Happy Thanksgiving
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
and many blessings to you ,
with love and thanksgiving,
Elaine, Kate, Maggie, and Grace
posted by Tracy @ 9:25 AM
8 comments
Monday, November 20, 2006
Kate saved the best for last !
Sunday evening
Dear friends and family,
We just recieved a phone call from the stem cell collection coordinator saying that Kate saved the best for last- today's count for the final collection was 3 million !!!! That puts Kate's total right around 10 million stem cells. The doctor was pleased. Thank you to the Lord of the harvest and for his people praying!
We are thrilled to be home after our 4 days in the hospital and a very long week. Kate's final collection was done from 7:30-11:30 am this morning. We were glad when we learned that her platelets had not dropped off enough to need a transfusion after today's collection. The doctor removed the stitches holding the catheter in place and removed it from Kate's neck. We were on our way home by 1:00 pm.
This was a grueling week for Kate's body. She has some pain in her shoulder and arm last night and today. In addition she threw up both her breakfast and supper today. She was in bed at 8:00 pm. The stem cell transplant coordinator who is a nurse, recommended that Kate lay low these next few days and not return to school this week. This will allow her body and mind to rest and recover from all that she's been through this week.
We could never have made it through this week without your constant prayers carrying us each hour of the day.
This week we celebrate Thanksgiving we have so much to be thankful for and blessings too many to count. We are especially thankful for the abundant harvest of stem cells. Before we left the hospital today, Kate said "Mom, we need to stop and pray". She voiced such a tender, heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving to God. My heart was touched and rejoiced in the fact that despite all that she has been through she continues to cling to God.
As we count out blessings know that each one of you is counted amongst those. We pray God's richest blessings upon you and yours as you celebrate Thanksgiving this week.
With a grateful heart,
Elaine
Dear friends and family,
We just recieved a phone call from the stem cell collection coordinator saying that Kate saved the best for last- today's count for the final collection was 3 million !!!! That puts Kate's total right around 10 million stem cells. The doctor was pleased. Thank you to the Lord of the harvest and for his people praying!
We are thrilled to be home after our 4 days in the hospital and a very long week. Kate's final collection was done from 7:30-11:30 am this morning. We were glad when we learned that her platelets had not dropped off enough to need a transfusion after today's collection. The doctor removed the stitches holding the catheter in place and removed it from Kate's neck. We were on our way home by 1:00 pm.
This was a grueling week for Kate's body. She has some pain in her shoulder and arm last night and today. In addition she threw up both her breakfast and supper today. She was in bed at 8:00 pm. The stem cell transplant coordinator who is a nurse, recommended that Kate lay low these next few days and not return to school this week. This will allow her body and mind to rest and recover from all that she's been through this week.
We could never have made it through this week without your constant prayers carrying us each hour of the day.
This week we celebrate Thanksgiving we have so much to be thankful for and blessings too many to count. We are especially thankful for the abundant harvest of stem cells. Before we left the hospital today, Kate said "Mom, we need to stop and pray". She voiced such a tender, heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving to God. My heart was touched and rejoiced in the fact that despite all that she has been through she continues to cling to God.
As we count out blessings know that each one of you is counted amongst those. We pray God's richest blessings upon you and yours as you celebrate Thanksgiving this week.
With a grateful heart,
Elaine
posted by Tracy @ 8:58 AM
2 comments
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Stem Cell Collection- Day 3- thank you for praying
Dear friends and family,
Another day complete in the tedious process of completing stem cells. Once again we are rejoicing at answered prayer to our specific request for a good condition. Kate's stem cell collection for tody was 2.5 million!!! Lord of the harvest, thank you for hearing our cry.
The stem cell doctor wants to do one more collection tomorrow. He was pleased with today's collection, but by collecting again tomorrow it adds a bit of a cushion to our numbers. PLEASE PRAY that tomorrow's (Sunday's) collection will be again the best of all , but at the minimum 2 million.
Kate has recieved a unit of platelets and will recieve another unit later tonight as we must keep that level at 50. Right now Kate is getting her dose of the WBC building drugs.
Please ask that tomorrow's collection will continue smoothly and that the harvest will be in abundance.
We were blessed today with visits to help us pass the long hours of htese days. We had lazy girls afternoon with Maggie , Aunt Adele , Stephanie and Abby reasing magazines and planning Christmas menu :) We were alsoo blessed with a short visit with a fellow young girl on the cancer journey and her mother down the hall from us. On the heels of their visit came Kate's friend Brandon's parents and sister. Thank you for these dear friends and family reaching out in love to help us pass these long days.
Special thanks from a mother's heart for friend and family who are loving on Maggie will during this time. Friday night Maggie enjoyed spending the night with her friend Jordan and was on to another fun sleep over with cousin Abby tonite.
As Kate and I go to sleep tonight we know that tomorrow (hopefully final) collection is being covered in prayer. You will never know how much it ministers to our heart and mind that we are literally being covered in prayer 24/7 by friends and family around the world.
We love and appreciate you all,
Elaine
Another day complete in the tedious process of completing stem cells. Once again we are rejoicing at answered prayer to our specific request for a good condition. Kate's stem cell collection for tody was 2.5 million!!! Lord of the harvest, thank you for hearing our cry.
The stem cell doctor wants to do one more collection tomorrow. He was pleased with today's collection, but by collecting again tomorrow it adds a bit of a cushion to our numbers. PLEASE PRAY that tomorrow's (Sunday's) collection will be again the best of all , but at the minimum 2 million.
Kate has recieved a unit of platelets and will recieve another unit later tonight as we must keep that level at 50. Right now Kate is getting her dose of the WBC building drugs.
Please ask that tomorrow's collection will continue smoothly and that the harvest will be in abundance.
We were blessed today with visits to help us pass the long hours of htese days. We had lazy girls afternoon with Maggie , Aunt Adele , Stephanie and Abby reasing magazines and planning Christmas menu :) We were alsoo blessed with a short visit with a fellow young girl on the cancer journey and her mother down the hall from us. On the heels of their visit came Kate's friend Brandon's parents and sister. Thank you for these dear friends and family reaching out in love to help us pass these long days.
Special thanks from a mother's heart for friend and family who are loving on Maggie will during this time. Friday night Maggie enjoyed spending the night with her friend Jordan and was on to another fun sleep over with cousin Abby tonite.
As Kate and I go to sleep tonight we know that tomorrow (hopefully final) collection is being covered in prayer. You will never know how much it ministers to our heart and mind that we are literally being covered in prayer 24/7 by friends and family around the world.
We love and appreciate you all,
Elaine
posted by Tracy @ 9:19 AM
2 comments
Friday, November 17, 2006
Stem Cell CollectionDay 2- Please pray for 3
Dear friends and family
We harvested again today from 8:30-12:30pm. This afternoon the collection number came back again at the 2 million mark, a tad higher than yesterday. Yesterday's stem cell count prior to the first collection was 12. Today the stem cell count was 10. It is really hard to predict whether Kate will drop tomorrow, stay the same or even step it up again. So the decision was made to make special arrangements for a collection on the weekend as we don't want to miss Kate's peak window for collection when her counts are at their best. Again, no on really knows or can determine if there is a window or how and when the stem cell count will peak. So we are grateful for the wisdom of the stem cell collection team, in saying let's be proactive and keep things going while they are going well.
SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUEST: Please ask Kate will collect at least 2 million cells tomorrow (Saturday). That would give us 6 million and that can be worked with. I told you in the first e-mail that the optimal goal was 15 million total. It was further explained to me that that is ideal text book case. We are asking we exceed the minimal and have some excess cells to work with. I must confess that I am feeling a bit anxious and am praying and turning it over to God many times through the day. Please pray Kate will have a record collection on Saturday. We will begin the 4 hour collection at 7:30 am. Everything is day to day, depending on what's collected tomorrow, the doctor may still want more collected on Sunday.
My heart was encouraged and reminded by two very special ladies on separate occasions over the last 2 days that "He is Lord of the harvest."
Father , Lord of the Harvest,
Hear the cry of your children on Kate's behalf and gather stem cells that yields a harvest of abundance.
It's been a long wearying day for Kate. She has spent a good deal of time asleep as she needed Morphine for the pain in her neck from the line placement and Benadrly to prevent an allergic reaction to her transfusion. She just completd a platelet transfusion and is beginning a transfusion of RBC. Low hemoglobin and medication have really left her pretty down and out most of the day. Please ask that God continue to pour his grace, and mercy and peace that passes all understanding into her soul.
Trusting and praying for the harvest,
Elaine
We harvested again today from 8:30-12:30pm. This afternoon the collection number came back again at the 2 million mark, a tad higher than yesterday. Yesterday's stem cell count prior to the first collection was 12. Today the stem cell count was 10. It is really hard to predict whether Kate will drop tomorrow, stay the same or even step it up again. So the decision was made to make special arrangements for a collection on the weekend as we don't want to miss Kate's peak window for collection when her counts are at their best. Again, no on really knows or can determine if there is a window or how and when the stem cell count will peak. So we are grateful for the wisdom of the stem cell collection team, in saying let's be proactive and keep things going while they are going well.
SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUEST: Please ask Kate will collect at least 2 million cells tomorrow (Saturday). That would give us 6 million and that can be worked with. I told you in the first e-mail that the optimal goal was 15 million total. It was further explained to me that that is ideal text book case. We are asking we exceed the minimal and have some excess cells to work with. I must confess that I am feeling a bit anxious and am praying and turning it over to God many times through the day. Please pray Kate will have a record collection on Saturday. We will begin the 4 hour collection at 7:30 am. Everything is day to day, depending on what's collected tomorrow, the doctor may still want more collected on Sunday.
My heart was encouraged and reminded by two very special ladies on separate occasions over the last 2 days that "He is Lord of the harvest."
Father , Lord of the Harvest,
Hear the cry of your children on Kate's behalf and gather stem cells that yields a harvest of abundance.
It's been a long wearying day for Kate. She has spent a good deal of time asleep as she needed Morphine for the pain in her neck from the line placement and Benadrly to prevent an allergic reaction to her transfusion. She just completd a platelet transfusion and is beginning a transfusion of RBC. Low hemoglobin and medication have really left her pretty down and out most of the day. Please ask that God continue to pour his grace, and mercy and peace that passes all understanding into her soul.
Trusting and praying for the harvest,
Elaine
posted by Tracy @ 11:14 PM
2 comments
Total Stem Cell Collected on Day 1
Dear friends and family,
I wanted to add a quick note to my previous message sent earlier tonite. I just got a call saying that Kate's total collection for today(Thursday) was 2 million. The stem cell logistics coordinator said this was good for the first day. He indicated that optimally they would like to see 5 million collected each day, but he was pleased for today.
PLEASE PRAY for Kate's WBC continue t recover and increase which would mean the stem cells would increase greatly as well. Please pray that the WBC count will keep increasing by leaps and bounds and in turn the number of stem cells collected will increase significantly. We do not know when Kate will peak as this is dependent on each individual. Please pray that she is just beginning to climb and the window of good collection days is wide. Please ask that the number of stem cells collected increase significantly.
I thank you for taking these very specific requests to Father!
Elaine
I wanted to add a quick note to my previous message sent earlier tonite. I just got a call saying that Kate's total collection for today(Thursday) was 2 million. The stem cell logistics coordinator said this was good for the first day. He indicated that optimally they would like to see 5 million collected each day, but he was pleased for today.
PLEASE PRAY for Kate's WBC continue t recover and increase which would mean the stem cells would increase greatly as well. Please pray that the WBC count will keep increasing by leaps and bounds and in turn the number of stem cells collected will increase significantly. We do not know when Kate will peak as this is dependent on each individual. Please pray that she is just beginning to climb and the window of good collection days is wide. Please ask that the number of stem cells collected increase significantly.
I thank you for taking these very specific requests to Father!
Elaine
posted by Tracy @ 11:02 AM
2 comments
Stem Cell Collection Day 1
Dear friends and family,
Stem cell collection day 1 is complete. Our day started out in slow motion. We arrived at 8:30 am and were told they were ready for Kate. However, due to an error in what was ordered for her accounts, we got bumped out of line. We never went for the procedure until 1:00. We tried to laugh and keep a positive attitude- but it was an incredibly long wait time.
The procedure to place the line in Kate's neck went well. Minimal discomfort from the line placement was an answered prayer request, evidenced by the fact that Kate opted for Tylenol for the pain rather than the morphine that was ordered.
The collection began at 4:00pm and ended at 8:oopm. This was an amazing process. In short the blood was drawn from a line in Kate's neck and went through the collection machime where a centrifuge separated the blood into 3 parts: plasma, RBC and WBC. The WBC are skimmed off the top of the RBC layer. The RBC and plasma are returned to Kate's body via the same line. The draw and return were simultaneous. Absolutely remarkable. The woman who did the collection was wonderful and very personable. She was very pleased with the collection and the color.
The collection has been sent across town and I am waiting for a call late tonight to tell us how many stem cells were actually collected out of the WBC. The goal is to collect 15 million stem cells. She said this a large amount and would not likely occur in one collection. We are anticipating the second collection about 8:oo am tomorrow (Friday).
Kate's platelet count going into the procedure today was 86- another answer to your prayers. Her stem cell count was a fantastic 12 today ! This really allowed for a nice, smooth collection. Now we wait and see how many stem cells were in the WBC collection. Post collection counts showed Kate's platelet have dropped back to 26- not a suprise, so she will recieve a platelet transfusion tonight. Right now she is getting an infusion of her Nupogen and then Lucine, both drugs to promote the production of WBC.
It's been a long but good day. I remain amazed at the grace and courage that God has placed in Kate. She is truly an amazing young lady!
Thank you to each of you for holding us close in your hearts and prayers thoughout this entire process. We have seen so many evidences this week of God's hand at work and answers to the prayers you have lifted on our behalf. Thank you in advance for carrying us in prayer though the days remaining in the collection process.
With a thankful heart,
Elaine
Stem cell collection day 1 is complete. Our day started out in slow motion. We arrived at 8:30 am and were told they were ready for Kate. However, due to an error in what was ordered for her accounts, we got bumped out of line. We never went for the procedure until 1:00. We tried to laugh and keep a positive attitude- but it was an incredibly long wait time.
The procedure to place the line in Kate's neck went well. Minimal discomfort from the line placement was an answered prayer request, evidenced by the fact that Kate opted for Tylenol for the pain rather than the morphine that was ordered.
The collection began at 4:00pm and ended at 8:oopm. This was an amazing process. In short the blood was drawn from a line in Kate's neck and went through the collection machime where a centrifuge separated the blood into 3 parts: plasma, RBC and WBC. The WBC are skimmed off the top of the RBC layer. The RBC and plasma are returned to Kate's body via the same line. The draw and return were simultaneous. Absolutely remarkable. The woman who did the collection was wonderful and very personable. She was very pleased with the collection and the color.
The collection has been sent across town and I am waiting for a call late tonight to tell us how many stem cells were actually collected out of the WBC. The goal is to collect 15 million stem cells. She said this a large amount and would not likely occur in one collection. We are anticipating the second collection about 8:oo am tomorrow (Friday).
Kate's platelet count going into the procedure today was 86- another answer to your prayers. Her stem cell count was a fantastic 12 today ! This really allowed for a nice, smooth collection. Now we wait and see how many stem cells were in the WBC collection. Post collection counts showed Kate's platelet have dropped back to 26- not a suprise, so she will recieve a platelet transfusion tonight. Right now she is getting an infusion of her Nupogen and then Lucine, both drugs to promote the production of WBC.
It's been a long but good day. I remain amazed at the grace and courage that God has placed in Kate. She is truly an amazing young lady!
Thank you to each of you for holding us close in your hearts and prayers thoughout this entire process. We have seen so many evidences this week of God's hand at work and answers to the prayers you have lifted on our behalf. Thank you in advance for carrying us in prayer though the days remaining in the collection process.
With a thankful heart,
Elaine
posted by Tracy @ 10:22 AM
0 comments
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Amazing Grace
We have been showered with God's amazing grace today! Late this afternoon the stem cell transplant logistics coordinator called and said everythings is OK!
After the telephone conference between the stem cell doctor and the insurance company doctor reversed their decision and have approved the transplant. Oh, the joy we felt! God continues to amaze us and remind us that he is faithful and in control! Thank you so much for letting us call on you to carry us in prayer. At the end of our conversation this afternoon the stem cell logistics coordinator told me that while he has worked with many stem cell transplant cases he's not seen one where all the pieces came together quite so beautifully. He is a believer and knows that while we love and appreciate all he has done on Kate's behalf, that he and we both know the True Stem Cell Transplant Coordinator!! PTL!!
Kate's admission is at 8:30 am tomorrow (Thursday) morning. She will go to same day surgery to have the line put in and then we will move up to the floor and once she's come out of the anesthetic, she will be hooked up to the machine and stem cells will flow in volume and the collection is complete in 1-2 days.
Please be praying for Maggie as we are apart from her. She is going to try out for the school play tomorrow. Maggie and Grace will be staying with Grammie and Pappy again. We could not do all that we have to do without the love and support of my Mother and Dad.
We can't thank you enough for being there for us and praying us through these days.
With thanksgiving,
Elaine
After the telephone conference between the stem cell doctor and the insurance company doctor reversed their decision and have approved the transplant. Oh, the joy we felt! God continues to amaze us and remind us that he is faithful and in control! Thank you so much for letting us call on you to carry us in prayer. At the end of our conversation this afternoon the stem cell logistics coordinator told me that while he has worked with many stem cell transplant cases he's not seen one where all the pieces came together quite so beautifully. He is a believer and knows that while we love and appreciate all he has done on Kate's behalf, that he and we both know the True Stem Cell Transplant Coordinator!! PTL!!
Kate's admission is at 8:30 am tomorrow (Thursday) morning. She will go to same day surgery to have the line put in and then we will move up to the floor and once she's come out of the anesthetic, she will be hooked up to the machine and stem cells will flow in volume and the collection is complete in 1-2 days.
Please be praying for Maggie as we are apart from her. She is going to try out for the school play tomorrow. Maggie and Grace will be staying with Grammie and Pappy again. We could not do all that we have to do without the love and support of my Mother and Dad.
We can't thank you enough for being there for us and praying us through these days.
With thanksgiving,
Elaine
posted by Tracy @ 9:46 PM
10 comments
URGENT REQUEST-PRAYER ANSWERED
Prayer Answered!!!!!!!!
Update to follow
Update to follow
posted by Tracy @ 4:42 PM
0 comments
URGENT REQUEST
Dear Friends and family,
We recieved one HUGE ANSWER to pray today in that Kate's stem cell count was 7 !!! Yes, it's more than tripled and falls in the range to begin the collection tomorrow. Thank you for interceding for Kate. There is truly power in prayer.
With that huge praise and answer came some discouraging news. Our insurance company has denied the request to perform the tandem stem cell transplant. They are saying that there is not sufficient research to support this course of treatment and it is only experimental. Now we have one HUGE REQUEST...PLEASE PRAY that the conversation this afternoon between Kate's stem cell transplant doctor and the insurance company doctor turn this denial around. We are trusting that our God who moves stem cells can easily move an insurance company. That hospital and stem cell team are working hard to battle this. Please ask that God provide the words and wisdom they need to turn this decision around.
As it stands now we are scheduled for admission tomorrow. Please pray that God move the insurance factors that may inhibit us being admitted.
Praying,
Elaine
We recieved one HUGE ANSWER to pray today in that Kate's stem cell count was 7 !!! Yes, it's more than tripled and falls in the range to begin the collection tomorrow. Thank you for interceding for Kate. There is truly power in prayer.
With that huge praise and answer came some discouraging news. Our insurance company has denied the request to perform the tandem stem cell transplant. They are saying that there is not sufficient research to support this course of treatment and it is only experimental. Now we have one HUGE REQUEST...PLEASE PRAY that the conversation this afternoon between Kate's stem cell transplant doctor and the insurance company doctor turn this denial around. We are trusting that our God who moves stem cells can easily move an insurance company. That hospital and stem cell team are working hard to battle this. Please ask that God provide the words and wisdom they need to turn this decision around.
As it stands now we are scheduled for admission tomorrow. Please pray that God move the insurance factors that may inhibit us being admitted.
Praying,
Elaine
posted by Tracy @ 3:39 PM
1 comments
ANSWERS !!!
Dear Friends and family,
Thank you so much for carrying us in prayer today. Your prayers were heard and answered by our very attentive Father who poured out his mercy and grace on us today!
We started our day with counts and found Kat'e s platelets had dropped from 13 yesterday afternoon back to the low of 6. Due to this low count she recieved two bags of platelets today instead of one.
ANSWER- Late afternoon counts showed Kate's platelets climbed to 87 !!! God hears the petitions of his children !! Thank you for praying.
REQUEST- Kate's body will use up many platelets through the night. She will recieve another transfusion of platelets tomorrow to keep the platelet count where it needs to be when her body is ready for the stem cell harvest. She must be at a minimum of 50 to have any kind of procedure. Please pray that the platelet count climbs steadily.
After two hours into our morning in the clinic, the stem cell came back.
ANSWER- Kate's stem cell count tripled !!! She went from 1 yesterday yo 3 today !! Our God is amazing!!
REQUEST-Kate must be at 4 or 5 to begin the stem cell collection. Please ask that a steady and strong increase in the stem cell will continue in these coming days. If her body continues to respond as it did today, the stem cell transplant coordinator is aiming for Thursday admission to the hospital for the collection. Again this is all tenative based on how Kate's body responds over the next two days.
REQUEST-There is another teenager at the hospital who is preparing for a stem cell harvest.. His count did not climb today.. Please pray for him and his family. This is a stress filled, tedious process. I know how thankful and encouraged we were today with the progress God allowed. Please ask that this boy and his family recieve encouraging news tomorrow.
Today was another incredibly long 9 to 5 day at the clinic. I'm not sure why we get so weary and worn just sitting in a clinic room all day, but we do.
REQUEST- Please ask that we are renewed with a good night's rest.
Kate endured a lot today physically . They added another medication to help increase the WBC production. It acts in much the same way as the Nupogen shot she is still getting daily. This new medication was infused through her IV over 2 hours to prevent an allergic reaction.
REQUEST-Kate will recieve another 2 hour IV dose of this medication tomorrow as well. Please pray that it helps push those counts up, up, up.
REQUEST- The daily Nuprogen shots are very painful. Kate has been very brave and squeezes my hand very tight to get through the injection. Tonight's shot on top of a very physically weary day brought tears. Please ask for comfort for her and minimal pain in all that she must endure now and in the coming months.
REQUEST-Please pray Kate's heart and spirit to be protected from discouragement.
Dear ones, I couldn't wait to share with you tonight the amazing answers to your prayers on Kate's behalf. Thank you so much for praying with us. We could not journey this road withouth you. Thank you for continuing to pray us through these very specific needs for this week.
With love and thanks,
Elaine
Thank you so much for carrying us in prayer today. Your prayers were heard and answered by our very attentive Father who poured out his mercy and grace on us today!
We started our day with counts and found Kat'e s platelets had dropped from 13 yesterday afternoon back to the low of 6. Due to this low count she recieved two bags of platelets today instead of one.
ANSWER- Late afternoon counts showed Kate's platelets climbed to 87 !!! God hears the petitions of his children !! Thank you for praying.
REQUEST- Kate's body will use up many platelets through the night. She will recieve another transfusion of platelets tomorrow to keep the platelet count where it needs to be when her body is ready for the stem cell harvest. She must be at a minimum of 50 to have any kind of procedure. Please pray that the platelet count climbs steadily.
After two hours into our morning in the clinic, the stem cell came back.
ANSWER- Kate's stem cell count tripled !!! She went from 1 yesterday yo 3 today !! Our God is amazing!!
REQUEST-Kate must be at 4 or 5 to begin the stem cell collection. Please ask that a steady and strong increase in the stem cell will continue in these coming days. If her body continues to respond as it did today, the stem cell transplant coordinator is aiming for Thursday admission to the hospital for the collection. Again this is all tenative based on how Kate's body responds over the next two days.
REQUEST-There is another teenager at the hospital who is preparing for a stem cell harvest.. His count did not climb today.. Please pray for him and his family. This is a stress filled, tedious process. I know how thankful and encouraged we were today with the progress God allowed. Please ask that this boy and his family recieve encouraging news tomorrow.
Today was another incredibly long 9 to 5 day at the clinic. I'm not sure why we get so weary and worn just sitting in a clinic room all day, but we do.
REQUEST- Please ask that we are renewed with a good night's rest.
Kate endured a lot today physically . They added another medication to help increase the WBC production. It acts in much the same way as the Nupogen shot she is still getting daily. This new medication was infused through her IV over 2 hours to prevent an allergic reaction.
REQUEST-Kate will recieve another 2 hour IV dose of this medication tomorrow as well. Please pray that it helps push those counts up, up, up.
REQUEST- The daily Nuprogen shots are very painful. Kate has been very brave and squeezes my hand very tight to get through the injection. Tonight's shot on top of a very physically weary day brought tears. Please ask for comfort for her and minimal pain in all that she must endure now and in the coming months.
REQUEST-Please pray Kate's heart and spirit to be protected from discouragement.
Dear ones, I couldn't wait to share with you tonight the amazing answers to your prayers on Kate's behalf. Thank you so much for praying with us. We could not journey this road withouth you. Thank you for continuing to pray us through these very specific needs for this week.
With love and thanks,
Elaine
posted by Tracy @ 8:24 AM
1 comments
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
SPECIAL REQUEST
Dear friends and family,
I am asking you to come along side of us and ask very specifically for the increased release of stem cells in Kate's blood.
We went to Children's this morning for blood work to check Kate's counts in general and specifically the production level of the stem cells. We were tentatively anticipating that the stem cell harvest would occur tomorrow(Tuesday). Kate's stem cell count came back at 1 and she must be at 4 or 5 to begin a harvest. So we must continue to check counts each day and wait until they reach that level. Thus, we are asking you to pray with us that the stem cells would multiply and begin blood flowing plentifully in the blood. Each person is different and that count can hover low for several days and then jump, or it can climb slowly.
Please ask that the stem cells would be produced in volume and be readily available in the blood for collection. We will go again tomorrow to Children's to check this count.
Kate was symptomatic of low hemoglobin today and recieved 2 units of RBC. We also discovered this morning when Kate's gums were bleeding and she had a few spots of piticia (tiny broken blood vessels on the surface of the skin) that Kate's platelet count had taken a nose dive. She dropped to a 6 and after the transfusion had moved up to a 13. She must be at 50 for any type of procedure to be done due to the risk of bleeding when platelets are low. She will recieve another transfusion of platelets tomorrow when we go for counts.
Neither of us were too discouraged by the fact that the stem cell harvest cannot occur tomorrow. We know we must trust Father to orchestrate this harvest in his perfect timing. While I know this in my heart my mind is at the same time anxious knowing that there is a window of time in which this needs to occur that is influenced by by so many factors. Thanks for joining us in asking that Kate's stem cell harvest will indeed happen and that the harvest will be sufficient.
Thanks for interceding,
Elaine
I am asking you to come along side of us and ask very specifically for the increased release of stem cells in Kate's blood.
We went to Children's this morning for blood work to check Kate's counts in general and specifically the production level of the stem cells. We were tentatively anticipating that the stem cell harvest would occur tomorrow(Tuesday). Kate's stem cell count came back at 1 and she must be at 4 or 5 to begin a harvest. So we must continue to check counts each day and wait until they reach that level. Thus, we are asking you to pray with us that the stem cells would multiply and begin blood flowing plentifully in the blood. Each person is different and that count can hover low for several days and then jump, or it can climb slowly.
Please ask that the stem cells would be produced in volume and be readily available in the blood for collection. We will go again tomorrow to Children's to check this count.
Kate was symptomatic of low hemoglobin today and recieved 2 units of RBC. We also discovered this morning when Kate's gums were bleeding and she had a few spots of piticia (tiny broken blood vessels on the surface of the skin) that Kate's platelet count had taken a nose dive. She dropped to a 6 and after the transfusion had moved up to a 13. She must be at 50 for any type of procedure to be done due to the risk of bleeding when platelets are low. She will recieve another transfusion of platelets tomorrow when we go for counts.
Neither of us were too discouraged by the fact that the stem cell harvest cannot occur tomorrow. We know we must trust Father to orchestrate this harvest in his perfect timing. While I know this in my heart my mind is at the same time anxious knowing that there is a window of time in which this needs to occur that is influenced by by so many factors. Thanks for joining us in asking that Kate's stem cell harvest will indeed happen and that the harvest will be sufficient.
Thanks for interceding,
Elaine
posted by Tracy @ 9:42 AM
2 comments
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Update from Elaine
Dear Friends and family,
Sorry for the delay in updating you since Kate's chemo treatment Oct 31st - Nov. 2nd. As many of you can relate, hospital stays are not very restful. It always seems to take a day to recover from the hospital stay and another day to catch up with life at home and then suddenly we find ourselves caught up again in busy schedule of each day's activities.
Post Chemo Report
~Praise that for the most part Kate's chemo treatment went relatively well!
-Tuesday 10/31 Day one of the chemo was relatively smooth with Kate able to enjoy lunch and dinner and overall feeling pretty good.
-Wednesday 11/1 morning, however, started with heaves, nausea and vomiting. What little eating Kate did was a real challenge. Because the nausea was pretty intense she recieved several different medications in hopes of alleviating the nausea. There was an issue that one medication Kate recieved, in that while it is great for chemo related nausea it should not have be given in the midst of chemo to patients with brain cancer as it may interfere with the work of the chemo. We are trusting that the window of time between the two doses of chemo when the medication was given, had little or no impact on the chemo's effectiveness. Kate slept a good part of the day on Wednesday due to the medication she was given to help relieve the nausea. While she didn't have much appetite by evening she was feeling better. Early evening she said Mom, my mouth feels funny and I'm having trouble swallowing. Her tongue was swollen to 3x it's normal size. She was immediately given Benedrly and it was determined she had an allergic reaction to one of the anti-nausea medications.
~Praise for friends and family who visited on Wednesday. This was a special blessing for me. it helped to pass the day with good company while Kate slept.
-Thursday 11/2 morning was thankfully much better than Wednesday morning. Although she didn't have an appetite, nausea was minimal and under control.
We eagerly anticipated Kate's discharge when the doctor rounded at 10:00am. We were a little disappointed when he told us due to the chemo, Kate's sodium level had dropped and she could not be discharged until that count came up.Kate's fluids were restricted and counts were ordered again for 2:oo. We finally left the hospital at 5:oo. We were pleased when Kate had a good dinner with second helpings that Grandma had waiting for us when we got home.
-Fridat 11/3 Kate woke feeling a kind of yucky all over.
~Praise that by mid afternoon she felt like a new person. She stopped mid afternoon and said, "Mom, we need to stop and thank God, I fell great!"We celebrated with dinner out.
Joy in the Journey
~the Saturday 10/28 we enjoyed a day of fun and lots of laughter with Kate's friend Brandon and his family. They had a pumpkin carving party with lots of friends and over 30 pumpkins carved!
~On Saturday night 11/4 Kate's group of friends came over laden with delicious appetizers
and sweet treats. They had a night of "normalcy" having fun laughing, talking and listening to music. We are so thankful for the wonderful, caring friends God has put in Kate's life.
~Praise for a fun afternoon on Sunday enjoying good food and laughter with extended family.
~Some special friends fondly referred to as the "beach girls" have blessed us with a family photo sitting. The girls are delighted, because of course puppy Grace will be part of the picture :) All you girls understand what fun Kate and I had planning what to wear for the pictures while we passed time in the hospital.
~We also enjoyed filling the hospital time by making plans for the holidays talking decorations, activities and visits.
~We are very excited that our dear friend Kellie (who spent 2 years with us in China) will be joining us for a visit at Thanksgiving. Kellie and Maggie have long been known as "Drama Queen and "Dramam Princess"- no doubt our visit together will be filled with lots of laughter and dramatic moments :)
~Blessing on top of blessing...another heart friend (who was also in China with us) is planning to visit right after Christmas.
~We are so grateful that Father has made out lives so rich in relationships with family and friends
On the Horizon: Stem Cell Harvest
-We determined with our medical team that it is best for Kate not to be in school until after the stem cell harvest next week. Being in large groups is a definite risk when WBC count is low. Kate's blood counts yesterday showed her WBC count to be .6 . Anything below 500 makes one highly susceptible to infection. This low WBC count is what we expected the chemo to do and will eventually precipitate the release of stem cells in her blood. We are anticipating that release of stem cells on or around next Tuesday, November 14th. We'll check counts at Children's on Monday morning and determine if she will be ready to harvest on Tuesday.
**During Kate's chemo stay we learned that her veins are too narrow to do stem cell harvest through a large IV. She will instead have to opt for a more invasive method which will involve putting a catheter in her neck to harvest the stem cells. Because of the necessity of the catheter, she will be in-patient for the time that it takes to complete the harvest rather than outpatient.
~We are thankful for the wonderful teachers and staff at Riverside. They are so supportive and helpful with make-up work.
Requests
~Please pray specifically that Kate is protected from germs during these days when her WBC are so low that her body cannot fight infection.
~Kate experienced some allergic reaction over the weekend with eyes swelling and a few hours of labored breathing. Her blood counts yesterday were indicative that indeed there was an allergic reaction. We have not determined the cause and are trusting she is not allergic to any other drugs in her treatment regiment.
~Please pray that Kate's stem cells will be flowing well next week and that the collection of stem cells can be completed in 1-2 days and not take longer.
~Please ask that the incision made for the catheter will be protected and not invite infection into Kate's body.
~Please pray that the discomfort from the procedure for the catheter be minimal.
~Praise that yesterday's RBC transfusion went well. We go back on Thursday of this week for a platelet transfusion. Please ask that this transfusion go just as well.
Thank you for continuing to journey beside us in prayer and for the many cards, e-mails, and calls that remind us of your love and concern and brighten our day.
We have so much to be thankful for in these days and you our friends and family remain one of those blessings for which we are most grateful !
With joy and thanks,
Elaine
Sorry for the delay in updating you since Kate's chemo treatment Oct 31st - Nov. 2nd. As many of you can relate, hospital stays are not very restful. It always seems to take a day to recover from the hospital stay and another day to catch up with life at home and then suddenly we find ourselves caught up again in busy schedule of each day's activities.
Post Chemo Report
~Praise that for the most part Kate's chemo treatment went relatively well!
-Tuesday 10/31 Day one of the chemo was relatively smooth with Kate able to enjoy lunch and dinner and overall feeling pretty good.
-Wednesday 11/1 morning, however, started with heaves, nausea and vomiting. What little eating Kate did was a real challenge. Because the nausea was pretty intense she recieved several different medications in hopes of alleviating the nausea. There was an issue that one medication Kate recieved, in that while it is great for chemo related nausea it should not have be given in the midst of chemo to patients with brain cancer as it may interfere with the work of the chemo. We are trusting that the window of time between the two doses of chemo when the medication was given, had little or no impact on the chemo's effectiveness. Kate slept a good part of the day on Wednesday due to the medication she was given to help relieve the nausea. While she didn't have much appetite by evening she was feeling better. Early evening she said Mom, my mouth feels funny and I'm having trouble swallowing. Her tongue was swollen to 3x it's normal size. She was immediately given Benedrly and it was determined she had an allergic reaction to one of the anti-nausea medications.
~Praise for friends and family who visited on Wednesday. This was a special blessing for me. it helped to pass the day with good company while Kate slept.
-Thursday 11/2 morning was thankfully much better than Wednesday morning. Although she didn't have an appetite, nausea was minimal and under control.
We eagerly anticipated Kate's discharge when the doctor rounded at 10:00am. We were a little disappointed when he told us due to the chemo, Kate's sodium level had dropped and she could not be discharged until that count came up.Kate's fluids were restricted and counts were ordered again for 2:oo. We finally left the hospital at 5:oo. We were pleased when Kate had a good dinner with second helpings that Grandma had waiting for us when we got home.
-Fridat 11/3 Kate woke feeling a kind of yucky all over.
~Praise that by mid afternoon she felt like a new person. She stopped mid afternoon and said, "Mom, we need to stop and thank God, I fell great!"We celebrated with dinner out.
Joy in the Journey
~the Saturday 10/28 we enjoyed a day of fun and lots of laughter with Kate's friend Brandon and his family. They had a pumpkin carving party with lots of friends and over 30 pumpkins carved!
~On Saturday night 11/4 Kate's group of friends came over laden with delicious appetizers
and sweet treats. They had a night of "normalcy" having fun laughing, talking and listening to music. We are so thankful for the wonderful, caring friends God has put in Kate's life.
~Praise for a fun afternoon on Sunday enjoying good food and laughter with extended family.
~Some special friends fondly referred to as the "beach girls" have blessed us with a family photo sitting. The girls are delighted, because of course puppy Grace will be part of the picture :) All you girls understand what fun Kate and I had planning what to wear for the pictures while we passed time in the hospital.
~We also enjoyed filling the hospital time by making plans for the holidays talking decorations, activities and visits.
~We are very excited that our dear friend Kellie (who spent 2 years with us in China) will be joining us for a visit at Thanksgiving. Kellie and Maggie have long been known as "Drama Queen and "Dramam Princess"- no doubt our visit together will be filled with lots of laughter and dramatic moments :)
~Blessing on top of blessing...another heart friend (who was also in China with us) is planning to visit right after Christmas.
~We are so grateful that Father has made out lives so rich in relationships with family and friends
On the Horizon: Stem Cell Harvest
-We determined with our medical team that it is best for Kate not to be in school until after the stem cell harvest next week. Being in large groups is a definite risk when WBC count is low. Kate's blood counts yesterday showed her WBC count to be .6 . Anything below 500 makes one highly susceptible to infection. This low WBC count is what we expected the chemo to do and will eventually precipitate the release of stem cells in her blood. We are anticipating that release of stem cells on or around next Tuesday, November 14th. We'll check counts at Children's on Monday morning and determine if she will be ready to harvest on Tuesday.
**During Kate's chemo stay we learned that her veins are too narrow to do stem cell harvest through a large IV. She will instead have to opt for a more invasive method which will involve putting a catheter in her neck to harvest the stem cells. Because of the necessity of the catheter, she will be in-patient for the time that it takes to complete the harvest rather than outpatient.
~We are thankful for the wonderful teachers and staff at Riverside. They are so supportive and helpful with make-up work.
Requests
~Please pray specifically that Kate is protected from germs during these days when her WBC are so low that her body cannot fight infection.
~Kate experienced some allergic reaction over the weekend with eyes swelling and a few hours of labored breathing. Her blood counts yesterday were indicative that indeed there was an allergic reaction. We have not determined the cause and are trusting she is not allergic to any other drugs in her treatment regiment.
~Please pray that Kate's stem cells will be flowing well next week and that the collection of stem cells can be completed in 1-2 days and not take longer.
~Please ask that the incision made for the catheter will be protected and not invite infection into Kate's body.
~Please pray that the discomfort from the procedure for the catheter be minimal.
~Praise that yesterday's RBC transfusion went well. We go back on Thursday of this week for a platelet transfusion. Please ask that this transfusion go just as well.
Thank you for continuing to journey beside us in prayer and for the many cards, e-mails, and calls that remind us of your love and concern and brighten our day.
We have so much to be thankful for in these days and you our friends and family remain one of those blessings for which we are most grateful !
With joy and thanks,
Elaine
posted by Tracy @ 9:23 AM
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