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Thursday, February 28, 2008 8:11 AM CST

Well, the sun is out in Erie for a change. 2nd grade is going well for Marina. She went to Pittsburgh two weeks ago and she doesn't have to go back until June. Everyone in our house has the flu bug but all in all we are ok.

Things are different now since Mike and I broke up. In October, I asked him to move out. My cousin moved in to help me with the kids and I think we are all doing ok. The puppy didn't work out, so at Christmas time we got a rat. It is the cutest thing.I can't believe how things have changed in the last 6 months.

I hope all our little friends are doing well.

Friday, September 21, 2007 7:43 PM CDT

2nd grade is going well for Marina. She has become quite the reader. We got a dog that the kids love and I am really greatful to have her. Marina's checkup got moved to October so I will update then. Take care!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007 7:02 PM CDT

The summer is coming to an end and what a summer it has been! Marina has been doing awesome. She played soccer for the first time and she loves being goalie. Her counts were so good in June that we don't have to go to Pittsburgh until September. I can't believe my little princess has been off treatment for just over a year now!! What a relief it has been. She is so healthy, I just feel so blessed.

Sunday, May 27, 2007 3:09 PM CDT

My little princess is almost finished with 1st grade!!. On to 2nd grade in August! I am so excited for her. I just wanted to catch everybody up. Marina goes back to Pittsburgh June 13. Have a great holiday!

Friday, April 6, 2007 6:56 PM CDT

Marina has had a cold, but on the whole, she is doing fine. Her results from the leg specialist were good. She just needs to get the rest of the Vincristine out of her system. She goes back to Pittsburgh on April 13.

Garrett has turned 5!
I hope this Easter is good for all of you.

Monday, January 1, 2007 4:50 PM CST

Happy New Year!! Well, six months since Ree ended treatment, all is well. We are looking forward to 2007.Marina has been having some trouble with her left leg, she is going to the doctor to get a referral. On the whole, we know how blessed we have been. I am hoping you all have a wonderful year.

Wednesday, August 2, 2006 6:14 PM CDT

On Saturday, we had Marina's end of treatment party. We raised $145.00 for Make a Wish and we had a wonderful time! I am greatful to my friends and family who helped put it on, and greatful that we had the chance. Thank you to those who stop in to check on us. It has been a long road, but we are looking forward to the future.

Friday, July 7, 2006 12:32 AM CDT

I AM JUMPING FOR JOY!!!!!! MARINA IS OFF TREATMENT AND HER BONE MARROW CAME BACK GOOD!!!!! We will have to go to clinic once a month for a check up but things are looking up for my little girl. She is still having unexplained leg pain,and she has had a fever since Sunday, but the doctor said not to worry so I am doing my best. We are busy planning her end of treatment party for the end of the month. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for my little princess!!

Friday, June 2, 2006 10:23 PM CDT

JUNE 30,2006 that is the last day of treatment for my little girl. We are so excited this nightmare is coming to an end. The chemo, the hairloss , the lack of energy, lack of sleep, vomiting, and my general worry--- it will be coming to an end, and life will be changing again for our family. Leukemia has been such a black hole--all encompassing--all consuming, it seems strange to think of it not being the ugly monster lurking around the corner. Marina has 5 years of tests ahead of her before she is considered CURED, but honestly, when we throw away all the left over meds, I feel it will be like a new lease on life. I have seen several families take different roads in this battle, not because of their choice, but the disease was just too strong for their loved ones. I feel that we should never forget those who weren't as fortunate,it makes me more grateful because I know our road could have gone differently,I hope I can be the mother Marina deserves. SHe has had difficult toddler years, but I hope that things get easier for her.

I want everyone to know how much I have appreciated your checking on our family. I appreciate your prayers and thoughts. I have had issues with religion since this disease came into our lives, but now I think I am more understanding of other's pain.

Marina is moving on to 1st grade!!!!!!! I am so proud of her,she was also the flower girl in her God parent's wedding, she looked like a princess.

We are having an end of treatment party in July to celebrate this milestone and to help raise money for Make A Wish. I will post more when I get the details.

Thanks again everyone.

Saturday, April 15, 2006 3:32 PM CDT

Marina will be having treatment next Friday. She has been doing well since the tubes were put in her ears.Thank you all for your prayers.

Mysti and Ri--I am sorry you guys are having so much trouble with Ri's counts. I hope you get home for Easter.


I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter. I want the friends and family of Matt Lamb to know I am so sorry for their loss. Matt is out of pain now, but those who love him are left to carry on. I don't know what else to say.

Sunday, April 9, 2006 3:28 PM CDT

Marina got tubes in her ears and she is doing fine. Her counts have been pretty good and other than her rash, she is healthy. School is going well and we are headed for Pitts for chemo in two weeks. Then we should know when treatment will be finished!!!!!!


Mysti if you are reading this--I am thinking of you and RI--Take care and call me if you need anything.\
\Thinking of you too Patty and Callie.

In case I can't write sooner--Happy Easter everyone and good news--my cousin and his wife welcomed a new baby--Welcome "Mitch". Easter is a time of celebration and we are excited for them!

Saturday, March 18, 2006 3:13 PM CST

Well, the last month has been kind of rough. Ree has suffered so many ear infections that the ENT wants to put tubes in. He is calling Pittsburgh and the oncologist is supposed to call next week with the plan. I was worried for a long time that the chemo was too much and she was just unable to fight off infections, but the ENT says the chemo is probably the cause to begin with. HE has seen this before with other Leukemia kids. I guess the surgery would only last a few minutes and she should be pain free afterwards.

other than that, Ree is doing ok, various aches and pains from time to time that scare the crap out of me, but I guess I have to let it go. She is doing good in school and is looking forward to her summer vacation.

Garrett has been doing well, for the most part, we all have.\\

I continue to pray for my friends who are fighting this and their families who are supporting them.

Tuesday, February 7, 2006 5:48 PM CST

OK strep-throat girl is going back to school--I am so excited! I have an appointment with Windex and Lysol, I swear that waiting on a 5 year old leaves no time for much else.

Marina looks ok, but the antibiotic had messed up her tummy and that is why she was out of school for so long.

We have another friend who isn't feeling so hot--Rialy our friend we met at Children's last Thanksgiving. I don't know the whole story, still trying to track mom down, but Mysti, Rialy if you see this, ReeRee and Shannon are thinking of you both.

I heard there might be some good news for Matt, the local teen who is in need of a BMT, I have to get the info off his site but will post it ASAP.

Callie, we are thinking of you too.

To all of my friends who aren't feeling so hot...

May your counts come up
May your breakfast stay down
May your sleep be sound and your
voice be loud
Please be nice to your mothers
because they love you like no other.

May you all feel better soon.

Tuesday, January 31, 2006 5:51 PM CST

Thanks for everyone who has been praying for Matt, Callie and Marina. We missed Matt's blood drive because Miss Marina got a spinal and chemo on Fri and then tested Strep-positive. SO little strep-throat girl is recouperating on the couch watching Barbie Fairytopia for the 125th time.

Marina's report card came and it was fantastic! I was worried about her not passing Kindergarten, but that's not going to be a problem. I am so proud of her, I would be even if she was doing poorly because she really tries her best, and she loves school.

Please remember to donate blood and platelets to save these kids lives.

Monday, January 16, 2006 4:14 PM CST

Especially if you are in the Erie area please check out Matt Lamb's site, he is a local teen who is fighting AML. He needs a bone marrow transplant and is in need of a match. Please go to the blood drive. Me and Ree and Mike will be there if Ree is feeling ok, she gets chemo and a spinal tap the Friday before. AND she will be on steroids so watch out!

Our friend Callie from FL has a webpage now, please check in on her and say a nice hello for her guestbook,it always helps to know people are cheering you on!


Bone Marrow and Blood Drive
For Matt Lamb
Sunday Jan 29, 2005
9 am- 2 pm
Millcreek West Ridge FD social hall
3142 West 26 St Erie PA

For the sake of those that need BMT--please register!!!


I will update Friday nite and let you know how treatment went.

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 5:01 PM CST

Well, we had a very nice Christmas,Ree was feeling good and Mike was off work.The kids didn't fight too much and we did not get so much snow that the roof caved in, so I guess it was a Great Christmas. We are planning Marina's end of treatment party. Not sure yet where it will be, but it will be BIG...You can't be on chemo for 2 years and 8 months and NOT have a PARTY when it's finally over!!!!! Marina is doing well in school and the kids are nicer since the Leukemia Society came and showed the Charlie Brown movie about the little girl with Leukemia. She has learned to tie her shoes and can read a little. She was on the radio for a minute to help raise money for Make-A-Wish over Christmas break. I can't forget to mention Disney on Ice. Make a Wish gave us tickets, and what a great time we had.
I have a friend in Fl whose teenage daughter is continuing to battle a rare cancer, I ask for prayers for Patty, Callie and their family. As we went about our holidays like we used to, I was reminded of that Christmas in 2003 when all seemed lost, like Marina wouldn't have a normal childhood and how I felt like I lost everything. It is strange how bleak things have seemed at times in these last 2 years,it took me a long time to be greatful for what I had and to stop longing for things to be better. I do wish other moms didn't have to go through this. But I am greatful for my little princess, I have seen her blossom in front of my eyes and thru the tears, I am a stronger more loving mother.

Thursday, November 10, 2005 1:28 PM CST

Happy Fall everyone!! Well, we are offically 2 years into treatment. What a long haul it has been for all of us. Thank you for reading this and for praying for us. Ree is looking good, she is on steroids so she is a bit cranky but all in all, I couldn't ask for her to be much better. We are getting rid of internet for now to conserve but I will update if anything of importance comes up. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. For all of those fighting--hang in there little ones!

Thursday, October 6, 2005 10:29 PM CDT

So we are a month into school and Marina really likes it. Some girls have been mean to her so the Leukemia Society will be doing a little presentation, Marina really does deal with her cancer better than anyone else.

I am asking for prayers not for me but for our little friend near Pittsburgh who's counts don't look too good, her name is Rialy and she is the sweetest little thing. Her mom is worried sick that the Leukemia is back--so please keep her in your thoughts.

The local woman who was battling leukemia and needed a transplant has gone on to bigger and better things. Although Carrie is no longer in pain, her family feels the loss greatly.

My friend in FL, Callie is battling cancer too, she has been through alot.

I just wish I could do more for them.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005 5:02 PM CDT

Last night was the Leukemia Society’s Light the Night walk. We raised less money this year, thanks in part to Hurricane Katrina I believe, but we had a wonderful time. My thanks to Uncle Wayne, Aunt Nola, Melissa, Jessica, Anthony, Jeremy, Cheryl, Shell, Jordan and Jon for joining Mike, Ree and me this year. Marina looked so much healthier this year--she actually walked a lot of the course, the weather cooperated nicely too.

It was sad when they read the names of those who were lost since last year’s walk, but it was a reminder of why the walk takes place--not only as a fundraiser, but as a living testimony to the lives of those who are fighting this horrible disease, those who have beat it, as well as a memorial to those who have lost the fight. It was inspiring to see all the white balloons, the survivor balloons. I was proud to be walking next to my little fighter, I printed a sign that said “Survivor on board” and hung it from her wagon. She did need to rest quite a bit and when she did, she looked a lot like a miniature home coming queen on her float in a parade.

Marina loves school and although it has been difficult to leave her in the hands of someone else all day, I think she is doing well. She is a wonderful artist and is having trouble following some of her teacher’s instructions (as kindergarten resembles 5th grade these days) but all in all she is doing well.

I have a friend in Fl whose daughter has been diagnosed with cancer, it had brought back a lot of bad memories, of the night that the nurses were crying to my Pastor, to the next few hours that Ree got 4 blood transfusions, to the diagnosis of Leukemia--to the hell we went thru deciding to leave our home and move back to family with no home of our own or jobs, the uncertainty. I am really sick of cancer. If you are reading this, Patty, I miss you and love you and think of you often, I so wish I could be there for you.

Also to Carrie’s family, I looked for you at the walk and didn’t see anyone, I haven’t heard anything on Carrie’s condition except that it had worsened, I am sorry I haven’t been able to keep in touch.

I am going to put the kids to bed at 8 and have a beer, not watch ANY news and hopefully I can find a good bo0k in this house that is not about cancer and read for awhile.

Take care --My love to all those in this shitty situation--keep your chins up.

Tuesday, August 23, 2005 10:30 AM CDT

So today Ree went to see her school and meet her teacher and classmates. Mike and I saw some people we went to high school with. I wish I wasn't still so skiddish about talking to people, it was great to see old friends, but everything feels so different now that our life is the way it is.
Ree is very excited about school starting next week, I am worried just a little, about the germs and mean kids and all that, but I have to let go just a little.

I will update next week about her first day.

My little princess is off to school!!!!!!!!

Sunday, August 14, 2005 2:17 PM CDT

So much for a laid back summer. We took the kids camping and Ree got a bug in her ear. Then, it wanted to take up permanent residence there so we had to see a specialist to vacuum it out.

Ree got her Spinoza bear and it was a huge help. She didn't ask 500 times on the trip to Pitts "are we there yet?" and she didn't cry at all on the way home. Her talking bear as she calls it has become her best buddy.

Make a Wish sent us on a boat ride on Saturday, lots of other wish kids attended and I ran into (or she ran into me really) an old friend from middle school. She has two beautiful children, as well as her hands full with her son's illness. I am grateful we found each other and we are both looking forward to getting the kids together to play.

Garrett is ill, so my sister has Ree since her immune system is low from the chemo. I miss ehr but am glad that someone else gets to have her during her steroid craze!!

Hope everyone is having a safe summer!

Sunday, July 24, 2005 10:58 AM CDT

Not so sunny today, but I am in a good mood. At times I have felt alone in this battle that never seems to end.
And when I feel I have lost all of the Shannon that I was before cancer came into our home, all of that zest for life and happiness, some things start to happen.

1. One day, a woman calls me and says her organization is granting Ree a Spinazoa bear (see link). Then we talk for a long time and become fast friends.

2. I was Googling and found a webblog my cousin did on Ree and her leukemia, all these people were asking about her and giving their support http://forums.starwars.com/thread.jspa?forumID=16&threadID=145750

3. My cousin who did the webpage calls me--I haven't heard from him in months, I thought my depression had run him away--come to find out he was just busy with work and a now pregnant wife--great job Shawn and Liz!

4. A local mom with a son who has ALL has found us and we have exchanged email and phone #'s we want to get the kids together to play sometime.

Marina has one year of treatment ahead of her and I am not going to say that all of that sadness of this diagnosis and the treaments and problems she has had is behind me. I am not going to lie and say I no longer wonder why God has allowed this to happen. But I will say right now, at this moment, I don't feel alone, or like no one cares what we are facing. I also AM grateful for the family I have. I do have a wonderful husband who has taken the kids to the park today (alone) so I could have some alone time!! I am gratful for my handful of distruction (Garrett) as he never lets me forget that I have more than one child. Lastly, my wonder girl who has gone thru so much without complaint (except on the 2 1/2 hr ride to the hospital--"Are we there yet"?)Her strength and sense of humor had to come from somewhere.
Thanks to everyone who continues to pray for our family.

Thursday, July 7, 2005 7:41 PM CDT

Today was a sunny beautiful day here in Erie. I enjoyed my time outside with the kids today.

My favorite quote from my kids, Marina said to Garrett "What is wrong with you?, Garrett said, "Nuting, I ain't broktin."

Hope everyone is having a great summer.

For those who are off treatment--great job. To those still fighting--keep up the battle little warrior. And for those who have passed on we will always miss you, thank you for blessing us for the time you were with us.

Wednesday, July 6, 2005 8:13 PM CDT

Marina had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. She loves picnics and fireworks so she was in hog-heaven. Garrett doesn't like loud noises, but he does like to eat so they both had a nice holiday. Both kids are doing pretty good.

I am having a bad moment thinking of Cassidy's battle lost. This little one played with Ree and they were like twins when they were both bald. They played for hours on end in the playroom and Marina lives on while Cassidy's family greives for her everyday. I am grateful I have my daughter but too often, I wonder if I will continue to be so lucky. I find it hard to just have a "normal life". Ree has one year left of treatment and sometimes I feel like cancer took most of me as quickly as it took Ree's hair. The hair came back, I haven't. If you were looking to be uplifted today, I am sorry-come tommorrow and I will see what I can do.

Tuesday, May 17, 2005 9:05 PM CDT

Sorry it has been so long...THANK YOU TO GIVE KIDS THE WORLD--Make a Wish, our volunteers, Karin and Amy,and everyone who helped to make the trip happen. I have never seen Marina so happy--she had the best time in Florida... She loved meeting all the Disney characters. Ree ate unlimited ice cream--she rode the carosel at the GKTW village about 50 times. She loved seeing dophins at Sea World and she really enjoyed just having fun. I am greatful for the wonderful time we had. We took ten rolls of film in 7 days!!

To our friends in Florida that we didn't get a chance to see, I am very sorry. We just didn't want to take away from Marina and there was not enough time to do everything for her. You will always be in our hearts.

I am still trying to get everything back to "normal" and Ree goes to Pittsburgh on Friday for a spinal tap and she will get 7 days of steroids: so much for normal...Anyways, I am sorry I haven't kept up, it's been crazy and we are switching our internet provider so I will update again asap. If you haven't called Make-A-Wish, even though your child qualifies,I would recommend it. Marina has no memories before cancer--but now she has TONS of wonderful memories because of this trip--and honestly, so do we.

Tuesday, April 19, 2005 7:42 PM CDT

Well, Ree's counts are good so I guess she is even tougher than I thought. I am grateful for her strength. She still has a nasty cough but is going to clinic on Friday, so I am sure they will take care of her. She is so excited about Disney. SO are we, can't stop thinking about getting away from it all for a few days.

Sunday, April 17, 2005 3:10 PM CDT

Well Marina has been feeling bad lately and running a fever too. I am expecting to go into the hospital with her this week if she doesn't improve. But we have great news. Marina's wish volunteers were here today and we have our itinerary now. What fun we are going to have. I am so grateful for the Make-A-Wish organization and their volunteers. Please check out the links I have added. One is for fundraising for Light the Night. I have nothing but respect and admiration for the Leukemia Society and that is why we walk for them.Please remember to donate blood and platelets. They saved Ree's life once and lots of other people every day. Consider bone marrow donation too. Thanks for reading. We are off to FL on May 2nd---Yippeeeeee!!!!

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Monday, April 4, 2005 8:44 PM CDT

Ok spring isn't HERE--we got like two feet of snow and had no power for two days. We went to my uncles--THANKS UNCLE WAYNE AND AUNT NOLA!! So now we are back home--all safe and sound. Cherished Creations, the place that paid for our new furnace (thank you so much) is going to be using a picture of Ree in their literature. I am so glad our social worker at the hospital hooked us up with them--especially with this last bought of weather..I mean our house was FREEZING and the heater was smoking--it was on its last leg and I appreciate the help. So thank you. Hope everyone in FL is doing well. We miss you so much.

Sunday, March 27, 2005 11:09 AM CST

Happy Easter!
As I write this, I am grateful Ree is here to celebrate with us, she is not sick in the hospital or worse. I am grateful for our pray warriors in FL and for all of you who read this to make sure Ree is ok. We are all over the flu now and even though we have snow on the ground it is a beautiful sunny day-Spring is in the air. Garrett will be 3 tomorrow!!!! Can't believe it. Hope everyone is having a good holiday-I am just thankful our family is together and healthy. For those who aren't so blessed, I just hope that time and love will heal those pains. Remember that you can save lives by donating blood and being a bone marrow donor--Mike,me,my dad and sister and our ex-stepmother all got registered in January. I hope someday that I will be a match to someone's little angel and I can give that hope.At the same time, I am greedy and I hope my baby never has to go that far and this chemo works. Every sneeze,bruise and headache have me thinking the worst.

Tuesday, March 15, 2005 3:04 PM CST

So we got home from the hospital on Thursday. Ree's counts are up and it was just the flu--it was scary, but it's the season I guess. Thanks for your prayers.

Tuesday, March 8, 2005 5:27 PM CST

Last night Ree had a fever of 105.4.
We were taken by ambulance to Pittsburgh. Her temp is down, she has a virus and her counts are in the toilet so we are going to be here for awhile. I can check my yahoo mail account from our room so if you want to write its cncrhtr@yahoo.com

There are so many people with this virus, I can't wait till Ree and I feel better and get to go home..

Saturday, February 26, 2005 1:59 PM CST

Well, we went to clinic yesterday and Ree's counts were ok and so was the IV. She got everything she needed and calmed down after 3 hours of crying. Then she fell asleep. It was so great to see Mysti and Ri-Ri, our new friends from clinic who were there for the same thing. It sucks that it took this disease to meet them, but I know I have a friend for life in Mysti, her daughter is younger than Ree and just so darn cute. It's refreshing to have someone in my postition (and frome of mind for that matter) to talk to. Ree feels better today but is screaming alot because she is on steroids--God help me!!

Monday, February 21, 2005 5:42 PM CST

Well we have a computer at home now so I will be able to keep up with this on a regular basis if all goes well. Ree has been feeling pretty good and is due for chemo on Fri--without a port, I am nervous but the doc assured me it would be ok. Make a Wish has been here and they are planning on sending us to-----DISNEYWORLD as Marina said she wants to see Mickey and the duck and Gooby and Mickey's dog---yes she may not be able to say them right but she knows what she wants.

Saturday, January 1, 2005 6:51 PM CST

Mike and I are now registered bone marrow donors--We would never ask anyone to do for us what we wouldn't do for them. I hope they find a match for Carrie...she has a very young daughter who is just too young to lose a mother. PLEASE donate--it doesn't hurt to register--they just take your blood.

Ree is doing ok, seems like she never got her complete self back since the port removal, but I am greatful for the Christmas we all had together.\
Hope you all had a nice holiday. Thanks for your prayers.

Wednesday, December 1, 2004 9:35 AM CST

We are going home!!!

Hope everyone has a good holiday and we don't need to come back until JaN, hopefully.

QQWEWWEERRTTYHHJJJN,MM,KL!!!!!!!rEE wrote this9o

Friday, November 26, 2004 9:05 AM CST

On Tuesday, Marina had another spinal tap and chemotherapy. We went home and at 3 am she was in alot of pain. I took her to our local hospital and they took us by ambulance to Pittsburgh Children's and yesterday they pulled her line. I am grateful that its out because a port is supposed to be a God-send but Marina's port has been nothing but trouble from the get go. We had a LOVELY turkey day here, it could be worse....I miss our family--Mike had Garrett and spent time with both our family's. It was snowing so no one wanted to make the 3 hour journey to visit us. I plan on making us a Thanksgiving dinner when we get out of here. Mike and I didn;t get to celebrate our 8th anniversary yet but hopefully we will be together soon.... Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving day--I have so much to be thankful for...Hello to all of our friends in Florida and to Aunt Sissy I miss you all. I am writing from the hospital...still don't have a computer at home--maybe Santa will bring me one if I am a good girl.Signed up for email so feel free to email me and I will write back asap. I just found out that we lost a good friend from Arnold Palmer--Cassidy, we will miss you...Thinking of her parents loss, make me so sad, but they seem to be holding up so well, just grateful for the time they had with her--they want everyone to donate platelets, blood and think about being a bone marrow donor. Here is the website link...www.marrow.org/fc

Saturday, September 11, 2004 9:08 AM CDT

Marina has had a rough couple of weeks. She had a spinal tap and chemo at the hospital two weeks ago and had to do a week pulse of steroids and hasn't felt good since. She started pre-school too! She loves it, but she has been tired and sore so I think next week she will REALLY love it. My prayers go out to all our friends in Florida. This summer has been a tough one for you, I hope the worst is over---for all of us.

Thursday, June 17, 2004 8:39 AM CDT

Marina is doing good. She is taking most of her chemo at home and is handling it well. She is getting PT 2X a week for the weakness in her legs and she loves it! We miss our church family so very much!! We miss our old AP buddies too, but it is nice to be with family. Will update when I can get to a computer. Thanks for your prayers!

Wednesday, May 5, 2004 10:38 AM CDT

Spring has finally sprung here in the Northeast!!! Marina had her last in house methatrexate treatment... finally. It has been six months since all our lives turned upside down. things are getting more normal and Ree seems to be feeling ok. She will be starting pt for her legs because the Vincristan has given her trouble since Nov and I don't want to wait 2 years to see if it goes away. We found our church home and feel blessed to be in a church family again. It took me awile to come back, but I am ready to serve with a willing and loving heart. I feel confident that Marina will pull through. She is such a fighter--just ask the nurse she kicked last night because he wanted to take her temp at midnight--she thought he could come back at a more decent hour and told him so! Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers!

Thursday, April 15, 2004 10:35 AM CDT

Marina is doing fine. She had a spinal tap yesterday and was sleepy the rest of the day but otherwise she felt fine. She is such a trooper. She got glasses! She was squinting alot, she got a hearing test today but they said she hears fine--guess I know she CAn hear me when I tell her to clean her room! She has one more hospitialization scheduled and then we should be on an outpatient only schedule. I hate driving to Pittsburg and the parking is bad but the staff is great and the weather is nicer than Erie too!! I miss all of our friends from Arnold Palmer and so does Ree. I hope eveyone is doing well. Marina really misses our old church. We hope everyone at First Baptist Paisley knows we miss them!

Sunday, March 21, 2004 4:29 PM CST

So we are moved--I should probably move the page to the PA site but that would be confusing so we will stay on this for now.. Anyways we don't have internet so it will be harder to update you but I will when I can. Marina had ANOTHER line infection, we are hoping its cleared for good this time. She loves her new docs, but we hate Pittsburgh! We miss all our old friends from Arnold Palmer!! We found out that her protacall isn't used here so that has been difficult but we are confident that everything will be ok. Will write soon. Thanks for leaving your notes in the guestbook!

Monday, February 16, 2004 11:47 AM CST

Remember I said Mike isn't good at updating?/Well Ree was only home for a few hours because the home nurse didn;t work out. She IS home NOW!!!! We are praying the infection is gone, but even the doc isn;t sure, we just have to see if she gets a fever. I can't say that I had a bad time at the hospital though because Marina made a friend and I seemed to make some too. Cassidy and her family are back in the hospital because of relapse and preparing for transplant, what a cutie, and sooooo sweet. It was truly a blessing to spend time with them.
Anyways, plans are on for the move by the end of the month if we can keep our bald little monkey out of the hospital.

Thursday, February 12, 2004 3:37 PM CST

YAHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Ree and Dad are home from the hospital. A nurse will come hook Ree up and teach me to give her IV meds. I am so glad she is home she looks great! We are finalizing the moving plans and the house is on the market. HERE IS TO A QUICK SALE!!!!

Wednesday, February 11, 2004 7:56 AM CST

Well,I wish I had better news, it's a line infection and they plan on keeping her for the 10 day treatment and then she is due for chemo so Marina has a long stay ahead of her. We need to pray that she can get better so we feel safe for the move to Erie. We need to move by the 1st week in March. I know the Lord has His plan, and we can't go against it, I just wish I knew what He wants us to do. It's not working out for us here. Marina is in good spirits and I am switching out with Mike so he can work on the house. He does NOT know how to update this page so I will update when we get out of the hospital. Happy Valentines Day to all!

Monday, February 9, 2004 9:00 AM CST

I just talked to Mike and he said Marina topped out at 103 last night. The docs gave her some IV drug for fever and it came down about 3am. She looks good this morning and doens't have a temp. The doctor just did rounds and said her counts look good and she doesn't have the flu, but they aren't sure what it was. As long as she doesn;t get a fever again, she should be home by tomorrow.
Just wanted to let you know.WHY ARE FEVERS SCAREY??? Fever is a danger sign of infection in a cancer patient especially with a low WBC count. All fevers more than 100.5F should be taken seriously and the patient should be brought to the hospital immediately. In a child with low TLC infection can progress very fast and may become fatal. There are many studies, which reveal that if antibiotics are started within 1 to 2 hours of developing fever the response and outcome are favorable, hence this must be treated on an emergency footing.

Sunday, February 8, 2004 5:46 PM CST

Mike is taking Ree to the hospital right now. She has had a headache for two days and has a temp of 101.4. I will update when we know for sure what is going on. Considering she just had a line infection and all those antibiotics, I am not worried, yet.

Wednesday, January 28, 2004 8:15 PM CST

Ree and Mommy got home from the hospital at 4:30 today. Ree is feeling fine, and it looks like we won't be going back to the hospital for 3 weeks. Thank Goodness! Thanks for all of your prayers and for your encouraging words--these past few weeks have been extremely difficult but we are hanging in there and so is our little princess.

Friday, January 23, 2004 5:50 PM CST

The docs were wrong--she did have an infection in her port. She has been in the hospital since the 15th.She is on a powerful antibiotic by IV every 8 hours for the infection in her port. She will be off the antibiotic on Sunday and if all goes well, will begin the chemo she missed last week and should be home around the 30th or so. She is sick of the hospital and so was I. She missed her dad terribly so we switched and I came home. The doc says she is doing well. I was worried because her platelets were over a million, but the doctor said that was caused from the infection. If I hear anything else, I will let you know.,Thanks for your prayers.

Wednesday, January 14, 2004 4:30 PM CST

Just got the test results and its negative!! SO now that that is off our chest, on Friday we will get blood drawn to see if she can get chemo. Ree is not feeling great because of the flu but she is a trooper! Thanks to all for your prayers!!!

Tuesday, January 13, 2004 3:01 PM CST

We just got home from the hospital. Marina has been in since Sunday evening when she had a fever that topped out at 103.1. She has the flu and tested positive for an infection in her blood. It may have been contamination, we are awaiting the results. Her ANC went from 750 on Friday to 25!!! If the culture is positive tomorrow, its back to the hospital, if not, Thurs or Fri we will get blood work to see if she can have her chemo this weekend (its time again for the four day stay.)

Thursday, January 8, 2004 4:08 PM CST

Marina is having trouble walking again. I can't understand why something that will save her life makes her life so miserable. She doesn't get it either and we have to go for another shot tommorrow. She also has a cold and is just wore out. At least she isn;t running a fever!! Well, maybe you could pray that she can keep moving thru these Vincristin treatments.

Also if you know anyone (or your child has) had a bone marrow transplant, please email me as I am trying (with the help of another mom) to get a bone marrow drive going.

Monday, January 5, 2004 1:47 PM CST

Marina is having a good day. She started the steroids on Saturday and is eating a little better--although she is screaming at us all occasionally. We go back for Vincristin on Friday. Garrett will be so happy. It's 80 today so when the kids get up we are headed outside!! Sorry if this makes you northerners jelous! Thank you all for your prayers, we are feeling like we can beat this stupid stupid leukemia.

There is a girl at our clinic who has relapsed and is in need of a bone marrow donation. This has brought it to my attention that there is even a need for people to register to be bone marrow donors. i am looking for more info--possibly to have drive or something please email me if you have any info at all or if you have connections.

Friday, January 2, 2004 8:49 AM CST

Mike took Ree to get her chemo today. She is getting Vincrisin which gives her joint pain sometimes, so I am praying that it doesn;t now because she is getting around so well. She also needs blood work and when we were in the hosp this week, they couldn;t draw blood from her port so they had to stick her leg and it really hurt, so I hope they can get it this time. What a little soldier we have, all we have to do is bribe her with McDonalds and we can get her to do just about anything. She doesn;t eat well now so if she wants McD's---we go with a smile!! Garrett had a bad breathing episode last night. We are taking him to the doc today and pray that they can tell us what's wrong so he doesn't have to suffer. Hope everyone had a blessed holiday!

Wednesday, December 31, 2003 2:32 PM CST

Ree went into the hospital on Sat. the 27th--she got out at 10pm last night. She got to spend a little time with her gramma McIntosh and Uncle BJ and cousin Joe, before they went back to Erie (they brought Garrett home) On Sat night, before going into the hospital, Uncle BJ took us all to Arabian Nights dinner show. Marina LOVED it. She was so happy. What a blessing that was. In the hospital, they hydrated her for 24 hours, then chemo for 24 hours, then tried to get the chemo out of her for 24 hours. We were stuck there until late last night because the levels were still too high in her system. She is more like her old self every day. She will go back on the steroid on Friday for one week. She will also get more chemo on Friday. Its the vincristin which gives her joint pain (or at least it did in the past) Thank you all for your prayers. I hope that 2004 is a wonderful year for you. We have been through alot in the past 2 months, but we know the Lord and you all are on our side, so we can make it through anything. God bless you.

Wednesday, December 24, 2003 6:15 PM CST

Merry Christmas Eve to everyone. I updated this page two days ago but it didn't save properly. Marina is walking great! Praise God. She is still having trouble getting up off the floor but she is doing better. She had blood work yesterday and she is all set to go into the hospital on Friday night if there is a bed open. She will get out on Monday if all goes as planned. Marina's getting back to her old self, laughing and playing. We have been looking at Christmas lights whenever possible. She tries to get us to take her to McDonald's every time we get in the car! Garrett will be home on Saturday and we are all excited. I pray that Mike's mom and brother and Garrett have a safe trip. Will write when we get out of the hospital. Have a Merry Christmas!!

Thursday, December 11, 2003 4:02 PM CST

Marina is having so much trouble walking. She is crying less, and eating less now that she is off the steroid. Still up quite a bit at night, but it's getting better. She is nearly bald, which brings me to my cousin, Shawn. Shawn has shaved his head in honor of Ree. Shawn is an idiot--I love him with all my heart, but it is about 50 degrees colder in Erie than here. I can't believe it, he could have waited until the spring thaw, but God bless him! I showed Ree the picture and she just stared at it and said "Mommy, what is that?" So, thank you Shawn... I needed a good laugh. About Garrett, looks like Mike's mom will be bringing him home the day after Christmas or so. We are missing him terribly, but Ree keeps us very busy at this point since she can barely walk,can't get into bed or a chair or anything, and she is clingy too. She misses her dad when he's at work. I am praying that the pain in her legs and her walking troubles lessen, thank you all for your prayers. I am going to try and put Shawn's picture in the photo album so everyone can see his love for his second cousin. Thanks Liz for not being too mad at him!!

Monday, December 8, 2003 3:53 PM CST

It's offical,Marina is in remission! She will be starting some new drugs at home and some difficult chemo the day after Christmas. She will have to go into the hospital for 3-4 days at a time. How this will work out with Garrett is something we still need to pray on. I am going to be talking to a social worker about this on Wed. Marina is still swelled from the steroid--she stopped them on Saturday, hoping she will sleep all night shortly. She still has the steroid appetite and attitude, but it didn't come about overnight so I need to be patient for the drug to leave her system. Marina is actually looking forward to going to the hospital again--she loves the playroom. On the 16th, I will get our new "roadmap" for treatment and I will update you with the details.

Friday, December 5, 2003 8:21 PM CST

The doc called at 5 and said that all Ree's cells looked normal so unofficially she is in remission. Praise God!!
I will have the offical results on Monday with what we will be doing next. Thank you for your prayers.

Friday, December 5, 2003 11:33 AM CST

We are home from the hospital. Marina was sedated for her bone marrow test and immediately wanted pasta after it was over. Will should have preliminary results this afternoon.

Wednesday, December 3, 2003 7:47 PM CST

Thank you all for your prayers and support, we feel so loved. Marina is having her regular chemo on Friday and then a bone marrow test to see if the cancer is in remission. I got the doc to order her something for nausea and heartburn because the steroid messes with her stomach. She is still very tired, but that means I can lay down and hold her and we watch movies together. Although I am TIRED of the Land Before Time. She can't get up off the floor by herself or get up the one step from her bedroom, but the doctor says that can be the chemo drug. She is done with the Vincristan so we will just have to wait and see. In early Nov., she could barely walk, they said that was the cancer.
I don't take her out much, but when I do, I hate the way people look at us, at her limping or when she has a tantrum. I hear that same thing from other mothers who have sick kids. I guess it's just something you have to get used to.
I will be sure to give a report on Friday's events.

Monday, December 1, 2003 6:55 PM CST

This picture is Marina in August on her 3rd birthday. She looks alot different as she is swelling and her hair is falling out. We long for our little one to be this happy again soon.

Monday, December 1, 2003 6:47 PM CST

We moved Ree into a bigger bedroom. She likes it alot but doesn't sleep any better. Since the hospital, Ree is up 4 to 5 times a night to pee and get a drink. She wants us to get up with her so we are all exhausted. My sister says Garrett is thriving up in PA with all the family around. Marina has chemo and a bone marrow test on Friday to see if she is in remission (no sign of the cancer). We are praying that she will be free of the disease, and that the next step will just be keeping it that way.

November 28,2003

Marina had chemo today. She had to wait 2 hours for the nurse to come and so with the drive it was a five hour ordeal. She has been laying on the living room floor the rest of the day.

November 27,2003

Today is Thanksgiving. We are thankful that Marina is with us. She has been crying all day long. I will be thankful when its bed time too.

November 21, 2003

Marina is getting chemo once a week. They put a port in her that is under the skin and can be accessed quickly for chemo and blood tests. Ree has little energy and is cranky and has a lot a pain. I have had a hard time getting her medicine as the pharmacy says the drug companies are not producing liquid codiene.

November 19, 2003

Every nine minutes, another child or adult is expected to die from leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma. This statistic represents 158 people each day - seven people every hour. Leukemias are the leading fatal cancers in young men and women under age 20.--The statistics for children are estimated at 80% survival rate. These numbers frighten us and we try to just look at the time we have right now and be greatful

November 19, 2003

We are trying to make homelife normal for Ree now. My dad was here with my uncle and helped with the kids and now they have all left. My sister took Garrett to PA with her so we could get things under control, and get him healthy too.

November 15, 2003

Marina has been getting chemotherapy twice a week. She is on a steroid that makes her very moody and hungry. We are getting out of the hospital today. Looking forward to going home.

November 9, 2003

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. INFORMATION ON LEUKEMIA
Children with ALL often have low blood counts and may need transfusions to relieve symptoms and antibiotics to treat infections. Continuation or maintenance therapy generally lasts two to three years after remission is attained.About one quarter of children with ALL will relapse, but most will respond to reinduction therapy. Treatment for ALL is aimed at the leukemic blood cells, but normal blood cells are also affected. All patients will have lowered blood counts that lead to a variety of symptoms. Low white blood cell counts put patients at increased risk of infection. Treatment with antibiotics to prevent or treat infections is likely. In some situations, your child will be in isolation and visitors to the room may need to wear gowns, masks. Mouth sores can make eating painful. Nausea and vomiting and diarrhea are side effects for which effective treatments exist. Hair may fall out.Low platelet counts lead to easy bruising and bleeding.

November 7, 2003

After two blood transfusions, Marina looks better. She had a bone marrow test and the results showed she has Leukemia, the type is Acute lymphocytic leukemia. She doesn't have cancer in her spinal cord which is great news. The doctors think she may have gotten the leukemia when she had a bad illness in September. She had been seeing her doctor for aches and pains and lack of energy but it was mis-diagnosed until we got a new doctor last week. She was having trouble walking, she is better but still has a limp. The doctors say its the cancer making her limp.

November 6, 2003 2am

Marina has been rushed to the ER because of blood tests from her pediatrician. The doctors think she might have Leukemia, but they know she needs a blood transfusion tonight.

Monday, December 1, 2003 6:23 AM CST

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