Kelly went to the infusion center yesterday for chemo, and her bad day from Tuesday just continued. She was getting very sick, and there was blood in her vomit. So her oncologist admitted her to find out why she was bleeding so much. Then during the night, her fever spiked, so there was another issue to unravel. The GI doctor came to see her and, since her hemoglobin was stable and she has no stomach pain, he didn't feel the need to scope her as we expected. He's just watching her blood levels. The good news is, since she was there anyway, they did her MRI this morning. Dr. Muhonen came to see us and was very happy with her MRI results. No sign of tumor. As Kelly says, unfortunately this doesn't mean she's cancer free, but she is tumor free. With a grade 4 tumor, which is what glioblastoma is, there are almost always cancer cells left that don't show up on the MRI. That's why the chemotherapy continues. But we're thrilled with how good her MRI is one year after her last surgery. What a coincidence that she was admitted on Oct 22, which is exactly one year from the last time she was admitted. We are much more optimistic at this time than we were a year ago. She is still beating the odds.
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Kelly's Story
Kelly was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme (brain tumor) in July, 2007. She had surgery to have the tumor removed at Children's Hospital of Orange County in Orange, California. After one round of radiation and chemotherapy, she had another surgery to remove a recurrent tumor on October 22. She is receiving further treatment to try to prevent another recurrence. This website is to keep friends and family updated on her journey and her progress. She loves to read comments posted here for her!
Treatment Plan
8/07 - 9/07 30 days radiation along with 42 days of oral temodar. Her first post radiation MRI showed recurrence of her tumor, so this treatment was changed.
11/16 Gamma Knife Radiosurgery - attempt to create a "boundary" to contain cancer cells to the one area of her brain
11/07 to present Irinotecan (also known as CPT-11) and Avastin given every other week
Treatment Plan
8/07 - 9/07 30 days radiation along with 42 days of oral temodar. Her first post radiation MRI showed recurrence of her tumor, so this treatment was changed.
11/16 Gamma Knife Radiosurgery - attempt to create a "boundary" to contain cancer cells to the one area of her brain
11/07 to present Irinotecan (also known as CPT-11) and Avastin given every other week
Leave a message for Kelly...
A big thank you to everyone who has posted messages to the blog. Kelly checks them everyday and it means so much to her to hear from all of you and know you are thinking of her. It really makes her happy to know so many people are cheering her on.
If you'd like to post a message and aren't sure how, go down to the bottom of the post that you would like to add a comment to and click on comments. If someone has already posted a comment, you will also see a number telling how many people have commented. Then login or create a new account, which is easy. You just need a name and password. If you post under "anonymous" please remember to sign your name so we know who it is from.
If you'd like to post a message and aren't sure how, go down to the bottom of the post that you would like to add a comment to and click on comments. If someone has already posted a comment, you will also see a number telling how many people have commented. Then login or create a new account, which is easy. You just need a name and password. If you post under "anonymous" please remember to sign your name so we know who it is from.
If you click on anonymous, you don't have to have an identity or password, so that may be easier!
You can email Kelly at:
14 comments:
Uggh! So sorry for everything you've gone through in the past couple of days!!! But, so happy you were able to get your MRI done and it's clear!!!
We're thinking of you and sending you big hugs from Florida!
Love,
Aunt Jenny, Uncle Bob, Kylie and Ryan
I'm sorry to hear Kelly is back inpatient. When I talked to Michelle yesterday she told me what happened and when we went to dinner last night, that was the first thing Bay told me. He was worried! It sounds like this may be a short stay, as long as her fever goes away and the bleeding stops. I'm hoping you guys will be home soon and so happy to hear the good results from her latest MRI. God is good. By the way, email me your phone number so we can keep in touch that way cause last night I didn't want to ask Michelle for your number and put her in that situation where she had to give it to me.
By the way, are you guys going to CHOC for Halloween?
Hang in there Miss Kelly - this is just a little speed bump in your journey! You keep up the good work and know we are all cheering you on! So happy the MRI was clear!
Thanks again for including us on Sunday - I have told everyone how much fun the CHOC walk was!
Hugs from The Turner's
Oh "Sweet Niblets" Grayson was sad to hear that Kelly is not feeling well. We have got to get our girl feeling better :) I am so happy to hear the MRI looks good, that is two good MRI's in one week. I think we are on to something special here. Loved the picture of Kelly and Gray, I hope he did not hug her too hard. Looking forward to many more photo ops of the two of them. xoox Michelle and Gray
I am so sorry to hear Kelly is in the hospital but so glad to hear about the MRI. Prayers are answered and miracles happen every day. So many people are praying for Kelly and her complete healing-I have her on prayer chains from coast to coast. Hopefully this episode will be over soon and Kelly will be back to feeling well again. Hugs and prayers, Marilyn
Hi Kelly and Family,
I too, was so sorry to hear that the past couple of days have been so bad. BUT, I was elated to hear about the clear MRI!! That is really such good news!! God is indeed good! Praying for you, that the next few days will be MUCH BETTER for you....
Love,
Patty J.
I am so sorry to hear that you had such a rotten time these past few days. We are thinking of you!!
The Lisch Family
P.S. The MRI news is fantastic!
Hey Kelly! I'm so glad to hear your MRI was clear! Hope you feel better, and know that I'm praying for you :)
Love,
Kriztia
Oh no, sorry to read this. I'll be praying for you guys. Glad to read the good news about the MRI.
God bless,
Bethany (Audrey's Umbrella)
Kathy,
Praying for Kelly. She continues to inspire all of us. These kids are amazing, aren't they? Thanks for checking in on us and being so supportive. It means so much. I'm so happy to hear the MRI results were good. Thank God for good reports! Hang in there. Love Kathleen Gettinger - proud mom to Taylor, brain cancer warrior
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/taylorgettinger
Yippee Kelly! So glad to hear that the MRI is clear - whew! Sorry you're not feeling well - we hope you're home soon. How's your puppy?
You're in our hearts and prayers -
Love you!
The Miller Family
Dear Kelly,
My computer let me view your blog! Wow! Every time Verizon "upgrades" my e-mail, it doesn't work as well as before.
Congratulations on the clean MRI, and happy MRI anniversary. Many happy returns of the day.
I am sorry you're ill. I hope they get to the bottom of it quickly, so you can get on with life as it's meant to be lived.
Take care,
Henry
Hi Kelly! I am so sorry to read this has been such an awful week. I hope that you are home from the hospital by the time I am writing.
Great news on the MRI! Yippee - that always makes my day when I read that. I know it is nice to have it done but I am sorry for the circumstances and hope that you are now snuggled up at home with Murphy.
Love,
Pat
Good morning Kelly!
I have been thinking about you today since it is Christmas in October...best gift would be to hear that you are feeling much better and able to enjoy the day ^..^
Love,
Pat
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