Ok. I never wanted to 'blog' but here goes. I'm starting this because our youngest daughter Grace, 5 years old, was just diagnosed with cancer and I needed an easier way to reach all of you.
So, other than feeling like we've been run over by a Mack Truck, we are doing all right. We don't even know how to thank everyone who has helped us through the past couple of weeks. It's been overwhelming to realize how many people love us and are concerned for our little family. Grace is doing as well as possible, the type of cancer she has is called Burkitt's Lymphoma. It's an aggressive cancer but also one of the most responsive to treatment. The mass on her neck is now almost undetectable (it used to be the size of an egg). She had that mass biopsied on June 16th--we found out it was malignant (cancer) on the 18th and found out it was Burkitt's on the 19th. The chances are amazing for this type of cancer--over 85% success rate!!!!! She had her central line (a Broviac--for anyone who knows about them) put in on the 23rd and while she was under sedation they also did bone marrow aspirations from both hips, a lumbar puncture and started her chemotherapy "reduction phase". We found out that her bone marrow and her spinal fluid is cancer-free!!!!!!! Her cancer is level 3--4 is the highest but she stayed a 3--hip-hip-hooray!!
She begins her "induction phase" of chemotherapy Monday, June 30th. She will be in the hospital Monday-Saturday at the very least. From what we understand, this next week will not be pleasant, it will be hardcore, hair falling out, nausea, etc, etc. We will try to post news of her condition as often as possible. My sister, Victoria, is here helping us figure out how to get organized.
We would have starved the past couple of weeks without the meals and snacks that were brought in from, the Stone & Handy families, the Pearland Ward members and the Barton Creek Ward members. The hospital staff could not believe the balloons, activities, stuffed animals, coloring books, cards and all things helpful that Grace (and we) received. From Q-tips and coloring books to a new camera, we can't believe the outpouring of love and concern. From across the country to next door, people have been praying and helping us more than we will ever be able to repay. We are so grateful for family, friends, church, co-workers and neighbors. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. That doesn't cover how grateful we are but it's a start.
Gracie's big sisters, Jessica and Jane, are incredible--they have been sensitive and worried and trying their hardest not to be jealous of all the attention Grace has been getting. They made her posters and cards to help decorate her hospital room!! They have come to the hospital to participate in activities to help Gracie feel better. They have been bouncing from family to family every other day so mama and papa could be with Gracie. Jessica and Jane--You are amazing!!!!!
So, other than feeling like we've been run over by a Mack Truck, we are doing all right. We don't even know how to thank everyone who has helped us through the past couple of weeks. It's been overwhelming to realize how many people love us and are concerned for our little family. Grace is doing as well as possible, the type of cancer she has is called Burkitt's Lymphoma. It's an aggressive cancer but also one of the most responsive to treatment. The mass on her neck is now almost undetectable (it used to be the size of an egg). She had that mass biopsied on June 16th--we found out it was malignant (cancer) on the 18th and found out it was Burkitt's on the 19th. The chances are amazing for this type of cancer--over 85% success rate!!!!! She had her central line (a Broviac--for anyone who knows about them) put in on the 23rd and while she was under sedation they also did bone marrow aspirations from both hips, a lumbar puncture and started her chemotherapy "reduction phase". We found out that her bone marrow and her spinal fluid is cancer-free!!!!!!! Her cancer is level 3--4 is the highest but she stayed a 3--hip-hip-hooray!!
She begins her "induction phase" of chemotherapy Monday, June 30th. She will be in the hospital Monday-Saturday at the very least. From what we understand, this next week will not be pleasant, it will be hardcore, hair falling out, nausea, etc, etc. We will try to post news of her condition as often as possible. My sister, Victoria, is here helping us figure out how to get organized.
We would have starved the past couple of weeks without the meals and snacks that were brought in from, the Stone & Handy families, the Pearland Ward members and the Barton Creek Ward members. The hospital staff could not believe the balloons, activities, stuffed animals, coloring books, cards and all things helpful that Grace (and we) received. From Q-tips and coloring books to a new camera, we can't believe the outpouring of love and concern. From across the country to next door, people have been praying and helping us more than we will ever be able to repay. We are so grateful for family, friends, church, co-workers and neighbors. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. That doesn't cover how grateful we are but it's a start.
Gracie's big sisters, Jessica and Jane, are incredible--they have been sensitive and worried and trying their hardest not to be jealous of all the attention Grace has been getting. They made her posters and cards to help decorate her hospital room!! They have come to the hospital to participate in activities to help Gracie feel better. They have been bouncing from family to family every other day so mama and papa could be with Gracie. Jessica and Jane--You are amazing!!!!!
These pics are from her most recent hospital stays..jpg)
.jpg)
7 comments:
Thank you for keeping us posted. Mike heard about Grace from Dan and then he told me ( I was so relieved when he told me how responsive that particular kind of cancer is to treatment ) Our prayers and thoughts are with you and we look forward to all the updates. Take care of yourselves!
Oh, Melissa - my heart goes out to you and your family. I'll be praying for you all. Your girls are beautiful! Thank you for keeping us informed.
Melissa, I can't imagine what you are going through. My heart goes out to you and your family. Everyone at NEG is thinking of Grace and we miss her smile! Just know that God loves Grace and he has a plan. Try to stay strong! And please tell her we are thinking of her.
Melissa,
Thank you so much for starting this. I never want to bother you or your wonderful family, but please please let us know what we can do for you anytime. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers daily. Stay strong! We love you all!
The Yacktmans
I attended the Pearland Ward yesterday and was impressed by the love shown by the Ward as they fasted for Gracie and your family. The youth, in particular, were outstanding. For ward conference, some of the stake leaders brought rice krispy treats and chocolates for the YM/YW, but virtually all of them skipped out because they were fasting -- it was awesome.
I came across this quote made by the Prophet Joseph (while visiting a sick relative) and thought of the optimism and faith that your family has shown to all of us over the last couple weeks: “If I were sunk into the lowest pit of Nova Scotia and all the Rocky Mountains piled on top of me, I ought not to be discouraged, but hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage, and I should come out on the top of the heap.”
Hope all goes well this week. Not a prayer goes by in our house where our kids aren't praying for Grace.
HI Melissa,
It's your cousin Julie, we are all up at a family reunion at Brianhead UT. We got your blog from your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet family. Thanks for the updates. I will check them often.
Take Care.
Love,
Julie
The Shawn and Amy Peterson Family want you to know that we are all praying for you. Cancer is not fun, but we have a niece on Shawn's side who is cancer free and has been for 8 years now. Prayers really do work!! Grace is beautiful as are your other daughters. Trials make us better people and leave us more prepared to return home to our Heavenly Father. Thanks for the update!!
Post a Comment