LIVEE'S JOURNEY

Livee's journey began on February 28, 2004. Olivia was diagnosed with(AML)M5 Acute Monocytic Leukemia An aggressive relentless cancer of the blood. Our world was shaken and uncertain not knowing what the future held for our most precious gift. Olivia was always healthy, rarely sick in any way. A parents fear became a reality, we needed a miracle Olivia needed immediate treatment. We learned about a new world that we did not want to be part of in anyway. Olivia had an excellerated white count of 182,000 and it was still climbing. A normal white count range is 4 - 12,000. The doctors assumed Leukemia but did not know for sure until day two that Olivia in fact had AML Acute Monocytic Leukemia (M5), a very aggressive form of Leukemia that can be in the blood, the central nervous system or the bone marrow. She needed to be treated urgently, after they used an apheresing process Olivia's white count came down to approximately 56,000 still way high but more manageable. The doctors could determine which protocal would be best for Livee. We spent the next 40 days at UIHC with Livee. The best news is that Olivia responded right away to treatment and achieved remission quickly. With faith, family, support and prayers from so many Olivia amazed all of us as she endured months of intense chemotherapy, echocardiograms, shots, medications, x-rays, CT scans, radiation, many spinal and marrow aspirates. Livee has shown nothing but courage, strength, determination, and her incredible spirit. She has taught us an invaluable lesson, to listen and believe in her. We have always put her first and let her express her thoughts and ideas. She is a very bright and witty child with so much to offer. The journey has not been easy with many challenges and obstacles. Following Livee's diagnosis her journey continues: September 2, 2004 Livee was scheduled to have her last round of chemotherapy, instead the spinal tap revealed the cancer had returned in her central nervous system. Olivia had 10 more spinals slated, if her CNS cleared within 6 treatments they said she would not need a bone marrow transplant or radiation. Olivia's CNS cleared with 4 intrathical triple chemo treatments and was cancer free again. The Doctors also wanted to tissue type Dave and I to see if we could potentially be a donor match for her in case she would need transplant. Preliminary results did show that Dave did in fact match enough to be considered. Thankfully we did not need to worry about transplant at least for now. April 13, 2005 Heart Surgery to repair a tiny hole in Olivia's heart. Called a PDA(Patent Ductus Arterious). The procedure was successful. July 7th, 2005 A follow up spinal/marrow aspirate revealed the cancer was back in Olivia's bone marrow. We knew she would need a bone marrow transplant. First she needed to achieve remission which she did after one round of chemo. She would then prepare for her transplant, more chemo and total body irradiation to completely wipe out everything and start from zero. The best hope for her future, cancer free. August 18th, 2005 Olivia received the gift of life a second chance. A bone marrow transplant, her Dad a 6/6 perfect matched donor. Livee's Angel on Earth!!! Our hope her miracle. Olivia was home in 3 weeks post transplant. Her transplant was successful with complete engraftment. The best case scenerio for our precious little girl. She is moving forward in the right direction, the only set back was a terrible infection in her central line which they removed the line on October 15th, 2005. Soon by years end 2005 Olivia was able to stop all of her medications. Olivia started her first official day of school March 20, 2006 in the 1st grade. She likes having new friends and normalcy in her life finally. September 12, 2006 Today Olivia turns 7 years old. She continues to do well and progress. Livee has started the 2nd grade. Learning, living and just being a kid. How blessed we are!! February 2007 Olivia has completed almost all of her immunizations now and still has full 100% donor marrow. Another blessing in her journey. August 9, 2007 Livee had a scheduled procedure including a bone marrow aspirate with a spinal tap and lab work. The results indicate absolutely no cancer cells present. David's marrow continues to have taken over and is still 100% male donor cells. Olivia is ready to start the 3rd grade at Lucas Elementary School healthy and full of spunk. That's my girl. November 21, 2007 Olivia is now 26 months post transplant and doing remarkable. Today she had lab work that showed nothing but healthy cells and no recurrance of cancer. Also today Olivia had her annual echocardiogram, results were perfect. Olivia is thriving in the 3rd grade, quite an accomplishment considering she missed all of kindergarten and most all of 1st grade. We are very proud of our beautiful 8 year old girl. August 2008 now 3 years post transplant for Olivia she continues to be healthy and will be starting the 4th grade. We also have some great news Olivia is done with spinal and marrow aspirates, there is no need for her to continue these painful procedures. The doctors are comfortable with only have Olivia be checked every 6 months with lab work only. What a huge relief and for her enough is enough. Olivia can get on with her cancer free life. Let's all pray a cure for children's cancer will be found. Hope survives!! Thank you for your prayers and continued support. I BELIEVE I BELIEVE THAT HOPE SURVIVES, TRUST PREVAILS, LOVE ABOUNDS, FAITH TRIUMPHS, OPTIMISM PREDOMINATES WISHES CONQUER. *HUGS* TOTAL! GIVE LIVEE more *HUGS*

E-mail Author: roberta_ogden@hotmail.com

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