Hi Guys. I don't really have any News- just more comments on things we already know. (So, no news about coming home, blood counts, or the transplant.)
Although it's really the same old story- nausea, icky mouth, sore feet- it's especially rough right now. She can hardly keep anything down, and her throat hurts so much from the throwing up, and what chemo did to it, that she's in constant pain. They've started her back on IV nutrition, as she's lost so much weight over this past week. She's on so many medications, that she just dozes most of the time. When she is awake, she's miserable. Like I said, it's rough.
What we need are her blood counts to start coming back good, strong, and cancer free- and to start healing her body. Her next bone marrow test really will say zero leukemia, and she'll get to come home for a nice break, and then go back for transplant: finish line!
Please help us pray that she'll make it through this hard time soon.
Thank you everyone who has been signing up for relay. Kim is very excited to see how we'll think of supporting her this year. More news on that coming soon- for now, we just need to get our girl feeling better.
Love, Emily
The Story of our Beloved Kim (May 30, 1991 - March 31, 2011) and Her Battle with AML Leukemia
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Well, Kim's through her chemo! She's feeling pretty crummy now, as usual- the swelling, burned feet are back, along with the nausea and icky-mouth. We're battling them with the same things- little bites to eat when she can, pain meds, and lavender-milk wraps at night, and ice packs round the clock for her feet.
Still no news regarding anything else- but thanks for hanging in there with us :)
Two weeks til Mike gets home!
Still no news regarding anything else- but thanks for hanging in there with us :)
Two weeks til Mike gets home!
Hi Everyone,
I don't really have anything new to report. Kim is finishing her last doses of chemo today, and we're just playing the "wait and see" game for now.
She's been doing alright with the treatement, considering the fact that it IS chemotherapy- she's sick and doesn't feel like eating anything, and has gotten a little puffy and sore, but she's holding in there.
We don't know if/when they'll want to start her trasnplant round. I don't know yet when they'll want to do another bone marrow aspirate to see how this round of chemo went. I don't know if they will let her come home for a break in between. I'm not much help, am I? :) But we'll let you know as soon as we do what Kim's going to have going on.
Please register for Relay for Life! And start the countdown: Mike will be home in two weeks!
Love you all- Emily
I don't really have anything new to report. Kim is finishing her last doses of chemo today, and we're just playing the "wait and see" game for now.
She's been doing alright with the treatement, considering the fact that it IS chemotherapy- she's sick and doesn't feel like eating anything, and has gotten a little puffy and sore, but she's holding in there.
We don't know if/when they'll want to start her trasnplant round. I don't know yet when they'll want to do another bone marrow aspirate to see how this round of chemo went. I don't know if they will let her come home for a break in between. I'm not much help, am I? :) But we'll let you know as soon as we do what Kim's going to have going on.
Please register for Relay for Life! And start the countdown: Mike will be home in two weeks!
Love you all- Emily
Friday, February 18, 2011
Hi dear friends. I am writing from my phone , in kim's room. I'm sorry to say that it was just preliminary testing that showed her leukemia cells at zero. We got her final results yesterday. She actually does still have 15% of the cancer left. They are starting her on another round of chemo immediately. She is about to get her first dose. They're giving her three different kinds this round. One of them us new, and is generally considered the most aggressive one they use here.
I don't know what the next few days will bring, but I will let you know as soon as I figure things out.
I don't know what the next few days will bring, but I will let you know as soon as I figure things out.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Results!!!
We just got the results from Kim's bone marrow aspirate this morning.
She officially IN REMISSION AGAIN! Leukemia count is down to zero- the doctor's can't find a single speck of it left in her body!!
No details yet as to exactly how the next few weeks will go- but she'll for sure get a nice break at home, and then go right into her Transplant Round.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you ALL SO MUCH. It was your prayers that did it!
More soon-
Emily
She officially IN REMISSION AGAIN! Leukemia count is down to zero- the doctor's can't find a single speck of it left in her body!!
No details yet as to exactly how the next few weeks will go- but she'll for sure get a nice break at home, and then go right into her Transplant Round.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you ALL SO MUCH. It was your prayers that did it!
More soon-
Emily
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Okay, guys- this is it. Kim is having her bone marrow aspirate (test) on Monday at one thirty. If she us under eight percent, she gets to go home for a nice break and then come back to get ready for the big transplant round. If she is over eight percent leukemia , then she has to start another round of chemo right away. Right now, Kim doesn't feel like she's got enough left to go through that. So please, please please, keep her in your prayers more than ever this weekend. We need you now more than ever.
Thank you so much-
Emily
Thank you so much-
Emily
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Hi friends- a little bit of bad news, at least for me:
As many of you know, I work at a Community Health Center (we have great programs for anyone without health insurance, and great service for everyone in general- ask me about it if you're interested!) We recently had an interesting case come through, and long story short- Kim's doctors are not going to let me come down to see her, just for her safety, this weekend.
I was just telling you in my last post that Kim would like to see some visitors. This weekend would be a great one, if you're healthy, and you think you can stop by for a visit. She's going to be lonely.
Thanks, as always, Emily
As many of you know, I work at a Community Health Center (we have great programs for anyone without health insurance, and great service for everyone in general- ask me about it if you're interested!) We recently had an interesting case come through, and long story short- Kim's doctors are not going to let me come down to see her, just for her safety, this weekend.
I was just telling you in my last post that Kim would like to see some visitors. This weekend would be a great one, if you're healthy, and you think you can stop by for a visit. She's going to be lonely.
Thanks, as always, Emily
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Hi Everyone! Kim is still doing okay- mostly just tired today. Dr. Girshman, of Alternative Medecines at PCMC, has been working with Kim a lot lately to get her off of the pain medication she has to take so much. When I called to say goodnight just now, Kim was soaking her feet in a bath of lavender and milk. She's done some accupressure, as I've mentioned, but lately it's mostly been aromatherapy. I think it's all very cool, and keep meaning to get some to try myself.
We want to give a special thanks to our Grandma Marie, for the wonderful package she sent Kim! It was loaded with all sorts of goodies- books, games, comfy socks, and LOVE! I'm very excited to play Family Uno on Sunday. :)
Also, special thanks to the McClungs! They sent Kim some adorable balloons- it's amazing how they cheer up the room! Thank you! (And, thank you for the cow! Did Kim tell you? We've named him C.C.- for Cookies and Cream! He's a pillow favorite.)
And, from me: VERY special thanks to Leslie, Mari, Meliss and Jessica for signing up for the Relay for Life team! Now's the time to get the ball rolling :)
Kim wanted me to thank all of you for being there for her. Thank you for the prayers and support. It means so much to her, knowing she's never alone.
She also wants visitors. She knows she's too tired some times, but there are so many other times that she'd love to see you. It does get a little dull in the hospital with nothing to do but try to grow blood. Not that we're complaining- boring hospital stays are how we like to keep it, but you know what she means. (But only visit if you're very healthy! -That bit is from me.)
We want to give a special thanks to our Grandma Marie, for the wonderful package she sent Kim! It was loaded with all sorts of goodies- books, games, comfy socks, and LOVE! I'm very excited to play Family Uno on Sunday. :)
Also, special thanks to the McClungs! They sent Kim some adorable balloons- it's amazing how they cheer up the room! Thank you! (And, thank you for the cow! Did Kim tell you? We've named him C.C.- for Cookies and Cream! He's a pillow favorite.)
And, from me: VERY special thanks to Leslie, Mari, Meliss and Jessica for signing up for the Relay for Life team! Now's the time to get the ball rolling :)
Kim wanted me to thank all of you for being there for her. Thank you for the prayers and support. It means so much to her, knowing she's never alone.
She also wants visitors. She knows she's too tired some times, but there are so many other times that she'd love to see you. It does get a little dull in the hospital with nothing to do but try to grow blood. Not that we're complaining- boring hospital stays are how we like to keep it, but you know what she means. (But only visit if you're very healthy! -That bit is from me.)
Monday, February 7, 2011
Donor News!
Hi Everyone! I'm very happy to report that I have lots of good news, and as always, lots of favors to ask!
First of all, Kim is doing well. Her feet are feeling a little better, and she's feeling more energetic. She is still having trouble with side effects (no saliva, aching body, dry throat, burning feet, bored out of her mind...) but yes, is feeling as a whole a little bit better.
When Monday rolls around, all of the regular doctors check back in, and we start to get big news! They have narrowed Kim's bone marrow matches down to the lucky one! Apparently, this person is able and willing to save Kim's life. It is so strange to think that he/she is out there, and yet, we can't know anything about them, or even send them a message, until a whole year after the transplant has gone by. (I keep telling Kim that I hope "he's" a tall, dark and handsome, 28ish, International businessman... but really, anyone at all will do ;)
They are also holding on to those two units of Cord blood that were also matches for her, just to use as back up.
Dr. Barnett, her primary Oncologist, also laid out the plan for Kim's near future. She will be getting her next Bone Marrow Aspirate (test) some time next week. If her Leukemia cells have dropped to less that 8% of her total marrow, they'll send her home for a break and then get started on the transplant round (PRAY FOR THAT ONE!) If, however, the Leukemia is still more than 8%, she will have to stay at the hospital and start this round of chemotherapy over again.
Please, please, please pray for us that this round has taken out the majority of her cancer. Each round is harder on her, and we need to get her through this as soon as possible.
Thank you again, as always, so much- we could never do this without you.
Love, Emily
First of all, Kim is doing well. Her feet are feeling a little better, and she's feeling more energetic. She is still having trouble with side effects (no saliva, aching body, dry throat, burning feet, bored out of her mind...) but yes, is feeling as a whole a little bit better.
When Monday rolls around, all of the regular doctors check back in, and we start to get big news! They have narrowed Kim's bone marrow matches down to the lucky one! Apparently, this person is able and willing to save Kim's life. It is so strange to think that he/she is out there, and yet, we can't know anything about them, or even send them a message, until a whole year after the transplant has gone by. (I keep telling Kim that I hope "he's" a tall, dark and handsome, 28ish, International businessman... but really, anyone at all will do ;)
They are also holding on to those two units of Cord blood that were also matches for her, just to use as back up.
Dr. Barnett, her primary Oncologist, also laid out the plan for Kim's near future. She will be getting her next Bone Marrow Aspirate (test) some time next week. If her Leukemia cells have dropped to less that 8% of her total marrow, they'll send her home for a break and then get started on the transplant round (PRAY FOR THAT ONE!) If, however, the Leukemia is still more than 8%, she will have to stay at the hospital and start this round of chemotherapy over again.
Please, please, please pray for us that this round has taken out the majority of her cancer. Each round is harder on her, and we need to get her through this as soon as possible.
Thank you again, as always, so much- we could never do this without you.
Love, Emily
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Relay for Life!
Please register for Kim's Relay for Life team! The event will be April 15th at Utah State University. Our goal is to come together to show our support for Kim and the fight against cancer, and raise a little bit of money for the American Cancer Society in her honor.
Go to this website and search for Kim's team: KEEP RUNNING KIM!
http://relay.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11GW?fr_id=30405&pg=entry
I've got new writstbands ordered for this Battle- they should be available in a couple of weeks. I'll let you know! (They're exciting- lime green this time!)
Thank you all, so much!
Go to this website and search for Kim's team: KEEP RUNNING KIM!
http://relay.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11GW?fr_id=30405&pg=entry
I've got new writstbands ordered for this Battle- they should be available in a couple of weeks. I'll let you know! (They're exciting- lime green this time!)
Thank you all, so much!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Hello Adoring Fans of Kim! I bear tidings of great... feet. You wouldn't believe what this last round of Chemo has brought on.
She started this round on Monday, both her first day back to PCMC after her little break at home, and her first day of Chemo. They've had her on a few different kinds, but the main two have been ARA-C, one she's had almost every time- it's rough. And a new one- they call it Cloe. She usually feels feverish and itchy with the ARA-C, and is prone to rashes, so that was to be expected. But Cloe seems to have brought on something all together new-
The feet. As strange as it is, her feet have swelled into puffy little balloons, with aching bones, and skin as red and tender as the worst of sunburns. It's so bad at times, that she can't stand to have them touched, let alone walk on them. We've been keeping ice packs on them 24-7, and giving her pain meds around the clock, just to try managing it. The rest of her body is in reasonably good condition- it's just the feet.
Fortunately, today they feel just a little bit better than yesterday, and as yesterday was the last day of her chemotherapy, we're hoping this means she'll keep feeling better bit by bit.
I have another story to tell you from earlier this week. I'm not really sure how to lead up to it, as I've never written anything like this before.
Kim's life has been one of many miracles, small and large. This week she was able to be a part of one of the most miraculous yet:
Early this week, just after starting chemotherapy again, she had a day of terrible nausea. She threw up several times, and was miserable the rest of the time. This was very strange for her, as she usually never gets sick until after her chemo treatment is already through. The nurse she had that day was spending almost all of her time with Kim, and ended up quite neglecting the other patient she was taking care of.
The day passed, and the other patient, a one year old little boy named Michael, was due for a round of chemo himself. The nurse put it off and put it off, until his mother, Rachel, was very nearly getting upset- it was getting late. Just as the nurse was finally getting ready to start the chemo, nearly two hours past it's scheduled time, the doctor rushed in telling them to stop. They had done some tests and found that the walls of Michael's small intestines were sepparating. If they gave him that chemo, it probably would kill him.
Later, Rachel came by to tell their story to Mom and Kim. She told them that Kim had saved her baby's life.
Later that week, Rachel came by again. Michael had been given a blessing stating that he would be healed, and she wanted us to know that his intestines were better- something that should have taken a long time, and a lot of treatment. He was able to start his chemotherapy again.
I know that blessings like these are brought on by people like you, with your prayers and thoughts and love for Kim, and the others in situations like hers. It's so amazing, the wonderful things I have been able to witness throughout this journey. Thank you all for being there along the way. We need you.
Love Always, Emily
She started this round on Monday, both her first day back to PCMC after her little break at home, and her first day of Chemo. They've had her on a few different kinds, but the main two have been ARA-C, one she's had almost every time- it's rough. And a new one- they call it Cloe. She usually feels feverish and itchy with the ARA-C, and is prone to rashes, so that was to be expected. But Cloe seems to have brought on something all together new-
The feet. As strange as it is, her feet have swelled into puffy little balloons, with aching bones, and skin as red and tender as the worst of sunburns. It's so bad at times, that she can't stand to have them touched, let alone walk on them. We've been keeping ice packs on them 24-7, and giving her pain meds around the clock, just to try managing it. The rest of her body is in reasonably good condition- it's just the feet.
Fortunately, today they feel just a little bit better than yesterday, and as yesterday was the last day of her chemotherapy, we're hoping this means she'll keep feeling better bit by bit.
I have another story to tell you from earlier this week. I'm not really sure how to lead up to it, as I've never written anything like this before.
Kim's life has been one of many miracles, small and large. This week she was able to be a part of one of the most miraculous yet:
Early this week, just after starting chemotherapy again, she had a day of terrible nausea. She threw up several times, and was miserable the rest of the time. This was very strange for her, as she usually never gets sick until after her chemo treatment is already through. The nurse she had that day was spending almost all of her time with Kim, and ended up quite neglecting the other patient she was taking care of.
The day passed, and the other patient, a one year old little boy named Michael, was due for a round of chemo himself. The nurse put it off and put it off, until his mother, Rachel, was very nearly getting upset- it was getting late. Just as the nurse was finally getting ready to start the chemo, nearly two hours past it's scheduled time, the doctor rushed in telling them to stop. They had done some tests and found that the walls of Michael's small intestines were sepparating. If they gave him that chemo, it probably would kill him.
Later, Rachel came by to tell their story to Mom and Kim. She told them that Kim had saved her baby's life.
Later that week, Rachel came by again. Michael had been given a blessing stating that he would be healed, and she wanted us to know that his intestines were better- something that should have taken a long time, and a lot of treatment. He was able to start his chemotherapy again.
I know that blessings like these are brought on by people like you, with your prayers and thoughts and love for Kim, and the others in situations like hers. It's so amazing, the wonderful things I have been able to witness throughout this journey. Thank you all for being there along the way. We need you.
Love Always, Emily
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Back to PCMC
Hey Everyone-
Kim went back to PCMC yesterday to start her next round of chemotherapy. She's currently in room 4413, but there are rumors going around that one of the large "suites" might be opening up, and she's at the top of the list. (There are a couple of rooms in the ICS Unit that are a little bit bigger than the others. We've yet to get one thus far, but keep hoping!)
Everything has been going very well lately. Kim doesn't seem to have picked up any infections from her time at home, and she's feeling good: ready to plow through Round Two and get on to Transplant Round!
Kim's focus right now is on keeping healthy and positive. She really needs to keep all the weight, energy, and spirit that she can before the big TR. (Transplant Round) It's a doozy. But you know Kim- she can hold her own!
Our upcoming projects:
-Relay for Life 2011 at USU! (Team KEEP RUNNING KIM!)
-Planning Kim's NEW Birthday Party! (The day she gets her bone marrow transplant) and,
-Getting ready for our Brother Mike to get home from his mission! (March 9th!)
Kim went back to PCMC yesterday to start her next round of chemotherapy. She's currently in room 4413, but there are rumors going around that one of the large "suites" might be opening up, and she's at the top of the list. (There are a couple of rooms in the ICS Unit that are a little bit bigger than the others. We've yet to get one thus far, but keep hoping!)
Everything has been going very well lately. Kim doesn't seem to have picked up any infections from her time at home, and she's feeling good: ready to plow through Round Two and get on to Transplant Round!
Kim's focus right now is on keeping healthy and positive. She really needs to keep all the weight, energy, and spirit that she can before the big TR. (Transplant Round) It's a doozy. But you know Kim- she can hold her own!
Our upcoming projects:
-Relay for Life 2011 at USU! (Team KEEP RUNNING KIM!)
-Planning Kim's NEW Birthday Party! (The day she gets her bone marrow transplant) and,
-Getting ready for our Brother Mike to get home from his mission! (March 9th!)
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