Happy Birthday to Randi... she did get good news for her birthday. Today was the first day she had no blast cells in her blood test (blast cells are leukemic cells, to my understanding). Yea !
Here is where she is in her treatment. She started on Thursday evening a new stronger round of chemo. She will do this for 7 days. This week the will test her brother, Josh, to see if he is a match for a marrow transplant. Randi will not have to under go testing to type her, because a few months back she got tested to be put on the donor list for bone marrow. In about 20 days or so she will travel to MD Anderson in Houston. That is where she will get her transplant. Geoff was told to plan on 4 to 6 weeks in Houston. I would encourage anyone who is not on the bone marrow donor list to consider it, it is a simple blood draw to get tested and you may be a match to someone in need.
As far as her birthday, thank you to all who sent cards and gifts. Unfortunately I was unable to deliver them to day and didn't want to see Geoff. I woke up with a sore throat and congestion. I don't even want to risk, the slightest bit, getting her sick. I didn't want to get Geoff sick either, but it seems as though he has a sore throat tonight as well. My mom is planning on taking her the cards and gift tomorrow, if all goes well. I do know she had lots of visitors today, including the boys. I know Thursday when the boys were there she was so happy, and they were too. They made quite a sight, her, Ryan and Eric all squeezed in the tiny hospital bed together. It was a great thing to see. I think the best medicine she has had.
Please keep praying.
Ali
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Update May 29th Morning
Hi Folks - this is Micki - the sister-in-law married to Gavin. This won't be as detailed as Ali's posts because I don't live in NM and so I don't have all the info.
But here's what I know...they did another bone marrow test on Monday. Yes originally they were going to wait for 28 days but they didn't. I don't know why. So they got the results yesterday from the Monday test and it seems that she has more abnormal cells now than what she started with in the beginning. So now they are testing the family for bone marrow matches. I believe they are going to start a second, stronger round of chemo today or tomorrow.
I don't know how long it will last but Randi is able to see the boys now. This is what Ali has been doing; shuttling around 5 kiddos.
What do we need from you? Please keep saying prayers and add Randi to any prayer list you can think of, donate blood in her name, and be patient. Due to Ali's busy schedule this blog has to be put on the back burner. I will update if and when I have info.
Thanks for your continued support!
But here's what I know...they did another bone marrow test on Monday. Yes originally they were going to wait for 28 days but they didn't. I don't know why. So they got the results yesterday from the Monday test and it seems that she has more abnormal cells now than what she started with in the beginning. So now they are testing the family for bone marrow matches. I believe they are going to start a second, stronger round of chemo today or tomorrow.
I don't know how long it will last but Randi is able to see the boys now. This is what Ali has been doing; shuttling around 5 kiddos.
What do we need from you? Please keep saying prayers and add Randi to any prayer list you can think of, donate blood in her name, and be patient. Due to Ali's busy schedule this blog has to be put on the back burner. I will update if and when I have info.
Thanks for your continued support!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
May 23 morning
Well, all the side effects have set in. She is just not feeling good at all. Her mouth hurts, her belly hurts, and she has had a fever since yesterday. Because she doesn't feel good, she has asked for no more visitors, when she feels better we can resume visiting. She needs her rest.
The Dr is treating her fever with antibiotics and anti fungal meds, but they are not sure why she has a fever. They have also said she is neutropenic, you can look at the AML website for a definition, (see right side of blog for link).
Please keep her in your prayers, this is the hard part but most of the side effects means the chemo is doing its job.
To update about the boys and Geoff. Geoff is holding up well considering all he has to deal with. He has seemed to have found a balance between taking care of his wife and being a dad. I am proud of him and all he is doing in this difficult situation. The boys are doing good, as well. They pray for their mom to get better everyday, and are adjusting to the new life they are in. We have, because of the generosity of the YMCA, enrolled the boys in the summer program. We felt it would be best for them to have some stability day to day this summer as to where they would be. We are grateful for the scholarship program at the Y.
The Dr is treating her fever with antibiotics and anti fungal meds, but they are not sure why she has a fever. They have also said she is neutropenic, you can look at the AML website for a definition, (see right side of blog for link).
Please keep her in your prayers, this is the hard part but most of the side effects means the chemo is doing its job.
To update about the boys and Geoff. Geoff is holding up well considering all he has to deal with. He has seemed to have found a balance between taking care of his wife and being a dad. I am proud of him and all he is doing in this difficult situation. The boys are doing good, as well. They pray for their mom to get better everyday, and are adjusting to the new life they are in. We have, because of the generosity of the YMCA, enrolled the boys in the summer program. We felt it would be best for them to have some stability day to day this summer as to where they would be. We are grateful for the scholarship program at the Y.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
May 21, evening
Hi, not much to report. Did find out it was not the strain we were hoping for, but the explanation of what it is, is too much to put here and a bit complicated. More ugly side effects for Randi, but the Dr. is trying to make her more comfortable. Today is day 1 of a 21 to 28 day waiting period. Then more testing. So hold out for more news to come.
I did have an idea today. Randi's birthday is in 10 days, the 31st. I think its horrible to be stuck at the hospital for her birthday. So I thought if everyone who loves her and cares sends me a card for her, I will keep them and Geoff can deliver them to her all at once. I think the number of cards at once will be a cool sight for her, not to metion uplifiting. So if you can, mail a card for her to my house ( birthday hopefully, we can get other cards to her too). If you don't want to mail them, let me know we can find a way to get them. If you go to their church you can leave them there and they will get picked up.
My address (Ali Knox)
1830 Cantera St SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
I did have an idea today. Randi's birthday is in 10 days, the 31st. I think its horrible to be stuck at the hospital for her birthday. So I thought if everyone who loves her and cares sends me a card for her, I will keep them and Geoff can deliver them to her all at once. I think the number of cards at once will be a cool sight for her, not to metion uplifiting. So if you can, mail a card for her to my house ( birthday hopefully, we can get other cards to her too). If you don't want to mail them, let me know we can find a way to get them. If you go to their church you can leave them there and they will get picked up.
My address (Ali Knox)
1830 Cantera St SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Monday, May 18, 2009
May 18, afternoon
Ok, one weekend down. Not much to report about Randi, it is basically a waiting game. She's getting her chemo treatments, and having some side effects. A funny taste in her mouth which makes everything taste funny and she is tired, all normal unfortunately.
For blood donations, we have figured out it is best to call Pres hospital directly at 505-563-2195 and schedule a donation. She needs blood and platelets. If it is her type it will be set aside for her, if not she will get credit for it and it will go to someone in need. All a good thing. We are working on a possible blood drive for those who can't make it to Presbyterian. More details on that as we get it together.
I have had some offers of donations of money for the family. We have set up a donation account at Compass bank for them. http://www.bbvacompass.com/index.html. It is set up under my name, Alison Knox. Right now it does not say for Randi, we are awaiting approval on a donation account, but it is open. We will be using this money to keep the boys busy this summer, get the house ready for her to come home, gas for trips to the hospital, just to name a few things.
I want to thank everyone for all their support, with helping out and just being so generous. It shows just how much Randi, Geoff and the boys are loved. We appreciate everything and it leaves us able to take care of them without worrying about the little things.
Always praising HIM
Ali
For blood donations, we have figured out it is best to call Pres hospital directly at 505-563-2195 and schedule a donation. She needs blood and platelets. If it is her type it will be set aside for her, if not she will get credit for it and it will go to someone in need. All a good thing. We are working on a possible blood drive for those who can't make it to Presbyterian. More details on that as we get it together.
I have had some offers of donations of money for the family. We have set up a donation account at Compass bank for them. http://www.bbvacompass.com/index.html. It is set up under my name, Alison Knox. Right now it does not say for Randi, we are awaiting approval on a donation account, but it is open. We will be using this money to keep the boys busy this summer, get the house ready for her to come home, gas for trips to the hospital, just to name a few things.
I want to thank everyone for all their support, with helping out and just being so generous. It shows just how much Randi, Geoff and the boys are loved. We appreciate everything and it leaves us able to take care of them without worrying about the little things.
Always praising HIM
Ali
Thursday, May 14, 2009
May 14, afternoon
Not much news today. Randi started chemo yesterday. She did have to have a few pints of blood, and felt better after that.
News will probably be slow from this point for a while. She will be getting chemo and then just waiting. Keep checking for updates.
Correction to yesterday post, she will only have 7 days of chemo, but it will be high doses.
News will probably be slow from this point for a while. She will be getting chemo and then just waiting. Keep checking for updates.
Correction to yesterday post, she will only have 7 days of chemo, but it will be high doses.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
May 13, Afternoon
Ok. didn't get post this morning had to go see the girl. She is still in a good mood, but feeling tired.
Here is what we know today. The biopsy confirmed AML, and is a stage 4. We had been hoping for a 3, but got this. They have yet to determine the strain, pray for the the right one. As always we know who is in charge and know He will take care of her.
She will began chemo today and for the next 10 days. She then has to stay put for 28 days. After that there will be another biopsy to make sure she is in remission, because we know that is where she will be. (All things positive is my personal motto.)
Good side the boys all got to visit last night. It will be a while until the see her again, but we are setting up Skye so they can see her that way.
Today was also the big day for the hair. It all came off and she did so good. See pics below of the cool looking head.
I am so proud of how well she is handling all of this. As Geoff said the other day "she is wearing her big girl panties". Everyone is so impressed and proud of her. She did her biopsy with a out tear and even wanted to watch, which of course is so Randi like. I think she might of done it herself if they let her.
And yes I had her permission to post these pics.
in the process with moms loving help, wouldn't let Geoff do it says he can't do it right.
My personal fav.
Still so Beautiful..
Here is what we know today. The biopsy confirmed AML, and is a stage 4. We had been hoping for a 3, but got this. They have yet to determine the strain, pray for the the right one. As always we know who is in charge and know He will take care of her.
She will began chemo today and for the next 10 days. She then has to stay put for 28 days. After that there will be another biopsy to make sure she is in remission, because we know that is where she will be. (All things positive is my personal motto.)
Good side the boys all got to visit last night. It will be a while until the see her again, but we are setting up Skye so they can see her that way.
Today was also the big day for the hair. It all came off and she did so good. See pics below of the cool looking head.
I am so proud of how well she is handling all of this. As Geoff said the other day "she is wearing her big girl panties". Everyone is so impressed and proud of her. She did her biopsy with a out tear and even wanted to watch, which of course is so Randi like. I think she might of done it herself if they let her.
And yes I had her permission to post these pics.
in the process with moms loving help, wouldn't let Geoff do it says he can't do it right.
My personal fav.
Had to do the mohawk, all the boys including Geoff have had one at some point, so why not Randi.
Still so Beautiful..
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Things she likes, May 12
I talked with Geoff to get a list of things Randi needs/wants in her room. She is only eating small meals at the moment. She need some snacks to keep her energy up. This is a few things she likes. Keep in mind she can not have anything that grows in or on the ground. Lets not overwhelm her with stuff, she will be there for a while.
Most nuts are OK but in small quantities, not her exact fav.
Kashi bars, pumpkin or cranberries
fruit roll ups
Chocolate snack packs
Summer sausage
Cheese and cracker
Green olives stuffed with Garlic
Hooter wings but only from hooters
With love, Ali
Most nuts are OK but in small quantities, not her exact fav.
Kashi bars, pumpkin or cranberries
fruit roll ups
Chocolate snack packs
Summer sausage
Cheese and cracker
Green olives stuffed with Garlic
Hooter wings but only from hooters
With love, Ali
5/12 Info
I just want everyone to know I will be updating this blog twice a day for now, or when there is something important to be known. Information is changing every 5 minutes. As a family we are still trying to get our bearings. We have all the children to care for, Geoff and Randi. Please be patient with us, this is a huge shock to all of us. We are aware that everyone loves Randi and is concerned. Please check this blog when you can.
If you have questions please email me. I have set up a separate account to handle this. It is alik.1528@gmail.com. I will be checking it often and will try to answer questions or will get the answers if I don't know.
Regarding blood donation, I am trying to determine if we need to donate in Randi's name. For now if you give please do so in her name.
Thank you for all your love
Praising HIM always
Ali
If you have questions please email me. I have set up a separate account to handle this. It is alik.1528@gmail.com. I will be checking it often and will try to answer questions or will get the answers if I don't know.
Regarding blood donation, I am trying to determine if we need to donate in Randi's name. For now if you give please do so in her name.
Thank you for all your love
Praising HIM always
Ali
May 12, Morning
Good Morning to all. Here is my update for now. Randi is still in a good mood. Today she will be getting a central line, but it is new and approved they call it a Power port. She will also be doing a bone marrow biopsy today. The Dr. said that her white blood count is within a safe range so she is in no immediate danger, and that is why they are not doing much for her now.
To clear a few things. As far the blood donation ,Geoff and Randi just know that blood is always need, and Randi needs no blood at the moment.
More good news, Randi has spoken with her porfessors and she will be getting the grade she had before finals and does not have to worry about those ugly tests.
Always praising HIM
Ali
To clear a few things. As far the blood donation ,Geoff and Randi just know that blood is always need, and Randi needs no blood at the moment.
More good news, Randi has spoken with her porfessors and she will be getting the grade she had before finals and does not have to worry about those ugly tests.
Always praising HIM
Ali
Monday, May 11, 2009
5/11 evening
Ok, so I hope you all found this blog easily. I am Ali, Randi's sis in law and will be the one probably updating the blog. Here is what I know as of this evening. They are almost positive that she has Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, or a version of it. They will be doing more testing tomorrow, but it may take a day or two to get the definitive results.
I spoke with Randi earlier and she was still in a good mood. She was giving everyone a hard time and being herself. Geoff is taking care of her and the boys are doing their normal routine or as close to it as possible. Good news is the boys get to go see their mom tomorrow night.
I will be adding a list soon of things they need, and how we need help. Right now Geoff is asking for some meals that he can heat and serve dinner to the boys when he is home. If you can help with this, e-mail me at alik.1528@gmail.com. They are asking if you need a way to help, please donate blood, pray and keep them in your thoughts.
Check back frequently for updates.
I spoke with Randi earlier and she was still in a good mood. She was giving everyone a hard time and being herself. Geoff is taking care of her and the boys are doing their normal routine or as close to it as possible. Good news is the boys get to go see their mom tomorrow night.
I will be adding a list soon of things they need, and how we need help. Right now Geoff is asking for some meals that he can heat and serve dinner to the boys when he is home. If you can help with this, e-mail me at alik.1528@gmail.com. They are asking if you need a way to help, please donate blood, pray and keep them in your thoughts.
Check back frequently for updates.
The News
Sunday May 10, 2009 Randi found out she had leukemia. We're in the process of finding out more information.
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