Saturday, August 7, 2004 11:19 AM CDT

today my three kids are cominghome. they have been in florida with my parents for the week. thank you mom & dad xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox you 2 are the best & i love you very much.

brooke & brianna went to storyland on wed. it was awsome :) the girls loooved it. everytime a ride would stop & tie for them to get off(ya right) they wanted to keep going. took fits to try to stay on the ride. lol toooo funny them 2 together. brooke did great, when she got tired she rode in the stroller, took her little time outs in there when needed to rest. it was good. the weather was awsome, not oo hot/cold, it had some wind, and not too sunny either. perfect day. the guys did very well with the twins & joseph at home :) they get a *(star) for the day :)

brooke will be going in on friday morning at dartmouth for her spinal tap & chemoin her spinal fluids.
my mom & i are going on thursday night to stay at david's house cuz it's early in the moring to drive there on thursday. her clinic is at 8:30am, then surgery @ 10:30am,it's just easier to already be there. then when she wakes up from the anathesia we will bring her back to rest & wait for her results. that night at 5:30 they have the cirucus smirkus for they cancer patients there at dartmouth. it's a big cook-out/a circus, then meet the people in the show. yup. it will be fun for brooke.then we will come home saturday if everything goes according to plans. please pray all goes well for brooke. she has been tired lately and still very,very irritable. i can't stand it. my sweet little girl (i feel )is gone, now i deal with this wicked witch :( makes me sooooooo sad. she is just not the same. & neither am i .

that's all for now, update again soon.

oh, thank you dawn for getting brooke's store looking awsome!!!!!!! if you havnt been there yet you should really check it out!! www.cafepress.com/brookesarah

THANKS TO ALL FOR THINKING OF CELESTE . LAST NIGHT WAS HER VIGIL. WE HAD OUR CANDLE BURNING HERE FOR HER.
FLY LIKE AN ANGEL LITTLE CELESTE...YOU ARE FREE NOW!


~~~~DEE~~~~


~KEEP FIGHTING BROOKE~

Tuesday, August 3, 2004 8:39 PM CDT

it is very sad for me right now.

another friend earnd her wings today. i know she is in a better place & "cancer free" , the family needs prayers for them at this sad time.

please go and let them know you care

www.caringbridge.org/pa/celeste


thanks
~dee~

Saturday, July 31, 2004 1:18 PM CDT

okay, alot has happend this week. nothing bad, but very stressfull. back n' fourth to dr.'s & hospital.
brooke is doing good. she had a cbc count on thursday along with some other blood counts to check if anything else was going on in her little body that we did not know about. every test was good. "thank god" some of the blood tests were higher than normal but it may be because of her methotrexate. dunno. but it seems to be o.k with them. than yesterday, back to the dr.'s for a full check up. her throat is red and has thoose white pusy bumps in the back, so maybe that is making her irritable these days. it was there on july 12th then went away 4 days later, noa the bumps are back. dunno why again but we will watch it. maybe another virus she got.
then after her check up off to the hospital again for an xray of her nose. not a fun filled week i'll tell ya.
then home wait for the dr. to call with the good news that her nose is not broke,but she does have alot of bruising and a bump :( today as i look at her it is yellow around under right eye. it should heal up fine.

now joseph last night was walking with the nintendo and fell face first onto his left cheek, yup, he has a nice bruise there. his poor eye to :(
omg........kids!!!!!!!!

today my other 3 kids went to florida with mema & papa :) so, i am supposed to have some kind of a break. right??????? i don't think so...lol....
he actually picked the kids up on thursday. so i didnt have to drag them back N' fourth to the hospital so that was a big . for them & me.

k, brooke's store will be ready soon. cousin dawn is working hard to get everything done. i love it!!!!

jason & i are doing good. he finally has 2 days of work for next week so we will have a little $ for some bills. other than that it sucks!!!!

cousin michelle & brianna and brooke and me are going to go to story land on wednsday :) brooke has never been anywhere. she just want to see brianna, not interestead in the story land thing. i think they will love it once we get there. (i hope).

"CONGRATULATIONS TO DEREK" HE IS NOW A LICENSED ELECTRICTION........... WHOOOO--HOOOO :)

GOTTA GO....... -DEE-

Wednesday, July 28, 2004 9:08 PM CDT

HI, BROOKE IS DOING O.K. SHE FELL FACE FIRST OFF MY STUPID RECLINER CHAIR LAST NIGHT, BLEEDFROM BOTH NNOSTRILS, I PUT A COLD FACE CLOTH ON IT BUT IT STILL SWELLED UP. NOW TODAY I TRIED TO WIPE AWAY THE DRIED UP BLOOD AND SHE SAID IT HURT. IT WAS LIKE AROUND THE TIP OF HER NOSE :( IT'S SWOLLEN BUT I THINK IT'S OK. KRISTEN (HER BIG SISTER SAID)"MA, BROOKE'S NOSE LOOKS REALLY SHINY"I JUST LAUGHED, WELL IT DOES BECAUSE IT IS PUFFY. NO BLACK EYES (YET). DON'T KNOW TO MUCH ABBOUT A NOSE. NO, I DID NOT CALL HER DR. I FIGURED IF IT WAS STILL REALLY BAD HURTING BIGGER THAN IT IS I WOULD BRING HER TO THE E.R. BUT IF IT'S NOTHING I DON'T WANT HER TO GO THROUGH ANY NONSENSE STUFF THAT WOULD BE DONE 2 HER. UNDERSTAND!? SHE STILL IS IRRITABLE, I WILL CALL THE DR.'S 2 MORROW ANYWAY. SHE HAS TO GO GET BLOOD DRAWS AT THE HOSPITAL, SO MAYBE LET THE DOC TAKEA LOOK WHILE THERE.

WILL UPDATE WHEN I CAN.

I BELONG TO A GROUP ON MSN CALLED:PARENTS OF KIDS WITH LEUKEMIA. I THOUGHT I NEEDED TO TALK WITH MORE PEOPL WHO ARE GOING THROUGH THE SAME AS ME. WHAT A HORRIBLE PLACE TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS. REALLY THINK ABOUT.
SO FAR IT'S GOING GOOD.

PLEASE PRAY OF OUR CARINGBRIDGE FRIENDS.
I AM GOING TO TRY TO ADD THEM TO BROOKE'S PAGE. I'M STARTING TO LEARN THE COMP. LANGUAGE. THANK YOU KIMBRA FOR HELPING ME DO COOL STUFF ON THE COMP. :)
SHE IS DILLION(BOGGIE'S)MOM
Dillion (Boogie) Craig's Page


K, GONNA GO CHECK OUT THE AWSOME WORK COUSIN DAWN IS DOING FOR BROOKE'S STORE......."COMING SOON"

-DEE-

Monday, July 26, 2004 11:56 AM CDT

this little girl and her family needs alot of prayers for them. i can so much relate to this poor mother that has to and still is suffering for her daughter with a horrible deases. take time for a sec and read what her mom has posted on her web page.

www.caringbridge.org/pa/celeste

when you do remember there is nothing in this world that bad has to get you down. well, if your a "normal" person, just be happy that you r "normal". start to think what other people in this world r going through. it will make your littlest problems just go away. i can just be in the same place with her (as far as her messed up feelings) and dealing with every kind of emotions.

i'm not alone in feeling all screwd up!!!!!! i hate my dr.'s they all suck!!!!!! and as far as for anyone wondering how does denise do it? well, i really don't do very well. i do need my meds, i do need company, i do need phone calls, i do need for you to think of all of us and help in any way that u can. i am really all set with this whole frigan cancer thing. ya, she's doing o.k. but u dont live the life that i am living. now all i know is, meds/blood draws/is anyone sick/ germs everywhere/refilling meds all the time/cleaning/is this a normal feeling for brooke/are my other kids sick/ how am i going somewhere/who will be able to help me/ meds/ meds/ meds/ .

so, i will end this now. life is soooo unfair
especially to children. just be happy with what u have and thank god for the healthy kids that you do have.

-dee- !!!!!!! CANCER SUCKS !!!!!!!

Saturday, July 24, 2004 3:23 PM CDT

THIS IS SO TRUE;
If you give a kid on steroids chicken noodle soup,
he’s going to want a Gatorade to go with it.

Once he drinks his Gatorade,
he’s going to want some cheese puffs.

Once he finishes his cheese puffs,
he is going to want to bake cookies and brownies with you.

Once you're done baking cookies and brownies,
he will want to eat them.

Then he will say,” Now it is time for MAC N' CHEESE.”

Then he is going to want dessert,
how about about an ice cream.

So if you give a kid on steroids chicken noodle soup,
chances are you better go to the grocery store before lunch!
By Christopher Melkonian



BROOKE HAS HAD SOME SMALL PURLEISH/BLUE DOTS ON HER BACK.
I CALLED HER DR. AT DARTMOUTH AND HE SAID SINCE HER COUNTS WERE GOOD LAST WEEK I SHOULD JUST WATCH HER & SEE IF ANYTHING ELSE HAPPENS TO HER. WELL, I CALLED HER PEDI HERE IN CONWAY AND HE SAID LET'S BRING HER TO THE HOSPITAL HERE AND DO BLOOD WORK. JUST TO SEE IF IT IS HER PLATELETS DROPPING OR IS SHE RELAPSING. I WAS SOOOOO AFRAID THAT IS WAS GONNA BE BAD. SO, JASON AND BIG BROTHER ANTHONY TOOK HER. I GOT THE CALL FROM THE DR. B-4 THEY EVEN GOT BACK FROM THE HOSPITAL. HE SAID HER WBC WAS 5.5 "GREAT"
HER RED BLOOD CELLS WERE FINE
HER PLATELETS ARE 5,000 HIGHER THAN LAST WEEK. SO I KNOW SHE IS NOT RELAPSING. THANK GOD!!!!!
BUT HE SAID SOMTHING ELSE COULD BE HAPPENING TO HER THAT WOULD MAKE HER BLOOD VESSELS POP. AND SHE IS VERY CRANKY. AND EVERYONE WHO KNOWS BROOKE SHE IS NOT A CRANKY KID. WE LEFT IT AS KEEP AN EYE ON THE SPOTS AND HER CRANKYNESS. IF DOES NOT IMPROVE BRING HER A.S.A.P TO HOSPITAL. SO, NOW TODAY SATURDAY SHE LOOKS GOOD TO ME. THEY R STILL THERE BUT NOT SURE IF I SEE MORE, I THINK I AM LOOKING FOR SPOTS NOW CUZ I KEEP LOOKING AT HER TRYING TO FIND SOMTHING. YA KNOW WHAT I MEAN. I MIGHT BE SEEING THINGS. SO I WILL CHECK HER AGAIN TONIGHT AFTER BATH TIME. MAYBE I WILL HEVE JAY CHECK HER 1ST.

OTHER THAN THAT EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING GOOD.


IF YOU COULD PLEASE DROP BY ISAACS SITE ; HE EARND HIS ANGEL WINGS ON Friday, July 23, 2004 2:33 AM CDT

8 years and 9 months ago Gary & I welcomed the most beautiful bald, brown eyed little boy into this world. Tonight with completely broken hearts we had to say goodbye. Our beautiful son passed away in our arms. Our little man is now free to fly the heavens. Good night sweet boy we love you more than words can say. Thank you all for your continued support.

With Love,

Mel & Gary

SOME FRIENDS WHO NEED PRAYERS;

http://www.caringbridge.org/ok/boogieman

http://www.caringbridge.com/ut/devinross

http://www.caringbridge.org/mi/emeraldisle

http://www.caringbridge.com/canada/julianna

http://www.caringbridge.org/fl/katia_leukemiapage

http://www.caringbridge.org/mn/laplafcan

http://www.caringbridge.org/ca/lisaspage

http://www.caringbridge.org/sd/michaela

http://www.caringbridge.org/mn/missysierra

http://www.caringbridge.org/ma/samanthatherese

http://www.caringbridge.org/oh/stevenmichael

http://www.caringbridge.org/pa/celeste

http://www.caringbridge.org/tx/cheyenne5

http://www.caringbridge.org/co/patrick

http://www.caringbridge.org/tn/connorhunley

http://www.caringbridge.org/nc/monika

THANK YOU FOR VISITING OUR FRIENDS


THIS SITE IS REALLY COOL
http://www.thesitefights.com/baskets
YOU CAN SEND SOMEONE A VIRTUAL BASKET :)


THIS IS A WEB SITE FOR SICK KIDS WHO WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A BANNER MADE FOR THERE WEB SITE
www.angelfire.com/hero/bannerfun/latest.html

THANK YOU TO HELEN H FOR DOOING AN AWSOME JOB ON BROOKE'S WEB SITE BANNER :)



LOVE TO ALL, DEE,JAY,KRISTEN,JESSICA,ANTHONY,BROOKE,JOSEPH & OUR 8 KITTY'S XOXOXOXOXXOOXOXXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXOX

Wednesday, July 21, 2004 9:20 PM CDT

HELLO EVERYONE,
BROOKE IS DOING O.K STILL REALLY FUSSY BUT THAT CAN BE THE MEDS/OR BEING 3YRS OLD :)
JOSEPH IS DOING WAY BETTER EATING EVERYTHING/PLAYING/AND NON STOPPING. LOL
KRISTEN,JESSICA,& ANTHONY R BEING THEMSELVES, PLAYING/`FIGHTING/ COMPETEING IN EVERYTHING THEY DO. :)
ME & JAY, WELL, HE HASN'T HAD ANY WORK, WE R STRUGGLING AGAIN!!! BUSNEISSE IS VERY SLOW NOW, ALL THE GREAT WORK IS OVER, TILL SOMTHING ELSE BIG COMES ALONG. :(
I AM VERY STRESSED ABOUT BROOKE/LIFE/MY KIDS/CLEANING,OMG CLEANING!! I CAN'T STOP!!!

WE HAVE SOME FRIENDS CARINGBRIDGE PAGES THAT NEEDS SOME EXTRA RAYERS RIGHT NOW; PLEASE VISIT THEM;

http://www.caringbridge.org/wa/isaac
HE IS NOT DOING GOOD,
NEEDS ALOT OF PRAYING FOR HIM. NOT FEELING GOOD AT ALL. STAY STRONG ISAAC WE R PRAYING 4U XOXO

http://www.caringbridge.org/sd/michaela
MICHAELA IS AN AWSOME VERY PRETTY YOUNG LADY WHO JUST GOT HER PERMIT TO DRIVE, AND DID DRIVE A CONVERTABLE :) YUP SHE DID!!! PLEASE VISIT HER TO LET HER KNOW U R THINKING OF HER. MIKKI'S KIDNEY'S R FAILING HER AND IS HAVING TROUBLE BREATHING. BIG (((((HUGS))))) TO HER & HER FAMILY AT THIS TIME.

http://www.caringbridge.org/pa/celeste
ANOTHER BEAUTIFULL LITLE GIRL NAMED CELESTE WHO NEEDS YOUR PRAYERS. SHE IS GETTING VERY TIRED NOW.
BUT, SHE IS A HAPPY GIRL. :) HER KITTY'S R SNUGGELING WITH HER, THAT MAKES HER VERY HAPPY.

http://www.cacfriends.com/shareacard/fredh/index.shtml
THIS IS OUR FRIEND FRED, HE JUST EARNED HIS WINGS ON JULY,18,2004. I REALLY THOUGHT TINGS WERE GONNA GET BETTER FOR THIS FAMILY. OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS R WITH THIS FAMILY. HE IS POSTED ON OUR SHARE A CARD FOR JULY. BROOKE WAS THERE SHARE A CARD FOR APRIL.
IF U CAN PLEASE SEND YOUR CARDS TO

Fred H.c/o ShareaCard.org PO Box 347Campbelltown, PA 17010-0347j
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HELP FOR THIS FAMILY. LOVE, THE FERRARA'S

http://www.caringbridge.org/tx/katherinecross
THIS LITTLE GIRL EARNED HER WINGS ON
Thursday, July 15, 2004 3:08 PM CDT

Katherine passed away today at 3:10 p.m. She was peaceful at the end.
PLEASE VISIT THIS FAMILY TO LET THEM KNOW U CARE. THEY BURIED KATHRINE TODAY. CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE WHAT THEY ARE GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW.

Friday, July 16, 2004 3:34 PM CDT

Our family would like to thank everyone for your messages of love and encouragement. They really are helping us to get through this awful time.

Today we went to finalize Katherine’s funeral arrangements. I will post the details at the bottom of the page.

We would like to ask people to donate to one of two organizations in lieu of sending flowers. First, if you would like your donation to go for pediatric brain tumor research, please send your donation to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. This organization donated 88% of the money received to research last year.

Another wonderful organization is the Blue Butterfly Fund. The woman who started this organization lost her little boy, Bennett, to a brain tumor as well. She provides money to families who have children with pediatric cancer. She provided us with a check in a few days when we really needed some money quickly to help with Katherine’s treatment. In addition, she provided me with emotional support that I desperately needed during the journey through pediatric brain cancer.

Funeral Arrangements:

Klein Funeral Home
16131 Champion Forest Drive
Klein, TX 77379
281-320-2674

Viewing
Monday, July 19th, 2004
6-9 pm

Funeral Service
Tuesday, July 20th, 2004
10:00 am

Reception Following at the home of Tracy Williams. Please call Tracy if you have any questions regarding the reception. The number is 281-376-4623.
17802 English Ivey
Spring, TX 77379

Donations:

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
302 Ridgefield Ct.
Ashville, NC 28806
In Memory of Katherine Cross

Blue Butterfly Fund
3855 Creek Road
Millmont, PA 17845
In Memory of Katherine Cross


http://www.caringbridge.org/mi/emeraldisle
LET EMERALD & HER FAMILY KNOW YOU CARE.
EMERALD IS DOING O.K. YOU NEED TO GO TO HER WEB SITE TO READ ALL THAT THEY R GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW.
HER MOM IS DOING THE "LET'S CLEAN & THROW AWAY EVERYTHING NOW MOOD" YUP, ALL YOU MOM'S KNOW THAT MOOD.
I'M DOING IT ALSO. I THINK IT IS BECAUSE YOUR CHILD IS SICK, WELL, YOU NEED TO CLEAN IT ALL UP SO U FEEL BETTER, LIKE U ACOMPLISHED SOMTHING IN YOUR OWN CONTROL.(WELL, THAT'S WHAT I THINK) MUCH PRAYERS & THOUGHTS GO TO YOU KIMBRA & EMERALD & FAMILY .

AND ALL THE OTHER CARINGBRIDGE PAGES THAT WE THINK OF EVERYDAY. THERE ARE LOTS OF YOU OUT THERE.
BIG (((((HUGS))))) TO ALL OF YOU.
PRAY PRAY PRAY!!!!!!!!
STAY STRONG!!!!! & LIVE LIFE!!!!!!

KISS YOUR KIDS A LITTLE LONGER,& HUG A LITTLE TIGHTER.
LOVE, BROOKE & HER FAMILY
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Saturday, July 17, 2004 12:30 AM CDT

HI EVERYONE, WELL BROOKE HAD HER DARTMOUTH VISIT YESTERDAY. SHE GAINED 1.1/2POUNDS,HER TEMP WAS GOOD AND THE WHOLE CHECK WENT WELL. HER THROAT IS STILL RED BUT _NO_ PUSS SPOTS IN THERE.(THANK GOD). LOOKS LIKE SHE HAD THE VIRAL THING JUST LIKE JOSEPH. EXCEPT JOEY HAD A 102.TEMP, AND BBROOKE HAD TO TEMP. THEY BOTH HAD THE RASH ALL OVER THE BELLY/ARMS,THAT IS CUZ IT'S AT THE END OF THE VIRUS.
BROOKE'S COUNTS;
WBC 4.8 (NORMAL RANGE>5.5-15.5)
HGB 13.1(NORMAL RANGE>11.5-13.5)
HCT 37.4(NORMAL RANGE>34.0-40.0)
PLATELETS 348(NORMAL RANGE>160-450)
SO HER TOTAL ANC COUNT IS> 2337
YOU NEED TO BE 500 OR OVER TO GET HER MEXOTRACATE MED
ON FRIDAY'S ALONG WITH HER 6MP & ZOFRAN.

SHE IS PUFFY LOOKIN IN HER BELLY AND CHEEK AREA BUT NOTHING TO BE ALARMED OF. THE BLOOD TESTS TELL ALL AND IT ALL LOOKS GREAT. YA HER WBC IS DOWN A BIT BUT THAT'S THE CAUSE OF HER VIRUS, WE HOPE. SO IF SHE DEVELOPS A FEVER I AM GOING STRAIGHT TO DARTMOUTH AND WILL CALL THEM ON OUR WAY. I WILL NOT GO TO N.CONWAY TO HAVE A AMBULANCE DRIVE US NO THANKS, WE HAD ENOUGH AMBULANCE RIDES.

WELL, THANK YOU FOR VISITING BROOKE :)
STAY STRONG BROOKE WE LOVE YOU
LOVE,DEE
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Monday, July 12, 2004 10:21 PM CDT

OK, WELL, WE TOOK JOSEPH & BBROOKE TO THE DR.'S TODAY. JOEY HAS HAD A FEVER SINCE FRIDAY-SAT-SUN. TODAY NO FEVER WHEN WE GOT TO THE DR.'S,HIS R;EAR LOOKS RED SO WE ARE TREATING HIM WITH AMOXICILLIN. HE IS GETTING RED BLOTCHES ON HIS BACK OF LEGS THAT COME AND GO.ANDWHEN YOU TOUCH HIM HE BECOMES RED THEN FADES AWAY.(ODD)AND HIS LEFT FOOT HURTS HE SAY'S ON THE BOTTOM OF HIS ARCH. DR. SAYS IT ALL LOOKED O.K. IF FEVER RETURNS GO TO HOSPITAL FOR A COMPLETE BLOOD WORK TO SEE IF ANYTHING ELSE IS GOING ON.
NOW WITH BROOKE,
SHE IS VERY,VERY CRANKY. AND BROOKE DOES NOT GET THIS CRANKY EVA. SHE SAYS HER THROAT HURTS SO THEY LOOKED AND SAW WHAT I SAW LAST NIGHT;VERY RED, SWOLLEN GLANDS,AND SOME WHITE DOTS NOT SO PUSY LOOKIN, NO FEVER, EARS LOOK GREAT. THEY DID A CULTURE AND WE WILL KNOW MORE 2 MORROW WITH HER THROAT. SHE NOW HAS BAD DIAREH BAD!!!! THEY BOTH HAVE -NO-! APPEITITE AT ALL. NOW BROOKE IS GOING TO DARTMOUTH ON FRIDAY MORNING SO I WILL KNOW EVERYTHING THEN WHAT IS WRONG WITH HER AND IF SHE IS THAT SICK TO STAY IN THE HOSPITAL OR NOT. SEE RIGHT NOW SHE IS ON HER BACTRIM FOR HER 3 DAYS SO MAYBE THAT IS SURPRESSING WHAT IS A STREP THROAT OR ANYTHING. WE NEED TO WATCH HER VERY CLOSEY,JOEY ALSO BUT THEY HAVE 2 TOTALLY DIFFERENT IMMUNE SYSTEMS BUT IF THEY DO GET FEVERS, OFF TO THE HOSPITAL WE GO.
SO, I'M BUSY THESE DAYS. ALL MY OTHER KIDS ARE GOOD WELL, ANTHONY DOES HAVE A NASTY DEEP COUGH. COULD BE HIS ALLERGIES OR HE IS GETTING SOMTHING TO.
I DON'T KNOW MAYBE JOEY WILL GO BACK 2MORROW FOR A CBC COUNT FOR MY OWN HEAD. BUT IF IT IS HIS EARS THEN THAT'S FINE, THEN I KNOW WHY HE GOT SICK, BUT BROOE I REALLY DON'T WANT TO DO THIS SICK HOSPITAL THING ITH HER, TOOOOO MUCH IS INVOLED WHEN SHE GETS SICK. BUT, I KNOW WHAT AM I GONNA DO. JUST DO WHAT I DO BEST TAKE CARE OF HER.
I WILL LET EVERYONE KNOW WHAT COMES UP AFTER THIS WEEK AND WE GO TO THE HOSPITAL AND DO HER LABS THERE. THEN I WILL KNOW MORE.
O.K NOW I'M TIRED (I THINK) OR JUST NUMB
I WILL TALK LATER. GOOD-NIGHT ALL. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
LOVE, DEE
PRAYERS FOR BROOKE & JOSEPH NEEDED PLEASE!!!!! THANKS


WHAT IS LEUKEMIA ?
Leukemia is cancer of the blood and develops in the bone marrow. The bone marrow is the soft, spongy center of the long bones that produces the three major blood cells: white blood cells to fight infection; red blood cells that carry oxygen; and platelets that help with blood clotting and stop bleeding. When a child has leukemia, the bone marrow, for an unknown reason, begins to make white blood cells that do not mature correctly, but continue to reproduce themselves. Normal, healthy cells only reproduce when there is enough space for them to fit. The body can regulate the production of cells by sending signals when to stop. With leukemia, these cells do not respond to the signals to stop and reproduce, regardless of space available.

These abnormal cells reproduce very quickly and do not function as healthy white blood cells to help fight infection. When the immature white blood cells, called blasts, begin to crowd out other healthy cells in the bone marrow, the child experiences the symptoms of leukemia (i.e., infections, anemia, bleeding).

Who is affected by leukemia?

Leukemia is the most common form of cancer in childhood. It affects approximately 3,000 children each year in the US, accounting for about 30 percent of childhood cancers.

Leukemia can occur at any age, although it is most commonly seen in children between 2 and 6 years of age. The disease occurs slightly more frequently in males than in females, and is more commonly seen in Caucasian children than in African-American children, or children of other races.

What causes leukemia in children?

In nearly all cases, it is not known what causes leukemia. The majority of childhood leukemias are acquired genetic diseases. This means that gene mutations and chromosome abnormalities in leukemia cells occur sporadically (by chance). The abnormalities found in leukemia cells are not found in the other cells of the body.

The immune system plays an important role in protecting the body from diseass, and possibly cancer. An alteration or defect in the immune system may increase the risk for developing leukemia. Factors such as exposure to certain viruses, environmental factors, chemical exposures, and infections have been associated with damage to the immune system, but none of these factors has been definitively linked as a cause of childhood leukemia.

What are the different types of leukemia?

There are three main types of leukemia, including the following:

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) - ALL, also called lymphocytic or lymphoid, accounts for about 75 to 80 percent of the childhood leukemias. In this form of the disease, the lymphocyte cell line is affected. The lymphocytes normally fight infection. With acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the bone marrow makes too many of these lymphocytes and they do not mature correctly. The lymphocytes overproduce, thus, crowding out other blood cells. Immature blood cells (blasts) do not work properly to fight infection. Acute leukemia can occur over a short period of days to weeks. Chromosome abnormalities (extra chromosomes and structural changes in the chromosome material) are present in the majority of ALL patients.
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) - AML, also called granulocytic, myelocytic, myeloblastic, or myeloid, accounts for about 20 percent of the childhood leukemias. Acute myelogenous leukemia is a cancer of the blood in which too many granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced in the marrow. The granulocytes normally fight infection. With acute myelogenous leukemia, the bone marrow makes too many of these cells and they do not mature correctly. The granulocytes overproduce, thus, crowding out other blood cells. Immature blood cells (blasts) do not work properly to fight infection. Acute leukemia can occur over a short period of days to weeks. Children with certain genetic syndromes, including Fanconi anemia, Bloom syndrome, Kostmann syndrome, and Down syndrome, are at a higher risk of developing AML than other children.
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) - CML is uncommon in children. Chronic myelogenous leukemia is cancer of the blood in which too many granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced in the marrow. The granulocytes normally fight infection. With this disease, the bone marrow makes too many of these cells and they do not mature correctly. The marrow continues to produce these abnormal cells which crowd out other healthy blood cells. Chronic myelogenous leukemia can occur over a period of months or years. A specific chromosome rearrangement is found in patients with CML. Part of chromosome #9 breaks off and attaches itself to chromosome #22, so that there is an exchange of genetic material between these two chromosomes. This rearrangement changes the position and functions of certain genes, which results in uncontrolled cell growth. Other chromosome abnormalities can also be present.

It is thought that lymphoblastic and myelogenous leukemias differ based upon the stage of development of the cell in which the leukemia arises. The pluripotent stem cell is the first stage of development of all of the blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets). This stem cell goes through stages of development until it matures into a functioning cell. The type of leukemia (lymphoblastic or myelogenous) is determined by where the cell is in its stage of development when it become malignant, or cancerous.

Early in its development, the stem cell becomes either a lymphocyte precursor cell or a myeloid precursor cell. The lymphoid cells mature into either B-lymphocytes or T-lymphocytes. If the leukemia develops in one of these cells, it is called acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It can be further classified as either B-cell precursor or T-cell ALL, depending on the type of lymphoid precursor cell. If the leukemia is found even further along this stage of development, it is sometimes referred to as a mature B-cell ALL or T-cell ALL.

The myeloid cells develop into platelets, red blood cells and specialized white blood cells called nurtrophils and macrophages. There are many classifications of AML. The types of leukemia is determined by the stage of development when the normal cells become leukemia cells.

What are the symptoms of leukemia?

Because leukemia is cancer of the blood-forming tissue called the bone marrow, the initial symptoms are often related to abnormal bone marrow function. The bone marrow is responsible for storing and producing about 95 percent of the body's blood cells, including the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

When leukemia occurs, the abnormal white blood cells (blasts) begin to reproduce very rapidly and begin crowding out and competing for nutrients and space with the other healthy cells. The following are the most common symptoms of leukemia. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

anemia - When red blood cells are unable to be produced because of the crowding in the marrow, anemia is present. With anemia, the child may appear tired, pale, and may breathe faster to compensate for the decrease in oxygen carrying capacity. The number of red blood cells on a blood count will be below normal.
bleeding and/or bruising - When platelets are unable to be produced because of the crowding in the marrow, bleeding can occur and the child may begin to bruise more easily. Petechia are tiny red dots often seen on the skin of a child with low number of platelets. Petechia are very small blood vessels that have leaked or bled. The number of platelets on a blood count will be below normal. Thrombocytopenia is the term used for a decreased number of platelets.
recurrent infections - Although there may be an unusually high number of white blood cells on a blood count of a child with leukemia, these white blood cells are immature and do not fight infection. The child may have had repetitive viral or bacterial infections over the past few weeks. The child with leukemia often shows symptoms of an infection such as fever, runny nose, and cough.
bone and joint pain - Pain in bones and joints is another common symptom of leukemia. This pain is usually a result of the bone marrow being overcrowded and full.
abdominal distress - Abdominal pain may also be a symptom of leukemia. Leukemia cells can collect in the kidney, liver, and spleen, causing enlargement of these organs. Pain in the abdomen may cause a child to have loss of appetite and weight loss.
swollen lymph nodes - The child may also have swelling in the lymph nodes under the arms, in the groin, chest, and in the neck. Lymph nodes are responsible for filtering the blood. Leukemia cells may collect in the nodes, causing swelling.
difficulty breathing (dyspnea) - With T-cell ALL, these leukemia cells tend to clump together around the thymus. This mass of cells present in the middle of the chest can cause pain and difficulty breathing (dyspnea). Wheezing, coughing, and/or painful breathing requires immediate medical attention.

With acute leukemia (ALL or AML), these symptoms may occur suddenly in a matter of days or weeks. With chronic leukemia (CML), these symptoms may develop slowly over months to years.

It is important to understand that the symptoms of leukemia may resemble other blood disorders or medical problems. These are common symptoms of the disease, but do not include all possible symptoms. Children may experience symptoms differently. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

How is leukemia diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for leukemia may include:

bone marrow aspiration and biopsy - marrow may be removed by aspiration or a needle biopsy under local anesthesia. In aspiration biopsy, a fluid specimen is removed from the bone marrow. In a needle biopsy, marrow cells (not fluid) are removed. These methods are often used together. Most often samples are obtained from the bones of the pelvis (upper buttocks).
complete blood count (CBC) - a measurement of size, number, and maturity of different blood cells in a specific volume of blood.
additional blood tests - may include blood chemistries, evaluation of liver and kidney functions, and genetic studies.
computerized tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
ultrasound (Also called sonography.) - a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.
lymph node biopsy
spinal tap/lumbar puncture - a special needle is placed into the lower back, into the spinal canal. This is the area around the spinal cord. The pressure in the spinal canal and brain can then be measured. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) can be removed and sent for testing to determine if there is an infection or other problems. CSF is the fluid that bathes your child's brain and spinal cord.

Treatment for leukemia :

Specific treatment for leukemia will be determined by your child's physician based on:

your child's age, overall health, and medical history
the extent of the disease
your child's tolerance for certain medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Treatment usually begins by addressing the presenting symptoms such as anemia, bleeding, and/or infection. In addition, treatment for leukemia may include (alone or in combination) the following:

chemotherapy/intrathecal medications(medications are inserted through a needle into the spinal cord into the area called the subarachnoid space)
radiation therapy - although never used as part of induction therapy
bone marrow transplantation - stem cell transplant is almost never used to treat ALL, except for certain rare subtypes of it the leukemia comes back after initial treatment with chemotherapy (and sometimes radiation)
biological therapy - almost never used for the treatment of ALL
medications (to prevent or treat damage to other systems of the body caused by leukemia treatment)
medications (for nausea and side effects of treatment)
blood transfusions (red blood cells, platelets)
antibiotics (to prevent/treat infections)
continuous follow-up care (to determine response to treatment, detect recurrent disease, and manage late effects of treatment)

What are the various stages of leukemia treatment?

There are various stages in the treatment of leukemia, including the following:

Induction - a combination of chemotherapy and medications given to stop the process of abnormal cells being made in the bone marrow. Remission means the leukemia cells are no longer visible under the microscope when examining either the bone marrow or blood. However, even when remission is achieved, leukemia is still present in the body, which is why further treatment is necessary. the induction phase may last approximately one month and can be repeated if remission is not achieved.

Intensification or consolidation - continued treatment with chemotherapy to kill leukemia cells. Even though leukemia cells are not visible in a blood test or bone marrow examination, they are still present in the body. Therapy in this phase may include chemotherapy given to the central nervous system to kill any leukemia cells present there, or to prevent the spread of leukemia cells to the spinal cord or brain. Radiation therapy may also be given to the brain during this phase.

Maintenance or continuation - the goal of this phase is to eradicate all leukemia from the body. Usually, less intensive chemotherapy is used, much of which can be given at home. This phase can last months to several years. Regular visits to your child's physician are required in order to determine response to treatment, detect any recurrent disease, and manage any side effects of the treatment.

What is relapse?

Relapse may occur even with aggressive therapy. Relapse is when the bone marrow begins making abnormal cells again. Relapse can occur during any of the stages of treatment, or may occur months or years after treatment has ended.


Long-term outlook for a child with leukemiA
Prognosis greatly depends on:

the extent of the disease.
disease response to treatment.
genetic abnormalities of the leukemia.
age and overall health of the child.
your child's tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or therapies.
new developments in treatment.

As with any cancer, prognosis and long-term survival can vary greatly from child to child. Prompt medical attention and aggressive therapy are important for the best prognosis. Continuous follow-up care is essential for the child diagnosed with leukemia.

Side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, as well as second malignancies, can occur in survivors of leukemia. New methods are continually being discovered to improve treatment and to decrease side effects of the treatment for the disease.


. THANK YOU FOR CHECKING ON BROOKE
PLEASE SIGN HER GUEST BOOK SO WE KNOW YOU STOPPED BY.
THANK YOU :) LOVE,DEE & BROOKE XOXOXOXO

Friday, July 9, 2004 6:50 PM CDT

HI EVERYONE,
SORRY HAVNT UPDATED SOONER, MY COMP WAS ALL MESSED UP. (WHAT ELSE IS NEW) IT'S ALWAYS SOMTHING WITH THE FERRARA FAMILY.
BROOKE DID AWSOME WITH HER COUNTS, SHE HAS AN IMMUNE SYSTEM!!!!! YAAHHHHH!!!!! BUT, SHE HAD LABS DRAWN ON THURSDAY, THEN I CALL THE HOSPITAL TO FIND OUT HER RESULTS, THEY SAID THAT IT CLOTTED SO THEY NEED HER BACK A.S.A.P (NOW THIS IS FRIDAY AFTERNOON) I WAS LIKE, ARE YOU KIDDING ME. NOW AT THIS POINT SHE IS SWIMMING WITH ANTHONY HAVING A BALST. SO I HAD TO TAKE HER OUT, GET HER DRESSED AND GO TO THE HOSPITAL FOR MORE LABS. THANK GOD JASON TOOK HER CUZ I WAS IN NO SHAPE TO GO. BUT EVERYTHING WORKED OUT GOOD. SHE DID O.K. WAS MAD BUT WHO COULD BLAME HER.
OUR 4TH WEEKEND WAS AWSOME. OUR FRIENDS/FAMILY CAME UP WENT ON THERE ANNUAL CANOE TRIP AND COOKOUT ALL WEEKEND.
IT WAS COOL CUZ THEY ALL HAD TENTS SET UP ALONG IN MY YARD.
FUN, GREAT,AWSOME TIME!!! THANK YOUI ALL FOR COMING AND ESPECIALLY TO YAHHH KERI WHO COOKED. :)
AND TO JENNIFAAAAAA AND MICHAEL" WE MISSED YOU THIS YEAR"
BROOKE SAW THE PIC OF JENN & JOEY ON MY FRIDGE AND SAID, JENNIFAAAA & MICHAEL R COMING NEXT WEEK. I WOULD SAY THIS LITTLE GIRL MISSES YOU GUYS ALOT, JUST LIKE ALL OF YOUR OTHER FRIENDS. WE LOVE YOU 2.
JESSICA WENT TO CAMP THIS WEEK, SHE COMES HOME 2-MORROW MORNING. I HOPE, WELL, I KNOW SHE HADE A GREAT TIME. JESSICA & CAMPING GO TOGETHER.
EVERYONE ELSE IS GOOD. KRISTEN IS STAYING AT SHELL & DEREKS FOR 2 WEEKS WITH HER G/F MACKENZIE. THEY ARE HAVING A GOOD TIME.
THE OTHER 3 BROOKE ANTHONY & JOEY ARE JUST HANGING AROUND THE HOUSE, SWIMMING AND PLAYING.
WELL, BROOKE GOES TO DARTMOUTH NEXT FRIDAY FOR LABS, FLUSH HER MEDIPORT, AND HER MONTHLY PHYSICAL. PRAY THAT ALL GOES GOOD.
OH, YA TODAY AT 6:00pm JOSEPH SPIKED A 101.4 TEMP, AND WAS STILL CLIMBING BUT I TOOK IT OUT, THAT'S ALL I NEEDED TO SEE, OVER 101. DID THE TYLENOL THING NOW HE IS O.K, STILL A BIT WARM. FOR ME I'M GOING NUTS, MY MIND IS WANDERING. I HATE THE WAY I FEEL!!!! I'M SURE HE'S O.K BUT YOU NEVER KNOW. I DO NOT WANT BROOKE TO GET SICK. OMG
I REALLY DONT NEED THAT S#*T RIGHT NOW!
K, DEEP BREATH.
I WILL TALK TO EVERYONE AGAIN SOON.
LOVE, DEE, BROOKE & FAMILY (((((HUGS)))))
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Monday, June 28, 2004 1:10 PM CDT

HI EVERYONE,
WE ARE AT MEMA & PAP'S HOUSE IN MEDFORD, MASS.
WE CAME HERE ON FRIDAY,MOM HAD 2 WEDDING SHOWERS TO GO TO SO SHE HAD A BIT OF A BREAK, AND GOT TO SEE HER FRIENDS. :)
I AM DOING GOOD.
WE WENT TO MEAGHAN & ERIN & MICHAEL'S HOUSE TO GO SWIMMING ON WEDNSDAY ALL DAYLONG. FUN, FUN, FUN!!! UNCLE WAYNE & RAYCHAEL CAME ALSO. HAD A GREAT TIME WITH MY COUSINS. :)
I'M TIRED ALOT AND NOT THAT HUNGRY BUT I'M HAPPY. HAPPY TO BE HERE WITH MY FAMILY.
BRIANNA IS COMING TO MY HOUSE FOR THE 4th OF JULY, I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! I WANTED TO SEE HER THIS WEEKEND BUT MY MOM SAYS NO CUZ JUST TO BE SURE THERE IS NO GERMS TO PASS ON TO ME . I WILL WAIT FOR NEXT WEEKEND.
ALL OF MY BROTHER'S & SISTER'S ARE AWSOME. I THINK WE WILL BE GOING HOME TODAY. NOT SURE YET.
THIS WEEK IS MEMA'S BIRTHDAY; IT'S JULY,1ST.
you can send her an e card to memasanto1@aol.com
THAT'S IT FOR NOW. I HAVE BLOOD TESTS ON THURSDAY SO MY MOM WILL UPDATE AGAIN AFTER THE RESULTS. PLEASE PRAY FOR A GOOD ANC COUNT. THANK YOU.
LOVE, BROOKE & DEE
XXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Friday, June 18, 2004 3:51 PM CDT

HI EVERYONE.
BROOKE DR.'S APT. WENT GOOD. EVERYONE THERE SAID WOW, DID SHE GET BIG! AND SHE DID,SHE GREW ABOUT 1 INCH TALLER FROM 3MONTHS AGO. HER BLOOD PRESSURE WAS GOOD,EARS FINE,THEY CHECKED ALL HER LYMPH NODES THEY WERE FINE ALSO. SHE HAD NO FEVER GOING IN, BUT ABOUT 1 HOUR OR SO AFTER WE GOT THERE HER TEMP WENT UP. NOW I'M THINKING"GREAT,HERE WE GO" OF COURSE I WAS A MESS, COULDNT TALK,THINK. BUT HER BLOOD COUNTS CAME BACK JUST MAKING IT. HER TOTAL COUNTS WERE 590. THEY HAVE TO BE HIGHER THAN 500 TO BE GOOD. HER wbc=3.3 WICH IS LOW SUPPOSED TO BE (5.5-15.5)LAST TIME THEY WERE 5.0.
HER PLATELETS=308(BETWEEN 160-450)and HERS LAST TIME WAS 546.
HCT IS= 37.1 (34.0-40.0) WAS 34.9 LAST TIME
HGB IS =12.6 (11.5-13.5) WAS 12.0 LAST TIME
THEY TOTAL EVERY BLOOD COUNT TO GET THE # 500 .
SO SHE WILL CONTINUE TO GET HER MEXOTREXATE TONIGHT AND NEXT WEEK. ALONG WITH HER 6MP & ZOFRAN.
SHE DID O.K, IT WAS VERY SAD.:( AS SHE CRIED WE TOLD HER WHAT WAS NEXT AND SHE DID FINE AND LET US DO EACH STEP WITH HER. SO HER NEXT BLOOD COUNTS ARE IN 2 WEEKS. SHE WILL GO EVERY 2 WEEKS FOR BLOOD AND ONCE A MONTH FOR A FULL PHYSICAL AND FLUSH HER MEDIPORT AT DARTMOUTH.
SHE IS SUCH A STRONG LITTLE GIRL WHO IS GROWING UP WAY TO FAST FOR ALL THE THINGS SHE HAS TO GO THROUGH NOW. BUT 2 YEARS WILL BE HERE BEFOR WE KNOW IT.
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW. I'M VERY TIRED AND HAVE AN AWFUL MIGRANE. WILL UPDATE IF ANYTHING NEW IS UP.(hope not).
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SIGNED HER BOOK AND THANKS FOR THE PRAYERS. WE LOVE YOU. LOVE ,DEE,BROOKE,JAY & KIDS
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Monday, June 14, 2004 9:38 AM CDT

http://sqbirthdays.com/may04/quilt.html
THIS IS A LINK TO BROOKE'S BIRTHDAY QUILT MADE FROM SOME SPECIAL ANGEL'S.
FRIDAY JUNE 18th. BROOKE NEEDS TO GO INTO THE HOSPITAL FOR THE DAY AT DARTMOUTH FOR MEDIPORT TO BE FLUSHED,BLOOD WORK, AND A FULL PHYSICAL. WE WILL GET THE RESULTS FROM HER BLOOD WORK THAT DAY TO SEE IF SHE CAN CONTINUE WITH HER NEW CHEMO MEDS SHE TAKES AT HOME. SO FAR SHE HAS BEEN ABLE TO TAKE THEM EVERY FRIDAY. SHE IS VERY PALE/CRANKY TODAY. FEELS A LITTLE WARM THO-. NOT EATING. AND WANTS HER DADDY. HE IS WORKING IN NY,NJ,& WORCHESTER THIS WEEK, FINALLY $$$$$$.IT'S HARD CUZ HE HAS TO GO SO FAR TO WORK, BUT NEED THE $ REAL BAD.
KRISTEN GRADUATED FROM 8th GRADE THIS FRIDAY. IT WAS AWSOME. I CANT BELIVE MY LITTLE GIRL IS GOING TO HIGH SCHOOL. THE OTHER 2, ANTHONY & JESSICA GET OUT 2 MORROW.(FUN). JOSEPH IS DOING REALLY GOOD HERE WITH HIS BROTHER & SISTERS. WHEN MEMA & PAPA CAME THIS WEEKEND HE KINDA GIT A LITTLE CRANKY, HE PROBERBLY THOUGHT THEY WERE TAKING HIM AGAIN TO THEIR HOUSE. POOR THING. BUT EVERYTHING WORKED OUT GREAT!
ME, WELL, I'M O.K. VERYSAD , I GUESS BECAUSE WE HAVE TO DO THE HOSPITAL THING FRIDAY. AND I REALLY DON'T WANT TO , JUST AS MUCH AS BROOKE DOSNT EITHER. IT JUST SUCKS!!!!
ANYWAYS, WILL LET YOU KNOW ABOUT FRIDAY WHEN I GET THERE. SIGN BROOKE'S GUEST BOOK TO LET HER KNOW YOU CAME BY. :)
LOVE, DEE
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
http://www.caringbridge.org/oh/benjamin
http://www.caringbridge.org/ar/colenash
http://www.guslilley.com
http://www.smilequilts.com
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites
http://caringbridge.org/fl/katia_leukemiapage
http://www.caringbridge.org/fl/christina

Friday, June 4, 2004 8:59 PM CDT

HI EVERYONE,
BROOKE GOT HER BLOOD RESULTS BACK. THEY ARE AWSOME!!!!
EVERYTHING IS WHERE THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE TO CONTINUE WITH HER METHOTREXATE MEDICINE(THAT IS A KIND OF CHEMO) SHE TAKES THAT EVERY FRIDAY IF HER BLOOD COUNTS ARE GOOD ENOUGH TO HANDLE IT. WITH THAT SHE TAKES HER 6MP(ANOTHER CHEMO),ZOFRAN(FOR NAUSEA)& DEXAMETHASONE(A STERIOD MEDICINE) SHE TAKES THAT ONLY EVERY 16 WEEKS BUT FOR A WHOLE WEEK 2Xs A DAY."YUK"!!! ON MON.TUES.WED. SHE TAKES HER BACTRIM(AN ANTIBIOTIC MED). SHE ALSO GETS VINCRISTINE FOR 2 WEEKS ON HER CLINIC AT DARTMOUTH DAYS,THAT'S ON WEEK 25,26,AND 41,42 SO IT'S EVERY 16 WEEKS ,IT GOES RIGHT INTO HER MEDIPORT WITH SOME SALINE TO FLUSH IT THROUGH. SHE GETS A SPINAL TAP EVERY 12 WEEKS,A BONE MARROW AS NEEDED,BLOOD TESTS EVERY 2 WEEKS,AND WILL GO TO DARTMOUTH FOR BLOOD WORK,FLUSH HER LINE AND A FULL PHYSICAL DONE EVERY MONTH. I THINK I GOT IT ALL COVERED.I THINK SHE LOOKS AWSOME TODAY.BUT NOW I HAVE TO GIVE HER ALL THAT CHEMO & IT WILL MAKE HER ILL,OF COURSE IT WILL BECAUSE SHE FEELS GOOD RIGHT NOW. IT'S NOT FAIR AT ALL!!!!!!

WELL, THAT'S IT FOR NOW. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE MY COUSIN MICHELLE & DEREK 2MORROW,WITH ALL THE BABIES :) K, GOTTA GO. WILL UPDATE MORE WHEN I KNOW MORE. BYE-BYE
XOXOXOXOXOX LOVE,DEE

Thursday, June 3, 2004 9:32 PM CDT

HI,
WE DON'T HAVE HER BLOOD TEST RESULTS YET. HAVE TO WAIT TILL 2MORROW MORNING. SO, I WILL UPDATE AS SOON AS I KNOW ANYTHING. IT'S ALWAYS A WAITING GAME.

Friday, May 21, 2004 11:40 PM

HI,
IT'S ALMOST BROOKE'S 3rd BIRTHDAY!!!!!
SHE WAS BORN ON MAY,22.2001 AT 6:20 PM
AT CAMBRIDGE HOSPITAL IN MASS.
7 HOURS OF A ALL NATURAL BIRTH.

BROOKE STARTED HER 1st DAY OF PHASE #3. MEMA & DADDY TOOK HER TO DARTMOUTH. SHE DID REALLY GOOD. HAD HER VINCRISTINE MED AT 9:30, SPINAL TAP AT 12:00PM AND LEFT BY 1:00PM. SHE WOKE UP FROM THE SPINAL TAP IN A GOOD MOOD, HAD SOME MILK AND WALKED OUT TO THE CAR TO GO HOME. THIS WILL BE BROOKE'S LAST PHASE, IT WILL TAKE 2 YEARS TO DO THIS.AND WE WILL DO THIS. BROOKE IS A VERY STRONG LITTLE GIRL. SHE CAN;T WAIT TO BE 3 SHE SAYS, I'M GONNA BE 3. :)

AS FAR AS HOW I AM DOING, WELL,
ON TUESDAY THE 17TH I WENT TO THE E.R WITH MY COMPLAINTS OF STILL NOW FOR 2 WEEKS, RIGHT SIDE/BACK PELVIC PAIN. GOT ADDMITTED,HAD SURGERY ON WED AT 4:30 TILL 6:15PM. I HAD A HUGE CYST ON MY RIGHT OVARY THAT WAS TWISTING AROUND AND KIDA HANGING DOWN TO THE RIGHT SOOOOO, THEY REMOVED MY RIGHT OVARY & TUBE, AND ALSO I HAD ENDOMETRIOSIS IN MY UTERUS SO THEY FIXED THAT UP TO. GOT HOME TODAY AND I WILL BE BETTER IN 4 WEEKS. GLAD I HAD THIS DONE AND WILL BE MUCH HAPPIER TO BE PAIN FREE FROM THIS ON GOING THING HAPPENING TO ME ALL THE TIME. I'M OK, JUST REALLY UNCOMFORTABLE AND PAIN!!!!!! XOXOXOXOX LOVE,DEE

Wednesday, May 5, 2004 12:02 AM CDT

HELLO EVERYONE,
WELL, I TALKED TO THE DR. AND BROOKE'S BONE MARROW & SPINAL TAP WENT GREAT. SHE IS AT THE STAGE SHE IS SUPPOSED TO BE AT. WE MOVE ONTO PHASE 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SHE WILL GO TO DARTMOUTH ON MAY,21 AT 9am FOR HER CHECK UP, THEN AT 11am FOR HER SPINAL TAP,STAY FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS THEN GET TO GO HOME. SHE IS GOING TO BE TAKING ALOT OF MEDS HERE AT HOME, AND BLOOD WORK EVERY 2 WEEKS. SHE LOOKS GOOD TODAY, EXCEPT TIRED,I THINK CUZ JOEY IS HOME WITH US. HE'S DOING GOOD HERE ALSO. I'M KINDA IN A CIRCLE, JUST HAVE TO GET USE TO ALL MY KIDS BEING TOGETHER AGAIN. I KNOW EVERYTHING TAKES TIME, BUT I NEED IT TO TIME NOW. ALL THE OTHER KIDS R GOOD, KRISTEN IS GETTING RADY FOR HER 8th GRADE TRIP TO CANADA, JESSICA IS GOING TO CAMP ON JULY 4th-the 10th IT'S IN FRANCONIA. SHE IS LOOKING FOWARD TO IT.AND ANTHONY STARTS T-BALL TODAY.JASON IS IN VERMONT WORKING TODAY, THEN OFF TO N.J TOMORROW FOR A DAY OR 2, HE'S DOING AWSOME WITH THE BUSSNIESS. WE ARE A BUSY BUNCH HERE IN TAMWORTH. SO, THAT'S THAT AND WILL UPDATE AGAIN IF ANYTHING ELSE CHANGES. THANK YOU MICHELLE FOR DRIVING ALL THE WAY HERE,STAYED FOR 4 HOURS, AND DROVE HOME. THAT MEANT THE WORLD TO ME & BROOKE. WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH. :)
THANKS AGAIN MEMA FOR DRIVING US TO DARTMOUTH AND STAYING WITH BROOKE DURING HER TREATMENTS, AND THANK YOU DADDY FOR TAKING CARE OF JOEY, KRISTEN,JESSICA ,AND ANTHONY.
MY FAMILY IS THE BEST!!!!!!
THANK YOU , I LOVE YOU,DEE XOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Sunday, May 2, 2004 8:08 PM CDT

HI, IT'S MAY.2,2004, WE GOT DISCHARGED TO DAY EARLY, AGAIN!!! WHOO-HOO.HER COUNTS WENT TO A # 3 LAST NIGHT, THEN TO .01 THIS MORNING. SO TOOK HER LINE OUT, GAVE HER THE 1ST. DOSE OF LUOKERVORION AROUND 11;00am . SENT US HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SHE SLEPT ALL DAY TILL LIKE 11;00am . GAVE HER THE 2 nd, DOSE AT HOME. SHE DID GOOD WITH IT. DIDNT GET TO TALK WITH THE DR.'S ABOUT WHAT'S NEXT. I STILL WILL KNOW ABOUT HER BONE MARROW RESULTS, NOT TILL MONDAY. I WILL UPDATE EVERYONE SO, JUST KEEP CHECKING HER WEB SITE AND EMAIL TO EVRYONE, ITS HARD 4 ME TO KEEP IT UP & KNOW WHO I EMAILED . K, THANKS. TALK TO YOU MORE HOPEFULLYU 2 MORROW. EVERYONE ELSE HERE IS FINE. JOEY IS HAPPY TO BE HOME. MAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMA. HE'S TOOOOO CUTE, CURLY BLONDE HAIR,LOL TOOO FUNNY.

GOOD NIGHT FRIENDS & FAMILY
XOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXXOXOXOOXOXXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO LOVE.DEE

Saturday, May 1, 2004 2:39 PM CDT

HI, WE ARE AT DARTMOUTH, YESTERDATS SPINAL TAP/ AND BONE MARROW BIOPSY WENT GOOD. SHE SLEPT ALLLLL DAY FROM 12-4:30 I Had to wake her up, very tired, last night she was in pain, she kept saying, my back hurts, so they gave her oxycodone and that did help. if through the night was in pain they would give her morphine, but she made it ok without it. but, she did throw up. :( poor babay, mema helped clean her up. jay and i stayed at davids house to rest. thank you mummy xoxoxox. my mother is the BEST!!!!
so, now it's 4:)00pm, she is sitting here playing with trival pursuit.lol. as i am typning. daddy(jason)showed up here last night SURPRISED us at 6;30pm, brooke was sooooooooooo happy to see him.he works n.y & n.j all week so we don't get to sdee him till he's done, mostly on sat. then back to travelin on monday :(. WE MISS DADDY.
sooooo as far as her results for her bone marrow, wont know till. monday, but i keep asking . nothing yet,.her counts are way high now, remember supposed to get to .02 now its up in the 590;s or so, but they r keep doing her counts, tonight they will draw blood at 5;00pm, then we will know how much they dropped a little while after.



k, i will update you when i know more k,
thanks everyone, PLEASE KEPP PRAYING FOR OUR BABY GIRL BROOKE.x0x0x0x0x0x0x0x0x0x0x0x0xx0x0x0x0x0x0x0x0x0xx0x0x0x0
love,dee,jay,mema, & brooke. xoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxo

Thursday, April 29, 2004 5:27 PM CDT

OK WELL IT'S THURSDAY AND I HAVE BROOKE'S BLOOD TEST RESULTS.
SHE DOES GET TO IN FOR HER "SHOULD BE LAST TREATMENT OF PHASE 2", 9:00AM,9:30AM,12:00PM,1:00PM. 9 IS CHECK UP, 9 30 IS GETTING HER ALL HOOKED UP TO HER IV'S, THEN WE WAIT......TILL 12:00PM FOR HER SPINAL TAP WITH CHEMO, THEN AFTER HER BONE MARROW BIOPSY. THEN WE WILL KNOW , I GUESS IF SHE IS ALL CANCER FREE. LET'S PRAY FOR MY LITTLE GIRL. I CAN'T TAKE MUCH MORE OF THIS. THIS IS REAL HARD. ALL I DO IS CRY. I NEED MY FAMILY & FRIENDS.
SO, IF ANYONE WANTS TO CALL THE HOSPITAL, CALL AFTER 2:00 I WOULD THINK.DUNO WHAT ROOM # TILL I GET THERE BUT MAIN # IS 1-603-650-5000=CHAD UNIT, THEN BROOKE FERRARA.


K, I'M NOT STAYING ON HERE ANY LONGER, GOT TO GO GET READY TO SEE MY BOYS FOR THE 1/2 HOUR THAT I CAN BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE HOSPITAL. YA ME & MY MOM ARE LEAVING TONIGHT TO GET THER & SETTLED FOR 2 MORROW MORNING.


I LOVE YOU ALL. THANKS FOR THE PRAYERS.
LOVE, DEE & BROOKE XOXOXOXOX

LIVE
LIFE !!!!

Tuesday, April 27, 2004 3:55 PM CDT

OK, LAST NIGHT BROOKE SCARED ME. SHE FELL ASLEEP AT 6:30ISH TILL 9:30, SHE FELT WARM, WAS ALL SWEATY,I THOUGHT MY THERMOMETER BROKE, SO MELISSA thank you BROUGHT ANOTHER ONE OVER FOR ME.THANK GOD CUZ I WAS A NUT HEAD. K NOW I'M YHINKING,(OMG,GET THE BAGS THAT ARE PACKED,GET THINGS IN CAR,CALL THE DR.'S,FIND OUT WHERE MY OTHER KIDS ARE GOING, AND GO TO THE HOSPITAL)SHE DID SWEAT OUT SOMTHIONG CAUSE SHE WAS SWEATY WITH NOTHING ON BUT A T-SHIRT. SHE HAS A DEEP RASPY TIGHT COUGH, NOW I'M THINKING "HOSPITAL"
AFTER A WHILE SHE WOKE UP TEMP 96.6 WIDE AWAKE, ANTHONY AND KRISTEN WENT TO PAPA VINNY'S,JESSICA WENT TO MOLLY'S.
SHE WAS FINE ENOUGH TO STAY HOME. SO SHE WAS UP TILL 1:30am, WE DIDNT GO TO BED TIL 4:00am, MY STRESS LEVEL IS WAY WAY WAY WAY UP THERE, LET ME TELL YOU. I'M ALLLLLL SET!!!!. FINALLY WENT TO SLEEP, WITH A HEADACHE EVEN THO- I HAVE HEADACHE MEDICINE. THIS MORING SHE'S GOOD, TIRED, NOT EATING MUCH, SNEEZING BIG GROSS STUFF. I TOOK HER OUTSIDE FOR A WHILE TO PLAY, NOT MUCH PLAYING JUST KINDA HANGING OUT WHILE I CLEANED UP THE YARD AND STUFF, THEN ANTHONY CAME HOME :), THEY TOOK A WALK AROUND THE HOUSE,PLAYED AND HUNG OUT. IT WAS A GOOD DAY. SHE GOES TO HOSPITAL FOR BLOOD WORK THURSDAY MORNINGAT 10:45, SO WE WILL KNOW IF HER COUNTS ARE GOOD ENOUGH TO GO IN FOR HER TREATMENT. K, I WILL WRITE BACK SOON. LOVE, DEE @BROOKE
XOXOXOOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Monday, April 19, 2004 10:09 PM CDT

HELLO, IT'S LATE HERE AT THE FERRARA COMPOUND. THE KIDS R SLEEPING ,JASON IS WORKING, JOEY IS WITH MEMA & PAPA AGAIN. THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME WITH HIM. BROOKE WAS OUT SIDE ALL WEEKEND PLAYING. SHE LOOKED REALL GOOD. GOT TIRED, RESTED AND PLAYED AGAIN. IT WAS THE BEST WEEKEND WITH JENNIFAAAA ALSO, THE KIDS JUST LOVE HER & SHE LOVES THEM. WE MISS MICHAEL COMING AND HANGING OUT WITH US, :( SOON WE WILL HANG OUT. I'M ALL DUN, TIRED. GOING TO BED MY SELKF .JUST WANTED TO LET EVERYONE KNOW BROOKE'S DOING GOOD. LITTLE RUNNINY NOSE/SLIGHT DIAPER RASH, BUT OK. SHE REALLY HAS NOOO APPITITE, PICKY, JUST LIKE HER MOM :) SHE GOES IN APRIL 30TH THEY ARE STARTING AT 9.00AM THROUGH TO THE AFTERNOON, SO WE WON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT MUCH TILL THE DR,S COME TALK WITH US, PROBERBLY AROUNG LATER AFTERNON, I WILL LET U KNOW WHAT ROOM AND EVERYTHING, BUT TILL THEN KEEP PRAYING FOR HER, MY SWEET BABY. GOOD NIGHT EVERYONE XOXOXOXOXO
LOVE,DEE LIVE LIFE

Thursday, April 15, 2004 9:06 PM CDT

HI TO EVERYONE. BROOKE FEELS GOOD TODAY. PAPA TONY & CAME TO HELP TAKE CARE OF THE KIDS ALLLLLL WEEK, HE IS THE BEST. I LOVE YOU DADDY. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP. I KNOW IT WASNT EASY BUT YOUR AWSOME!!!!1
JENNIFAAAAAAA MY NANNY WILL BE HERE TOMORROW & SO ISNT DADDY. HE WORKED IN N.Y & N.J ALL THIS WEEK. MAYBE NEXT WEEK TO. THATS ALL GOOD NIGHT. LOVE,DEE
THANKS AGAIN DADDY ")

Tuesday, April 13, 2004 8:42 AM CDT

THIS WEEKEND FOR BROOKE WENT WELL WITH HER CHEMO. IT STARTED LATE SO DIDNT THINK WE WOULD GET OUT TILL MONDAY. HER COUNTS DID AWSOME THEY CAME DOWM TO .01 ON SUNDAY MORNING. AT 10;OOAM THEY RAN HER BLOOD COUNTS STAT TO SEE IF WE COULD MAKE IT HOME FOR EASTER. OMG, DR. CHAFFEE CAME RUNNING IN AND SAID "YOUR OUTTA HERE" WITH A BIG SMILE. I WAS LIKE REALLY..... SO, WE GOT EVERYTHING PACKED BROOKE DRESSED ALL PRETTY IN HER TWIN DRESSES THAT HER & BRIANNA WORE. BROOKE WAS PURPLE, BRIANN WAS PINK.SO STILL NO ONE NEW WE WERE CVOMING. OF COURSE MICHELLE CALLS AND SAYA, SO WHAT R U DOING? I THOUGHT SHE KNEW WE WERE ON OUR WAY DOWN, I TOPLD HER I WAS GOING TO D.D. THEN AROUND 2;30PM, WE WLAKED IN...SILENCE...CLAPPING..YAYHHAYY'S. IT WAS AWSOME WE SURPRISED EVERYONE. BROOKE CRIED FROM ALL THE LOUDNESS FOR A SEC, THEN WAS A O K. IT WAS GREAT, A LINE LIKE AT A WEDDING WAS SET TO GIVE HUGS & KISSES TO EVERYONE. THAT WAS THE GREATEST EASTER. THEN WE WENT TO THIS BEAUTIFUL HOUSE IN MEDFORD'KIM & PATRICK'S OMG, IT'S BEAUTIFUL, GREAT JOB, AND GOOD LUCK YOU 2. BABIES,BABIES,BABIES IT NEEDS.LOL. AWSOME TIME WITH MY WHOLE FAMILY. GLAD WE MADE IT . WE LOVE ALL OF YOU XOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXO LOVE, DEE,JAY,KRISTEN,JESSICA,ANTHONY,BROOKE,JOSEPH XOXOOXOXXOXO

THANK YOU MUMMY& DADDY FOR BEING THERE FOR US, PICKING THE KIDS UP, DOING THE EASTER THING FOR US.AND BRINING THEM BACK HOME TO N.H. YOU TWO ARE THE BEST. WE LOVE YOU VERY VERY MUCH. ALWAYS GO OUT OF YOUR WAY WHEN WE NEED YOU. EVEN IF WE DON'T NEED YOU YOU ARE STILL THERE DOING THE MEMA & PAPA THINGS YOU DO. THANK YOU SOOOOO VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP & SUPPORT. YOUR THE BEST !!!!! XOXOXOXOX LOVE,DEE

Friday, April 9, 2004 10:19 PM CDT

HI,
I'M VERY TIRED LOOOONG EXHAUSTING DAY. VERY LIKE,UMMMM TRAMA THATS ALL I HAVE TO SAY. TO DAY SUCKED!!!!!!!
GOOD NIGHT MAYBE TOMORROW WILL BE BETTER.(NOT)

Friday, April 9, 2004 7:34 AM CDT

HELLO,
WELL OFF TO THE HOSPITAL AGAIN. SHE GOES IN FOR HER CHEMO TREATMENT. GOTTA BE THERE AT 1;OOPM, HER SPINAL TAP IS AT 3;00PM, IT'S LATE THIS TIME SO DON'T KNOW IF WE WILL BE BACK TILL MONDAY OR NOT. WE WON'T BE IN HER ROOM TILL AFTER 5;00PM SO DON'T CALL TILL THEN. MY KIDS JUST LEFT FOR SCHOOL AND I'M VERY SAD TODAY FOR ANOTHER HOILDAY GOES BY IN THE HOSPITAL. I LOVE EASTER TIME, THE WHOLE FAMILY GETS TOGETHER AND GO TO THIS AWSOME ITALIAN RESTERANT. YUMMMMM, HEY MAYBE MY MOM & DAD WILL BRING HOME LEFT OVERS.
THEN WE GO BACK TO SOMEONES HOUSE ,THIS YEAR IS KIM & PATRICKS BRAND NEW HOME FOR ITALIAN DESERTS. THE KIDS PLAY, EVERYONE TALKS, DRINKS THE RED WINE WITH NUNA.WHATCH NUNA LAUGH. TALK ABOUT THE PAST & PRESANT.I AM REALLY GOING TO MISS MY FAMILY THIS EASTER. LOVE TO ALL OF YOU AND ALWAYS THINKING OF EVERYONE. BIG HUGS & KISSES XOXOXO
LOVE, DEE,JAY & BROOKE :)
I WILL PLAY WITH YOU SOON MYNAH (BRIANNA).MISS YOU

Monday, April 5, 2004 5:36 PM CDT

hi we are home now,just got here a bit ago.brookes counts on april 3rd was 210 meaning the count =anc=absolute neutrophil count, then on april 4th it was 270
then today it's 468. it's almost all the way up there has tobe 500 to have her chemo so hopefully by this friday it will be up there. we go for blood work on thursday so then we will know. she is still neutropenia, meaning very low white count, and is anemic. but all her blood test shows that's it's a virus in her body and her wbcells wernt there enogh to help fight it off. that's why she got her high fever. now what her for any fever,if so go right back to dartmouth-hitchcok. dr.larsen is hoping it will keep going up on her own. she stopped all chemo by mouth & bactrim cause it tends to lower the white blood cells. she's tired & so am i . now we just wait.it's not bacterial it's virul.having 468 for her anc count he wouldnt of let her go home, but since she has been there for 1 week and no that its viral,notbacterial he feels comfortable to let her go home. he has been seeing her all week, she is slow with getting back her wbc back up. so, just gotta whatch her good. love,dee update more if anything changes. exhausted,happy,sad,confused,scared,worried,tense,i can't belive this is happening to me kinda feeling. that about somes it up. bye, dee

Saturday, April 3, 2004 3:43 PM CST

HI EVERYONE,
BROOKE IS STILL THE SAME. HER WBC ARE TOOO LOW & THE NEURTAPHYILLS WHICH MAKE HER NEUTRAPENIC ARE VERY VEY LOW.THEY ARE WHITE BLOOD CELLS, SHE HAS ALOT OF RED CELL, BUT NOT MAKING WHITE ONES, SO WE ARE HERE FOR A WHILE ,IT'S A WAITING GAME. DAY/DAY/DAY/WEKK/WEEK. AS LONG AS IT TAKES TO GET HER COUNTS STABLE. THATS ALL I KNOW ABOUT OF THIS, NOTHING MORE BEING SAID JUST WAIT. BUT ANYWAYS BROOKE'S BLOOD TYPE IS O JUST TO KEEP THAT IN YOUR MIND IF WE NEED TO DO SOMTHING WITH THAT THOUGHT. SHE IS VERY TIRED AND IS NAPPING, I'M JUST THINKING ALOT, WORRYING. I WANNA GO HOME!!! SHE IS JUST NOT READY TO DO THAT YET, SO WHEN I GET ANOTHER MOMENT TO MYSELF I WILL UPDATE YOU.

THANKS FOR LISTENING LOVE,DEE
ALL MY LOVE TO YOU BROOKE :) XOXO
SHE IS BREAKING MY HEART

Thursday, April 1, 2004 10:25 PM CST

well,, our poor little brooke got sick over the weeken. :(
i knew on sat she looked tired but still being brooke.
on monday moring after being up all night coughing, and anthony getting up coughing. i knew she would get this bad, so the kids went off to school. brooke didnt want tot do anything. just lay there while little BIG brother joey wanted tp play and roll all over her. she wanted nothing to do with joey. her temp sterted going up,99.3/99.8/100/8/101.8/then at the e.r it was 103.
gave her a bit of tylenol and we need to be transported to datmouth-hitchcock medical center, and here we are, same plce/////same news. nothing in brooke has changed, her white blood cells sre toooo low,red cells tooo high, great platelets # i guess we just wait. she was suppossed to have her chemo treatments done this friday the 2nd, i will talk with al the dr, 2 morrow about now what to do. just want her o go home be better and be done with this SHIT!!!!!!!! and thats how i really feel. can't, & won't do it anymore!!!!!!! i wish, xoxoxoxoxoxoxox ttl when i can update, room # 603 650 2538 dont call late and acall around 12;00pm luch time,k. tthnks,
WE LOVE YOU BROOKE
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO DADDY'S ANGEL MUMMA'S BABY XOXOXOXOX

Friday, March 26, 2004 6:07 PM CST

hi, well today brooke went in for her 2nd dose of vincristine. she did ok this time. she is on her steriods this week so she was very angry/emotional today. but other than that it all went well. she will go for her chemo addmission next friday the 2nd of april. so far she is not sick, just a little runny nose. everyone else is doing good. just waiting for the good weather to come along so they can play outside. brooke did get to go out & play on her swingset for a bit. she needed fresh air. had a blast!!! thank you meghan fortaking her outside for me. (meghan is kristens friend). we are going to boston for a visit 2-morrow. we havnt been there in a loooong time. hope brooke does good now till then. k, will update when we come back from mema & papa's. love,dee

Monday, March 22, 2004 9:31 PM CST

well today went ok with brooke. she ishaving anawsome time with brianna & the twins. :)they are awsome together. just wished they lived here with us. they are soooo helpful,caring,loving,family. we love the disciscio family with all 7 of our hearts. michelle,brianna,marissa & christopher are staying here till tuesday night, they came up on sat. you guys are the best. thank you for all your help!!!! xzoxoxoxoxoxoxox the ferrara family :)

brooke looks very pale, weak,achey all over,cranky then fine. she so much is trying to keep up and play with them all. she's a reall trooper! poor christopher got a high fever last night, been going on all day long, but the tylenol/motrin is working, i would guess virul. everyone else seems ok for now. anthony got his left ear pierced, jessica got a sencond hole on leftand so didnt michelle. they all look good.jason is once again in new york for his 3 day stay, i'm very happy shell is here for me/us.i would do the same for her to. all had and still having a good visit, it will be very sad 4 me to see them go :( well, brooke will get checked up on friday at dartmouth,& for vincristine med."yuk"!!!!,and still taking 2 mg 2 xs a day of her steriods. can't wait for this week to be over, very emotional time for everyone to see her hurt like this.
we love you very much brooke,we will try to make you as comfortable we can while you go through this yuky stage.
good night for now. love to all,
dee xoxoxo





































7bczx,nbnrooke

Friday, March 19, 2004 3:15 PM CST

HELLO. BROOKE IS DOING AWSOME :) HER MEDIPORT DOES SEEM TO BE A LITTLE HARD BUT, IT'S OK. THAT'S THE MEDIPORT. :) :)
I AM SOOOOOO HAPPY THAT IT'S ALL GOOD. I THINK NEGATIVE ALOT. I SHOULDNT BUT CAN YOU BLAME ME!!! SHE HAD A GOOD DR.'S APT, SHE WEIGHS 34 LBS, WASNT AS SCARED AS USUAL.I THINK SHE KNEW SHE WAS JUST THERE FOR HER MEDICINE. NOT A ADDMITANCE. SHE WENT # 2 ALL DAY YESTERDAY & TODAY. DR.CHAFFEE SAID GOOD, NOW STOP THE MIRALAX. SO, TODAY SHE GOT HER VINCRISTINE MEDICINE BY I.V THROUGH HER PORT. SHE STARTS DEXAMETHASONE 2X'S A DAY FOR 1 WEEK STARTING TOMORROW. YUK!!!!! WE HATE THOOSE STERIODS!!!!! THEN BACK AGAIN NEXT WEEK ON FRIDAY FOR MORE VIN & CHECK UP. THEN APRIL 2ND IS HER ADDMISSION AGAIN. THEN HOPEFULL APRIL 26TH WILL BE HER LAST ADDMISSION/PHASE 2. THEN WE MOVE ONTO STAGE 3 "CONTINUATION". K, GOTTA GO LOVE,DEE XO

SHE IS REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO TOMORROW CUZ BRIANNA IS COMING UP!!!! :)

Tuesday, March 16, 2004 9:10 PM CST

hello everyone,
well brooke had a nice last 2 days with her uncle scott.we were all busy.(especially scott). brooke's mediport site has a hard lump on it when i feel it. i don't know why, the dr. says maybe a blood clot, nothing they would do for it now, just watch it and see if it goes away,get bigger,red,hurts,or still stays the same. well i noticed it on monday the 15th. i didnt call the dr. back yet. i will tomorrow morning tho-. and she still hasnt gone to the bathroom #2 in 6 days. i give her miralax everyday 2xs a day. i hope it's not too backed up. that's what they really dont want to happen, and it is like the # 1 thing that does happen, especially all this chemo going through her. i'm really nervouse about all of it. i think i didnt want to call the dr.'s back today cuz maybe it will get better on its own. maybe im afraid what they will want to do to her. i know i will call tomorrow. when i was giving her ,her meds tonight, she put her little head down on the table and i asked her brooke what's wrong? and she said mummy i'm sad :( omg i feel terribile that she feels this way. that was all she said then took her meds for me. i just want her to feel good,happy,have alot of energy,be a 2.1/2 yr old tat she is. it just really bugs me alot!!!!
i will let u know what happens after it's all said & done with the dr.'s . goodnight. dee xoxoxo i love you brooke

SUNDAY, MARCH 14,2004 @ 8:33PM

hi, well this weekend stay at chad went ok. brooke was very tired and mad little girl. she did wonderful for all she had to go through. her urine counts were up & down alot but then got stable. her blood count dropped very fast so we got the news we could go home at 9:30am this sunday morning. omg, i sooooo happy. gave her a bag of zofran, then she took her leukravorian about 10:00am. signed release papers, and left around 12:00. she was very happy to leave, waving by to everyone,pulling her dora the explorer suit case all the way to the car, with a BIG smile on her beautiful face. mema & i are exhausted, but well worth every yawn and body ache. thank you mummy for staying with us again through these last 2 admissions. thank you daddy for help taking awsome care of kristen,jessica,anthony & joseph. you 2 are the best!!!!!
we love you very much and appriciate evrything you do for us all the time.trips back & fourth,watching joey alot, and helping in every way you can. that;s what family is all about. :) k, well everyone is sleeping and now it's my turn. goodnight. i will update and ofoto pictures soon. happy 30th birthday to michelle, it was 3-13.

we love you all. thanks for the prayers & phone calls. talk to you all soon. i love you xoxoxoxox love,dee & brooke

MARCH 9,2004

03/09/2004

hi, brooke is doing ok today, she has a cold. her next treatment at the hospital is on 3/12/04. only if her count are good on this thursday. she only has 3 more phase 2 treatments to go, then it's off to stage 3 continuation for 124 weeks. it all equals up to 2 1/2 yrs. will update when we get our blood test results on 3-12-04. love,denise

FEB 5,2004

brooke feels better today, rash going away,and ate and drank somthing. and it stayed down. she looks good to, she says, ya, i feel better. let u know if anything else happens. love,dee

FEB 20,2004

brooke's 3rd treatment at c.h.a.d hello , brooke was admitted on fri-sunday

she did very good this visit with everything. she was moody but that was all. no getting sick,or a temp. her blood counts came down slow so we did'nt get to leave sunday until late. the funny thing brooke did od was, ring the nurse button, then they would say yes brooke what would you like? brooke said" i want a goodburger with french fries & ketchup". she was toooo funny this visit. it was all about brooke on the pedi floor. a girl named jackie was leaving so she gave brooke all her balloons to have. brooke said awwwww thank you. it was cute. then to make her happier she got some pretty flowers from the felix family. she had a good visit. mema and i were very tired tho-. thank you mema for coming with us this time. . that's it for now, if anything changes i will post again. bye for now. dee & brooke

JAN 29,....FEB.2,2004

2004 brooke jan29th-feb2nd hi, brooke went to the hospital last friday morning, had her spinal tap then started her chemo at 4:00pm.she did ok with it.got sick that night tho.then on saturday,still was doing ok, still throwing up . on saturday afternoon she had a 102 fever,throwing up,not eating really did'nt feel good at all.sunday, still fever 102,bad stomache pains it was a virus she got,still throwing up, the zofran wasnt working for her nausea & vomiting,so they gave her benedryl. now monday,no fever,still nausea & vomiting but now has a rash all over her hair line of her face,behind her ears to, itchy,and her belly still hurt. still no eating or drinking. but let us go home.cuz she did drink 2 oz of juice. now it's tuesday the 3rd, rash all over head,bottom of her back,and around her mediport, no temp. still not eating but throwing up. took her to her dr in conway, checked her out and it could be the measles cuz she had alot of symtoms of it, so we went back today like they said to,rash still the same behind her ears are starting to have opend wounds from scratching, her back is wicked red, kinda like a sun burn looking. couple of new dots on legs & face, her fever is coming back it was 99.2 threw up first thing this morning and right b-4 she went to sleep to. can;t keep nothing down. but the dr said she still looks well hydrated. try to push fluids ,ya right everytime she drinks it comes right back up. so now we are home again and waiting i guess for her to get sicker than she is. she's relaxing and going to take a nap, this benedryl knocks her out.poor baby. so we bring her back in tomorrow for more check ups. dr. laracy said it's not the measles or chicken pocks, proberly another virus. but the more she scratches the more she might get an infection to, she's letting germs inside, that's why her ear looks all crusty and exposed. so no antibiotics yet, keep an eye, fever goes up, more rash spots, more throwing up. she looks ok, just like a sunburn thats how i can explain it. i will take her temp again in a while. will update more soon. hopefully not until the 20th of feb,her next admission. love,dee

JANUARY,3,2004 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!

2004 brooke's stay at c.h.a.d 12-30/1-01-04- brooke was admitted to dartmouth on dec.30th2003. she had a spinal tap done and her chemo treatment. everything went well. still has a cough but no more pnemonia. she lost 1 lb,not puffy anymore. she can walk really good, and loves to play & run. she looks great, her color is awsome, her hair is starting to fall out but she still has alot of hair. all her blood counts are stable so we came home 1 day before she was supposed to. her next admittence is jan.23,2004for 3 days. she has to go for out patient on jan.6th & 14th, for chemo. happy new year to everyone.xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox love,dee

DECEMBER 17,2003

BROOKE IN........ HI EVERYONE. GREAT NEWS......BROOKE IS IN REMISSION!!!!!! SHE CAN START HER 2ND PHASE NOW CALLED CONSOLIDATION, IT'S FOR 20 WEEKS MEANING STARTING DEC.30TH GOING TO STAY IN HOSPITAL FOR 3-4 DAYS EVERY 3 WEEKS.SHE WILL BE STARTING TAKING CHEMO BY MOUTH THIS WEEK EVERYDAY. HER SURGERY FOR HER MEDIPORT WENT GOOD. LITTLE TENDER STILL BUT DOING GOOD WITH IT. SHE GOT HER PICC LINE TAKING OUT ALSO. IT WAS A LONGGGG DAY MONDAY BUT WE MADE IT THROUGH, SHE'S SOOOO STRONG. EVERYTHING LOOKS GOOD. OH, AND SHE'S OFF HER DEXAMETHASONE(STERIODS) SHE TOOK HER LAST DOSE ON SUNDAY NIGHT. SHE WILL BE BACK ON THEM FOR THE 2ND PHASE BUT NOT EVERYDAY,LIKE 1 A MONTH FOR 1 WEEK. THANKS AGAIN, AND WILL UPDATE SOON. HAPPY HOLIDAYS LOVE, DEE
1/3/2004 brooke's stay at c.h.a.d 12-30/-1-01-04 brooke was admitted

HAPPY 14TH BIRTHDAY KRISTEN :)
LOVE,MUMMY,DADDY,JESSICA,ANTHONY,BROOKE,& JOSEPH
XZOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

DECEMBER,9 2003

4th spinal tap brooke had her chemo & spinal tap today.everything went good. she weighs 35lbs now. she's my little butterball. her blood counts are up a little,her white blood count is up,might mean an infection,but she does have a yeast infection,so maybe thats why. she goes in again on the 15th for her mediport & bone marrow asparate. that's to see if all the bad cells are gone. then on the 30th of dec. through jan 2nd she will be at the hospital for her 2nd phase of chemo treatments. then it's every 3 weeks for about a 3-4 day stay at the hospital in dartmouth. her hair is still thinning but not alot. she still eats & eats. she will be off the steriods on the 14th, thats her last day of that. will update again soon. thank you to everyone, xoxoxoxoxoxoxdee

DECEMBER,2 2003

brooke's dr. apt went well. she had a spinal tap & her chemodone today. she weighs, 32 1/2 lbs, & 3ft,1inch tall. all her blood counts look good. good visit she had.

Tuesday, March 16, 2004 9:10 PM CST

hello everyone,
well brooke had a nice last 2 days with her uncle scott.we were all busy.(especially scott). brooke's mediport site has a hard lump on it when i feel it. i don't know why, the dr. says maybe a blood clot, nothing they would do for it now, just watch it and see if it goes away,get bigger,red,hurts,or still stays the same. well i noticed it on monday the 15th. i didnt call the dr. back yet. i will tomorrow morning tho-. and she still hasnt gone to the bathroom #2 in 6 days. i give her miralax everyday 2xs a day. i hope it's not too backed up. that's what they really dont want to happen, and it is like the # 1 thing that does happen, especially all this chemo going through her. i'm really nervouse about all of it. i think i didnt want to call the dr.'s back today cuz maybe it will get better on its own. maybe im afraid what they will want to do to her. i know i will call tomorrow. when i was giving her ,her meds tonight, she put her little head down on the table and i asked her brooke what's wrong? and she said mummy i'm sad :( omg i feel terribile that she feels this way. that was all she said then took her meds for me. i just want her to feel good,happy,have alot of energy,be a 2.1/2 yr old tat she is. it just really bugs me alot!!!!
i will let u know what happens after it's all said & done with the dr.'s . goodnight. dee xoxoxo i love you brooke

Sunday, March 14, 2004 8:33 PM CST

hi, well this weekend stay at chad went ok. brooke was very tired and mad little girl. she did wonderful for all she had to go through. her urine counts were up & down alot but then got stable. her blood count dropped very fast so we got the news we could go home at 9:30am this sunday morning. omg, i sooooo happy. gave her a bag of zofran, then she took her leukravorian about 10:00am. signed release papers, and left around 12:00. she was very happy to leave, waving by to everyone,pulling her dora the explorer suit case all the way to the car, with a BIG smile on her beautiful face. mema & i are exhausted, but well worth every yawn and body ache. thank you mummy for staying with us again through these last 2 admissions. thank you daddy for help taking awsome care of kristen,jessica,anthony & joseph. you 2 are the best!!!!!
we love you very much and appriciate evrything you do for us all the time.trips back & fourth,watching joey alot, and helping in every way you can. that;s what family is all about. :) k, well everyone is sleeping and now it's my turn. goodnight. i will update and ofoto pictures soon. happy 30th birthday to michelle, it was 3-13.

we love you all. thanks for the prayers & phone calls. talk to you all soon. i love you xoxoxoxox love,dee & brooke

03/09/2004

hi, brooke is doing ok today, she has a cold. her next treatment at the hospital is on 3/12/04. only if her count are good on this thursday. she only has 3 more phase 2 treatments to go, then it's off to stage 3 continuation for 124 weeks. it all equals up to 2 1/2 yrs. will update when we get our blood test results on 3-12-04. love,denise

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