospital, but there are tentative plans to see an IMAX movie downtown or maybe spend some time out at our house and have birthday cake. This lifestyle is so day-at-a-time but I know whatever happens we'll make sure it's a special day for her and if she's not able to leave the hospital, we'll celebrate big-time when she does get out.
Kelly and the rest of the family recently got a nice surprise when they found out they are going to be aunties and grandparents once again! As you can imagine they are all pretty excited. I am due in August so I am eight weeks along. Even though they are here under such difficult circumstances, what a blessing that they may very well be here for the birth of our next baby, and additionally that they get to know their nephew/grandson Gavin better as well, since too many miles and too high of airfare has prevented us from seeing each other as much as we would like.
Again, I am reminded what an enormous blessing it is to be close to family during this time. So thankful that we live in the area...we could live anywhere, and yet here we are, just a short drive away, during a time when faith and family are the things needed most.
Speaking of which...her 18th birthday is Tuesday. We don't have any solid plans yet because it's not for sure that she'll be out of the hospital, but there are tentative plans to see an IMAX movie downtown or maybe spend some time out at our house and have birthday cake. This lifestyle is so day-at-a-time but I know whatever happens we'll make sure it's a special day for her and if she's not able to leave the hospital, we'll celebrate big-time when she does get out.
Kelly and the rest of the family recently got a nice surprise when they found out they are going to be aunties and grandparents once again! As you can imagine they are all pretty excited. I am due in August so I am eight weeks along. Even though they are here under such difficult circumstances, what a blessing that they may very well be here for the birth of our next baby, and additionally that they get to know their nephew/grandson Gavin better as well, since too many miles and too high of airfare has prevented us from seeing each other as much as we would like.
Again, I am reminded what an enormous blessing it is to be close to family during this time. So thankful that we live in the area...we could live anywhere, and yet here we are, just a short drive away, during a time when faith and family are the things needed most.
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Back in the hospital
Kelly was admitted to the hospital yesterday after she spiked a fever. Even though her fever was very brief and hasn't returned since, she will be in the hospital for at least 48 hours. It is probably the best place for her to be right now anyway as her counts have dropped significantly and her immunity level is very, very low.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Why?
I'm sure this is a question many have been asking lately.
Why Kelly?
Why again?
Why now?
Why is their so much pain?
Why do bad things have to happen?
I've asked it before and realized that time gradually unfolds a few answers here and there, but ultimately, many questions are often left unanswered.
This time around, the question of "Why?" has been far from my mind. I think a huge part of it is motherhood. It is sanctifying, difficult, joyous and refining work that has helped me grasp and better understand certain characteristics of God, the only One who can answer this burning question.
See, Gavin has been so sick this week with a cold. It pains me to see him restless and uncomfortable, and all I really want is for him to let me help him, comfort him. heal him. I don't want him to question why he should eat his vegetables or why I'm giving him Tylenol or why he needs a nap to feel better. I just want him to trust me. If he fights me and questions me, will we get anywhere? Isn't it so much better if he relaxes into the warmth of my arms and allows me to care for him as only a mother can?
So is our relationship with our great Father. Should we question why? Even if we were to conjure up some answer, we would be reaching for much we do not know of. I think it is right to ask the Lord to show us why in some ways...or maybe, more correctly, how...How we can glorify Him more, how we can learn from this, how we can grow closer to one another and Him.
I once heard that self-pity is demonic. That statement makes me chuckle because as such an artistic spirit, I love introspection and navel-gazing - it makes for great songwriting, that's for sure! But as I come to know the Lord more as my Savior and friend, I realize that he doesn't want me to feel sorry for myself or in sorrow and despair cry out "Why me?"
No, I think he wants me to trust him, to take in each day and each lesson and to serve and love and praise Him in everything, knowing through it all, I am in his care.
He wants to heal me.
And He wants me to relax in the warmth of his arms and allow Him to care for me as only a Father can.
Love,
Marcy
Why Kelly?
Why again?
Why now?
Why is their so much pain?
Why do bad things have to happen?
I've asked it before and realized that time gradually unfolds a few answers here and there, but ultimately, many questions are often left unanswered.
This time around, the question of "Why?" has been far from my mind. I think a huge part of it is motherhood. It is sanctifying, difficult, joyous and refining work that has helped me grasp and better understand certain characteristics of God, the only One who can answer this burning question.
See, Gavin has been so sick this week with a cold. It pains me to see him restless and uncomfortable, and all I really want is for him to let me help him, comfort him. heal him. I don't want him to question why he should eat his vegetables or why I'm giving him Tylenol or why he needs a nap to feel better. I just want him to trust me. If he fights me and questions me, will we get anywhere? Isn't it so much better if he relaxes into the warmth of my arms and allows me to care for him as only a mother can?
So is our relationship with our great Father. Should we question why? Even if we were to conjure up some answer, we would be reaching for much we do not know of. I think it is right to ask the Lord to show us why in some ways...or maybe, more correctly, how...How we can glorify Him more, how we can learn from this, how we can grow closer to one another and Him.
I once heard that self-pity is demonic. That statement makes me chuckle because as such an artistic spirit, I love introspection and navel-gazing - it makes for great songwriting, that's for sure! But as I come to know the Lord more as my Savior and friend, I realize that he doesn't want me to feel sorry for myself or in sorrow and despair cry out "Why me?"
No, I think he wants me to trust him, to take in each day and each lesson and to serve and love and praise Him in everything, knowing through it all, I am in his care.
He wants to heal me.
And He wants me to relax in the warmth of his arms and allow Him to care for me as only a Father can.
Love,
Marcy
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Out of the hospital
Kelly was released from the hospital last Friday evening. She has daily blood-draws to monitor her counts, which has proven to be frustrating for everyone since the clinic can take much longer than expected. They have all been quickly reminded to never schedule anything for after a clinic appointment because it will probably have to be cancelled!
My heart breaks for them. It is so different for me (Marcy) this time because I am at home, with my husband and son, in my own cozy house with my own bed and my friends surrounding me. So much is still quite normal.
I know the heartache of leaving all that you know behind because this is far from the first time this has happened. and I grieve deeply for my family, especially my sisters as they miss precious and irreplaceable time in school with their friends. For Kelly, the sadness of missing senior prom (she already had a beautiful dress), music festival, youth group, graduation and all that goes with it. And for Molly and Rose - I hear the boredom and longing in their voices to have their friends, pets, home and regular routine back.
Kelly started chemo about a week ago and seems to be responding well. She is very tired of course. This cycle will go on for something like 36 days and then they will begin another similar cycle. Once these two are completed and they feel her body is in satisfactory condition, it sounds as if they may evaluate doing another stem cell transplant. It's still so up in the air.
My heart breaks for them. It is so different for me (Marcy) this time because I am at home, with my husband and son, in my own cozy house with my own bed and my friends surrounding me. So much is still quite normal.
I know the heartache of leaving all that you know behind because this is far from the first time this has happened. and I grieve deeply for my family, especially my sisters as they miss precious and irreplaceable time in school with their friends. For Kelly, the sadness of missing senior prom (she already had a beautiful dress), music festival, youth group, graduation and all that goes with it. And for Molly and Rose - I hear the boredom and longing in their voices to have their friends, pets, home and regular routine back.
Kelly started chemo about a week ago and seems to be responding well. She is very tired of course. This cycle will go on for something like 36 days and then they will begin another similar cycle. Once these two are completed and they feel her body is in satisfactory condition, it sounds as if they may evaluate doing another stem cell transplant. It's still so up in the air.
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