Kimberly

Kim was diagnosed with AML Leukemia on July 22, 2009, just after she finished high school. She'd been feeling well, just showing a few bruises when she went to Primary Childrens Medical Center for a heart surgery to fix a relatively minor condition she's had since she was born. A blood test before the surgery showed that her blood had been completely taken over by the cancer. They admitted her that day and began treatment right away. She went through five long rounds of chemotherapy, doing relatively well, with the exception of one infection that led to a very scary stay in the Pediatric ICU. She spent almost all of that time in the hospital, with just a few breaks to go home. By the end of March 2010 she was allowed to go home for good- officially in remission! She was so excited to finally go to USU Fall semester, and got strait A's in all of her classes! Psychology, Humanities, Family Finance and ANATOMY. Not a week after finals, at a regular check up at PCMC, her blood tests showed that her cancer was back. And thus began round two- Kim's goal was to make it to a bone marrow transplant. We had found a donor, so all that was left was to get her in remission once more. After three rounds of chemotherapy, her body was no longer strong enough to keep fighting, no matter that her spirit was. She will always be with us. 7:48 pm, March 31, 2011

Monday, July 27, 2009

Good News

Good news! We just talked with the head doctor in the Hemotology/Oncology Clinic (different from in-hospital where we are now, but we all work together) Dr. Abraham, (who was the one to first tell us about the leukemia) and she gave us the results on Kim's latest labs.
Her cancer cells are down by about 30% (from about 99%) and so far she doesn't have any infections or build ups of bad chemicals in her body (that can happen with so many cells breaking down, and can overwhelm her kidneys- so this is good!)
Of course, along with the cancer cells, a lot of her other cells are being weakened too- hence being tired. She is not allowed to leave her room, because her cell levels are so low, she has a very weak immune system. (Once again, please be careful when you come to visit! But do come. Company is great, so long as we don't wear her out!)
Also, she has some slight amounts of fluid in her lungs from all of the liquid they've been putting through her IV. As I said, she doesn't show any signs of infection... but that could put her at greater risk for pnemonia. But they are keeping a close eye on her, and have a drug they give her if she starts to be too bothered by it (it's caused her some chest pain and coughing in the past- but nothing the last two days- the drug really does fix it.)
So, it's all been good news, really. There is still a loooooong way to go, even after most of the cancer cells appear to be gone from her body, but I can't tell you how thrilled I am that she is doing so well so far. I know it is because of each and every one of you praying for her, and caring for her. THANK YOU SO MUCH, and please.... as time goes by, don't forget about us.
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4 comments:

  1. DaveJuly 27, 2009 at 7:41 PM

    Dave & Terrellee Hodges here
    We heard from the Plowman's and Cazier's. We are so sorry you have to go through this. Our thoughts and prayers are with each one of you and your extended family.
    Thanks for taking the time to blog. It gives those away from Logan an opportunity to be a part of lives that are very dear to us.
    May God bless a speedy recoery is our prayer.

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  2. Screamin' MemeJuly 27, 2009 at 9:39 PM

    Nikki
    Jim and I heard from Brian Fowler. We're sorry you are having to go through this. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

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  3. UnknownJuly 28, 2009 at 3:43 PM

    I don't know if this will work today but Hi Kim! We are shocked by your news but are praying for you and will visit you soon. We wish you could be at Grandpa's funeral and Parker's baptism. We will be thinking of you at both events. If there is anything at all that we can do let us know!! I, Val, donate platelets for the Red Cross on a regular basis and if I can donate specifically for you let me know. I will donate as much as I can if so. If not I will just keep donating generally I will just do it more. I don't know if it would help but I would like to do something if I can. I have 2 neices who have Cystic Fibrosis and will be at Primary Children's starting tomorrow for 10 days. We can come visit all of you. Have a great day and just know that we love you and are praying for you and want to support you in anyway we can. See you soon.
    Love,
    Val, Jeff, Alissa and the boys

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  4. AnonymousAugust 1, 2009 at 11:51 PM

    Emily (and Kim - you don't know me, but it's nice to meet you via blogging :)

    Just wanted to let you know that my prayers are being added to the many already said in Kim's behalf. I won't forget as time goes one, I promise! :)
    Em -If I ever have to go through a trial like Kim is facing right now - I hope I will have a sister like you to help me through it. Love ya! xoxox
    Wendy (Gittins) Nye

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