Journal History

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Saturday, February 19, 2005 12:12 AM CST

Oh my gosh wow i havent written for soooooo long! Well hey everyone its Kelly! Yes I am now thirteen! Teenager! Well I had a very good birthday! On February 11 i had my friends party....i had about 30 people at my house...it was really fun!! After everyone left ((around 11:00)) three of my friends slept over. Kelly Marli and Tia. Then when they left the next day..I went to my cousin rebecca and emilys birthday party! Then the next day I had my family party! So that whole entire weekend were parties!! So I was pretty wiped come monday morning!! Well I have to go get my shot now!! I will try my best to update!! bye!
xoxo
~KELLY~

Saturday, November 6, 2004 11:00 PM CST

Hello everyone!
Well for halloween I changed my mind. I was a show girl (because im in show choir) Hey it was my mom's idea. We thought of it literally in like thirty seconds! But yeah it was fun. One of my best friends Marli, went as bart simpson. We went together. It was so funny because she wore this mask that looked like Bart but the problem was, was she could not really see through the little holes in the mask...so she kept tripping! She was like to her self "im not gonna fall im not gonna fall" then two seconds later i fell. I slept over her house yesterday. (Friday night) It was our group of friends. Me Kelly F Lilly J me and Marli. We watched Man On Fire. It was such a good movie! But oh my god was it sad. We all were balling when it was over. But wow i recamend it! If you are willing to cry. My mom loves it too. But the sleep over was fun.But back to halloween my brother michael even went. Well for 20 min. He went as a guy with a hat and jacket on. Corey went with "blood" on his face. Can you belive only 49 days till christmas!!! Im so excited. And i dont just like getting gifts. I look forward to seeing family, having egg nog (yum!!) and i like giveing gifts. But anyway. Today my brother Corey made his confirmation. Mat Finoli was his sponser. And after his thing we all went to Denny's for brunch, Aunt Jo Jo included. My shots are really starting to hurt!!! Sorry i just had to say that. I really like school this year. I like my health teacher a lot. Health is probably my favorite subject. I had my first school dance a couple weeks ago. It was fun.Tomorrow around seven in the morning, my dad is flying across america to salt lake city utal. (Dont no how o spell it). But the good thing about him leaving is I get his bed!!! yay! :-). He will be back in four days...of course i will miss him. But hey i got to go! PLEASE sign my GUEST BOOK!
Thank you!
xoxoxoxo
~Kelly~

Saturday, October 30, 2004 10:54 PM CDT

Hey everyone.
This is Kelly. Tommorrow is halloween! I am going to be a girl with overly put on makeup. Like a girl coming from a sleep over. Now everyone thank Mayrell because she made me update this. :-) But anyway school is going ok i guess. I had my first school dance last week. It was fun. A couple of my friends went to eaten park afterwards. Can you believe only like 2 and a half more monthes till Christmas?lol. Please write in my guest book!! But ya I dont no what to right anymore. So bye! thanks for writing!
xox
*Kelly*

Sunday, September 26, 2004 3:17 PM CDT

Hey everybody!
I no again I havent written for like ever....but I do have alot to tell you. Well there is this thing called show choir in our school..and I tryed out..along with around 40 other girls..we had to sing and dance to the song All That Jazz from the movie Chicago. Well auditons were Wed...and I MADE IT!! And everyone kept on telling me how hard it is to make it. And also my 2 friends Lilly and Krissy made it too, so i was happy. We have 3 shows..and if you cant make it My mom is video tapeing it so you will get to see it. I really like school this year because we switch soo much..well nine times. My teachers are..Mr. O(English), Mrs. Seaman(Science), Mrs. Marlin(Reading), Mr.Dunsmore(Math), Mrs. Wiskinni(Health and PE),Mrs Perry(Choir and Show Choir)and I have a study hall. So the day goes by pretty quick. But anyway...we got a widescreen tv! It has a really really good picture....and it came with something like Tvo. I got 2 new crabs....7-up and Pepsi. Oh and maddie (my bird) can now say Peek-a-boo, my name in german...and she laughs! Well i got to go....i will try to update more!! WRITE IN THE JORNAL!! bye!
*Kelly*

Wednesday, August 25, 2004 9:16 PM CDT

Hey everyone.
I no its been like soo long! But I guess that meens iv been really busy. And I have. I cant wait for friday! Because my family and I are going to Ocean City Maryland for 7 days! We are leaving at 5:00 in the morning. Today I went to Cost Cutters and got my hair braided. I really like it. So I will take lots of pictures down at the beach. And I will post them up. We start school on the 7th of September. I am excited kinda, because its a new school and all. They actually have dances this year.
On the 18 of September (I think) I am going to a Candlighters picnic. And I get to see one of my friends from camp. *Kevin Kindler*(lol) Oh yeah....August 27 I went to see Hilary Duff in concert. It was so much fun. I didnt think she was gonna be that good in concert, but she actually was really good. But my new favorite singer is Ashlee Simpson. But I better go. I will try to write tomorrow. BYE!
~Kelly~
P.S I just wanted to say...WOW do i look so much different then the picture on this front page!!!

Sunday, June 27, 2004 9:52 PM CDT

Hey everyone!
Oh my gosh I am soo sorry I havent written sence April! Wow..but hey thats a good thing I meen I havent had time to update. But today I went to Lisa's graduation and like everyone there kept telling me to. So I guess I will. Well On the twelth of June I had a party just because school was out.The next day the thirteenth I was getting ready to leave for camp. And Oh my gosh was it fun! I loved all my friends and counliers so much!We even had a clown? It was alittle too..well...ya no..for me. Well "his" name was Buffo The Clown. (Buffo the worlds strongest clown). I did like that he had animals to let us pet..and it was cool how he ripped a phone book in half. It was more funny to watch the little kids how they reacted towards him. Even one counslier...(Mike)(he was kidding) But when the clown was like lets do some magic Mike was like YA!!!lol it was so funny. But we had pajama breakfeast, sports, cooking, music, nature, swimming, golf (Kevin & Mike lol), Camp Shop, and my personal favorite we had a dance. It was sooo much fun..we got all dressed up..and stuff..but ya it was really cool..We also had an award thing were the counsliers give the campers awards and the campers give the counsliers awards. My awards were The Drama Queen Award :-D and the Best Hair Award. But it was so much fun that on the last day I balled my eyes out sooo bad! I am still thinking about camp but i have everyones screen names so...its ok i guess...but i cant wait till next year! Well i better go i will try to write tomorrow xoxoxox
*KELLY*

Wednesday, April 28, 2004 8:30 PM CDT

Hi everyone! this really isnt an update i just wanted to ask you guys a question. Ok my teacher was sitting on her couch and all of a sudden she heard a knock. And to her surprise was a little kitty. It had big green eyes and was a beautiful color of sorta like a tiger print on her. Anyways...she has a cat and her cat she has now doesnt like the new cat so my teacher called and asked to put the animal in the shelter but the only one that had a space was the one that kills the animal in 30 days. So she asked me to ask people i no and see if they would take this littlle kitty in there home...It is for free it has the sweetest personality too. SO PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me and contact me if u want the cat email me at Punchlinegirl339@aol.com so please!!!!!!!!! Thank you
Luv,
Kelly

Sunday, April 25, 2004 8:39 PM CDT

Hey everyone!
I am so sorry i havent written for like ever! I have just been caught up in shopping parties homework and friends. I am really getting back to normal. Well yesterday my butterflies came in! yay! What I meen by that is...On easter i got a hatch your own butterflies kit. But you have to send in for the caterpillars. So they came in yesterday and i get to watch them turn into caterpillars yay..i cant wait. Today I went to my friend Aubree's house. And on Friday night i went to a sleep over birthday party and i pulled an all nighter..my first one...lol. We were playing truth or dare and this one girl was dared to take her eye out, and it was really gross. Wait, you guys are probably thinkin you cant take ur eye out. But she had a fake eye. But anyways we were doing pranks all night it was so much fun. I held her snake! Well it was fun....Oh wait ok aunt kate or anyone from that family...can you do me a favor? Can you see if Molly has a stuffed animal (Polar Bear)? Because my mom accidentally gave it to one of my cousins and it is a special stuffed animal someone special gave it to me. But on Saturday i can get it if you guys have it. But anyways.....Well i better go now its a School Night......BYE!
Love
Kelly

Saturday, March 20, 2004 10:12 PM CST

Hello everyone!
Yesterdady I went to my friend marli's house. We went to the racket club to work out. I did 114 of these arm thingys and 2 miles of a bike. We also went swimming and played basketball. I ended up sleeping over her house. I couldnt fall asleep so i ended up not going to sleep until 2:00. I woke up around 10:00 10:30. But then at 4:00 My mom dad my friend Lilly and me went to okland to this College thing. There were nine different plays. It was a compition to see which one would win. And Newsies won. They were really good but i liked Zoolander the best. It was a Comedy. Each plays were only 15 minutes. But the best part was I had to make a speech. Because they were doing these plays to rase money for Leukemia and Lymphona Society, and they wanted a patient to say thanks to the people. I was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo nervous! I dont think i have ever been so nervous in my life! I'm serious! But this is what i sorta said
Hi my name is Kelly DeDomenic. I am 12 years old. When I was 2, 6 and 10 i had cancer. When i was 10 i had a bone marrow transplant. And my brother Corey donated me his bone marrow. But i just wanted to say thanks for doing this for the Lekemia Society. Thank you.
Well how'd you like it? Anyway i better get to bed! good night! PS PLEASE SIGN MY GUEST BOOK!
LUV
KELL

Tuesday, March 16, 2004 12:45 AM CST

Hey everyone!
This is Kelly. Sorry I haven't written for a while. Well last night was a very long, fun, and exciting night. Last night was the Mothers Hope dinner. The pictures of it will be up soon. It was really fun. My mom's friend Mary was even there because of her husbands boss. As soon as I walked in people started taking me. In the first five minutes I lost my mom and dad, because so many people werer taking me. I literly took like 50 pictures. My mouth started to hurt from all the smiling and saying thank you. My mom dad and me went. My brother Michael was working and Corey didn't want to go. Besides they werent aloud. I met a girl there named Lexi. She was 12 too. But she will be 13 in April. She and here mom and dad were VERY nice. They even won me a American Girl Doll! The doll came with soooo many clothes! It also came with a dog, hangers, outfit rack, rollerskates, knee pads, elbow pads, and a bed. It was really nice. And a guy named George from last night won me a really nice CD player. It was alot of fun last night. We acutally didn't come home until 12:00! And I was starving because well they did have food and it was kinda good but it was steak, fish and all that stuff. But I'm home from school today. Because it was a very long and tiring night. My brother Michael is home too. I don't know why though. It was all my dad's fault kinda :-). He usally wakes up around 5 and leaves at 6 to go to work, well today he left at 8 to go to work. So that meens he didn't wake my mom up early so my mom couldnt wake Michael Corey or me up. But thats ok. Well i'm going to go get a snack. I will update more later bye! P.S please keep Amber Jackson in your prayers too, she has a 103 fever and strept throat and sick to her stomach. GET BETTER AMBER!
Luv,
~Kelly~

Saturday, February 21, 2004 9:59 PM CST

Hey everyone.
Today I went to the mall with my friend Kate. It was fun because it was my first time alone! I felt like I was free! It was just me and Kate alone. But my mom had to work today so if we needed her all we had to do was go into Jc pennys. I bought a really pretty dress for the dinner with Mothers Hope. And I got rose earings and a neclace its really pretty. I also bought Rebecca and Emily a present for there birthday. Now i'm not going to say what i got them because they look at my webpage. I also got a cute skirt. I am going again tomorrow. Around seven tonight my Godfather Doug came over with his wife and kids Shelby Mathew and Isabella. And my dad's old friend came over Clayton. Yesterday I had a doctors appointment. It went well. I didnt gain any weight. I got to look under the microscope at my blood. It was really neat. But I also had to get a blood cound from my arm :-(. Because the doctors from the growth place dropped it. But I got that test done in like November. And there just now telling us that they dropped the blood. So i had to do the test all over again. But the thing was that my appoinment wasnt until 2:30. And I wasnt aloud to eat because if i ate it would show up on my test that i would have diabeties. Because everything turns to suger. And the doctors wanted to see what my suger level was with out anything in my body. So I wasnt aloud to eat all day. And the nurse had to take a few tubes full of blood so i almost fainted. I got really dizzy because i hadnt eaten all day and then you take all this blood out of me so as soon as they were done i needed to sit down. And they got my orange juice and crackers. And then that night my mom dad and me went to the highschool play called Annie Get Your Gun. It was really good. But it was really really long. I think it was like 3 and a half hours. Well I better get to bed now goodnight! Oh yeah please sign my guest book!!
Luv
~Kelly~

Tuesday, February 3, 2004 7:57 PM CST

Hey everyone!
Sorry I havent written for like ever! Well febuary 6 is coming up and you no what that meens! My birthday!! yay! My mom cant wait till its over because 1 she will be 40 and 2 im having a big party. On friday im having about 30 some kids come over and punchline come over! It is going to be a mad house! :-) But thats ok. It is going to be the best birthday ever! Im going to be a preteen! 12!! yay! Anyway besides my party um...well i got more fish. So i will name all of my pets names. Peppy (dog) Peanut (guinea pig) Maddie (bird) Smooch (a kisser fish) Mint (a white fish wit an aqua color on his back, Gator (black and gold fish),Angel (angel fish) Bubbles (sucker fish) Puff (chinese fighting fish). Last Monday was a bad day. Because my great uncle Billy died. He was my mom's uncle (my paps brother). I really didnt no him but it still made me upset. Friday i went to the funneral. It was an open casket. I slightly remember my grandpaps funneral (my dads dad). I really really miss him. It was a little weird to see him my uncle like that. Though i never met him i did have a couple tears. But he is in a better place. After the funneral we went to a restoraunt called Freddys. That was kinda fun because i got to meet alot of my cousins that i never even knew of! I met Elen Rita. She was very nice. When i was in the car i was thinking they are probabyly just going to be like talking to the grownups and stuff but really they were really nice! Today in school we did something call Imagration. It was fun see what we did was we all got roles. Like my role was My name is Natasha. I had 7 kids i was 35. I had no education, i was strong and i was a peasents wife. We had to dress up and we were supposed to be immagrgants trying to get into America. It was a good waste of a hour:-).In school i am really starting to get used to going the whole day and im really starting to understand math! well i am going to go talk to you later bye! P.s PLEASE SIGN MY GUEST BOOK!! i luv reading it!!
Luv,
Kelly

Saturday, January 31, 2004 12:39 AM CST

Sorry I haven't updated for awhile. We have been so busy lately.
Kelly's had a appointment with Dr. Wollman last week.
We really couldn't ask for better blood counts. So thats always a relief. But as for her legs aches...they just don't know. We steel didn't get back a whole slue of blood work that they did a her appointment with the endocrinologist. (A GOOD MONTH AGO) Dr. Wollman said he would look into it for us.
So we just wait I guess. Kelly hasn't been complaining about her legs so much latly. Thats good news! She keeps trucken through! Right now she is busy with a puzzle and asking me to help her with it. I will update soon.
Thanks for checking in.
-Nancy

P.S.
Kelly's Birthday is Feburday 6th(She will be 12) she would love to hear some birthday wishes!
Thank you!!

Friday, January 23, 2004 10:20 AM CST

Hi everyone.
Today Kelly has a DR'S appointment. She is going to have a bone density test. Her legs (ankles) have been bothering her. Hopfully its nothing we can't handle and maybe its growing pains. Who knows. Also she is having her regular appointment to check her blood counts.
I'll get back to you later to let you how she is.
We will accept all prayers!!!!!!
Thanks!
Nancy

Tuesday, January 13, 2004 8:46 PM CST

Hello!! It's Kelly
I'm not sure if I told you about christmas. So we can go all the way back there! Well we woke up around 8:00 (which is a BIG surprise!)Here is a list of things I got: 10 gallon Fish Tank,American Idol pc game, a pink k purse, clothes,hoop to hoop basketball,Mcflurry Maker,Dolphin Puzzle,Cheetah Girls CD,Bruce Almighty,Freaky Friday,Micro Pets,My Little Baby,Makeup,Finding Nemo,Digetal Camera, Earings,Dolphin Lights,Jewlery Box,Lizzie McGuire Board Game,Make-Your-Own-Bird-Bath,Sandart, and more.Now school wise um....well....tomorrow my mom dad Mrs. J, Mrs.Emery, Mrs. Moio,Mrs.Burny and me are having a meeting. About me and school. Because I once or twice a week somtimes come home early so we are thinking about half days like last year.My mom signed me up for this adult to talk to me about my "depression".But I refuse to talk to her.Anyway,I have been feeling okay.It's almost February....and that meens its almost my BIRTHDAY!!! Feb 6!!!..I am having a kid birthday party and it is gonna be so much fun!! Well i better go to sleep its a school night and the meeting starts at 7:30! So good night!! Please sign my guestbook!!!!
Thanks For Checking in!! Night!
*Kelly*

Wednesday, January 7, 2004 9:00 PM CST

WOW-----------
It's been a long time since I updated.
And you know what, I know why. Right now I'm being called.
"Mom" Well this will be short.
We had a great Christmas and New Years. Very busy. Sometimes I didn't know if I was coming or going but everyone was healthy and thats what matters most!!
Believe it or not I have to go. Oh well
I'll be back later on if I can.
-Nancy

Saturday, December 27, 2003 8:11 PM CST

Kelly and the DeDomenic family wish everone a Happy New Year and hope everybody had a healthy and pleasant Christmas.

Thank you all, for your prayers and support.It has been very helpful.

God bless and Seasons Greetings.

Friday, December 12, 2003 5:06 PM CST

Hi this is Kelly
So sorry i havent written for soooo long! Well I have had a bad couple of days! But lets start of happy. Wed. i was in a leading role in a play that i wrote myself! it was about 2 girls Aqua (the smart sticks up for herself and her friends) and Kayla (the dumb go with anything kind of girl)who arent really popular get invited 2 a popular girls (Stacie)(me) party. They used to b friends with Stacie but not no more. The 2 girls decide to go to the party but while Aqua is in the bathroom Kayla is offered beer by (Stacie) she wants to fit so she is right about to drink it until Aqua stops her. And Stacie feels like an idiot and goes off with her 2 X best friends and now they are best friends again.And thats the end
Now yesterday i was at the hospital they did lots of tests.I feel much beter but right now im really tired. So i am gonna go.
P.S remember i am still making my wallets!! email me about it for more info or if u want one at my screen name Punchlinegirl339

Thursday, December 11, 2003 9:37 PM CST

Sorry it's been so long since my last update.
Well last night we took a trip to the ER. It looks like Kelly may have flu. We won't know for sure until the culturs come back and they take 24 to 48 hours. In the mean time
Kelly has all the classic sysptoms of the flu. Body aches and high fever (today she got to 104.8)and a cough. When I spoke to the clinic today I asked if this could get dangerous, they said that hopfully Coreys bone marrow is working hard and that she will just ride this out. In about 4 days. Today is day 2. And no, Kelly did not get the flu shot. If this turns out not to be the flu our regular doctor will hold one for Kelly. So again I'm asking for some prayers for Kelly.
Thank you so much!!
Also thank you Aunt Karen who came stright from work and drove me and Kel down to childrens and spent about 7 hours with us in the ER!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Karen!
Love Nancy

Friday, November 21, 2003 3:44 PM CST

Hello everyone this is Kelly
I had two doctor appointments in a row! the first one was to the clinic my counts are good. The second one was to see how im doing on growing. I didnt like there answer. I might have to get daily shots :(!! Im very worried about that. But now for the okay news. Um....OH YEAH ITS ALMOST CHRISTIMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:-D! If anyone is interested i am handmaking purses and wallets (out of ducktape)(either red or silver or both). Purses are 3-5 dollars (it depends on how big u want them. Purses take like 2 days to make and its really hard but fun to make. Wallets are 1-2 dollars i can make 4 departments in them or 2 or just one. Plus i can make them big and medium and small. I am doing this so i can buy my parents something. Tell me what u want on my screen name Punchlinegirl339@aol.com Thanks bye!!!!!!!

Sunday, November 16, 2003 9:33 AM CST

Hello everyone!
I hope everyone had a nice weekend!
On Friday was Kelly chorus concert. Kelly was right in the front row. They sang beautifully. Kelly loves to sing! She drives her brothers crazy!!! She is always singing around the house.
Tomorrow Kelly goes to the clinic to check her blood counts. On Tuesday she goes to see the endocrine doctors.
We will see what they have to say about her growth.
All and all she is doing very well and is happy to be able
to participate in regular activities.
Sue wanted to know about Kellys hair. Kelly has lost her hair 3 times and every time it comes back, it comes in curly.
Her hair normally is stright. This is common amoung other kids who lose their hair. Who know why? Kelly doesn't like it but I think its adorable. Kelly says that I have to say that becouse i'm her mother. When I look at her picture I totaly marvel at the thought of what she has gone threw.
She is my hero. Thats for sure!!
Talk to you later!
-Nancy

Monday, November 10, 2003 9:00 PM CST

Hello everyone this is Kelly!
My mom started work to day at levi Jeans in the mall. She workes about 3 days a week. Today in school I was sitting in my seat minding my own buisness listening to the teacher (wink wink) and all of a sudden my friend who sits next to me says "Kelly you do no that your pants are ripped right under the zippper" I look down I run right to my teacher and say i have to go to the nurse really bad she says ok. So i had to call my dad at his work because my mom didnt have a cell phone and i didnt know her work number so my dad came from work (luckily the biondi in moroeville) and broght me a new pare of pants.In school we are making balloon cars. The body and wheels have to be mad out of paper products. It is really fun. Today i had to give a spelling test to two people and i had to check them so that was fun because i felt like i was the teacher. One of my best friends Julia came over today and she brought he lovbird over but Maddie and Joy (Julias bird) dont really get along. See Joy is older. And more mature, i meen way more! she doesnt bite at all. So i am feeling worried that we have to breack that habit of hers. Well i better get to bed its a school night unfortunitly! P.S the person i told you to pray for is home and recovering very well but she is still very sore so keep praying for her.
thanks for checking in Love
~Kelly~

Tuesday, November 4, 2003 9:32 PM CST

Hi everyone this is Kelly.
I hope everyone had a good Halloween! I know I did! I got lots of candy! My next doctor appointment is the 16 of November. Today i went to the new walmart in murrysvile. It is really cool. There is a Mcdonalds in it! i got some fabric to make pillows. I went with my mom and my aunt ditty (diddy??). Yesterday was my parent teacher confrence. I also got my report card. I got all B's except for one A. I wasn't too happy i thought i could have done better then that. So I will try harder next time.Today I had the day off from school. But unfortunitly tomorrow i have school. This year i haven't been feeling to well. I dont know why. I just all of a sudden get REALLY nauses. And i feel embarrest when i leave because i am scared that some kids dont beleive me that i dont feel well because i leave so often.Yesterday i got four new additons to my family SNAILS! there names are Paul,Chris,Steve, and PJ. Now if those names sound familiar it is because they are the names of the boys in PUNCHLINE! My best friend Amber thought of the names.Well i better get to bed it is a school night unfortunitly. P.s one of my very good friends is going threw a very tough time and is getting surgery tomorrow so if you could be so nice to pray for her that would meen the world to me and her. Thank you

Monday, October 27, 2003 8:37 PM CST

Hello everyone this is Kelly!!
I am glad to announce that.........................................my brother Michael got his drivers license!!!!!! Now he can drive me everywhere!! My mom said that behind Micheals back she was telling the conducter "no dont pass him" and waving her hands back and fourth.My bird is on my shoulder right now. I just took a shower and my hair is still wet so she's drinking the water from my hair.Thursday in school we let red balloons to kick off red ribbon week. Friday was red day. I wore my red I love you pajamas,red ribbons in my hair,my shirt that is velcro and you can put any word on it, and my red shoes. Monday (today) was sneaker day (it was kinda stupid because everyone all ready wears there sneakers). Tomorrow is Hat day (you wear your favorite hat) and Thursday is Wacky hair day (make your hair all weird). Today in school my class (mrs moio) and (mrs Jiancristoforo) got to go inside an ambulance and a fire truck. I did not really like being in the ambulance because it reminded me of alot of BAD moments in my life.Like when i fainted,thanksgiving dinner,um when i was throwing up constantly. I just did not really like it. And no one understood why but that is okay. When I got home today I slept until six thirty. I really like my teachers this year.Do you guys no what I am being for halloween?? Well if you do not I am being half devil and half angel (my mom said the costume fits my personality wise). On the angel side it is white and fluffy and on the devil side it id red and jagity. Plus it came with a head piece. On one side there is a halo and on the other is a horn. You also wanted to know if I am staying in for halloween. Well I have not found anyone to go with so as if right now i am staying in but if i find a friend to go with then i will go out. Peppy is going to be a rainbow. (im gonna color her with washable markers). I am gonna make a robe or sumthin for Madison. And for Peanut im just gonna put a bow on her (do not worry i will take pictures of everything and one). Well I better go to bed it is getting pretty late and it is a school night!! thanks for checking in and PLEASE SIGN MY GUEST BOOK i love to read what you send me!! Thank you all for keeping me into your prayers p.s please keep Jared in your prayers he just passed away saturday.
love,
Kelly

Thursday, October 23, 2003 9:16 AM CDT

Good morning,
The clinic called back finally. Kellys gallbladder looks fine. No stones or anything like that. But her kidneys do show some scaring. Probably due to all the chemo she has had. They said not to worry, (yeah right) but they will do some urine test at her next appointment. Anyway the scaring would not cause Kelly to fell nausesous so much. Kelly told me that she was hoping that they would find something so they would take care of it once and for all. When she is busy doing somthing its not so bad. It seems to bother her mostly at night and at school so I wonder if its her nerves.
She is trying to cut back on milk to see if that helps. We tried this before. We shell see I guess.
Got to run.
Thanks for checking in!!
-Nancy

Monday, October 20, 2003 6:48 PM CDT

Hello everyone.
Kelly had a good weekend. She was a regular little party animal. K.elly went to 2 partys this weekend. An ice skating party and a dance party. She had a great time at both.
Kelly had a sonogram on friday. We didn't get the results back yet but no news is good news!? right?? Well I guess if we don't hear from them tomorrow I'll call. It seems like I'm always calling for some reason or another. Got to go Kelly has home work to do on the computer.
Thanks for checking in.
-Nancy

Saturday, October 11, 2003 10:36 PM CDT

Hey everyone this is Kelly!
I am so sorry i haven't written in here for so long. Well alot has gone on while i havent written! So here we go!! Well on friday i sang with the pittsburgh orcastra (band). I thought we sounded good. It was alot of fun because we got to hang out like for 2 hours before it but i dont no why it was like a 2 hour recess. My bird is doing good. My dog just got a hair cut. So she lost about 5 pounds. Monday is school pucture day. i still dont no what im gonna wear. Monday i also have a doctors appointment. I want to say thank you very much to alcoa and especally my aunt Karen (my mom didnt tell me to write this she's watching saturday night live justin timberlake is hosting!!). I also want to thank everyone for all of your prayers! with out you guys i would not have mad it this far! Today michael had a show at club loga and that is a pretty big place! My mom dropped me off at my aunt pattys house. My mom aunt patty and me are going to the mall tomorrow so i better get to bed! even though it is not a school night well i love you all and thank you for being there for me when i needed you the most! LoVe KeLlY

Thursday, October 9, 2003 1:35 PM CDT

Hello strangers!
Sorry its been so long since I updated. Every time I try to get on, I get distracted by something or someone. Beleave me I'm easly distracted too!!
Before I start I just want to thank everyone who participated in the Light the Night walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I especially want to thank Team Alcoa for walking in Kelly's honor. Alcoa Rocks!! I also want to thank Kelly's wonderful God Mother Karen!!!!!!!!! Karen, year after year your there raising money and awairness for the Leukemia Society. You are a great warrior in Kelly's battle to fight cancer! Thank you so much! We Love You!
Things have been kind of quite around here lately.
Kelly still is having trouble with her belly. We have not heard back from the labs yet about her liver but when the don't call it is usually fine. Kelly does have a dr.'s appointment on Monday and also she has to get a sonogram next Friday. They want to look at her gallbladder to see if its the reason for her discomfort.
I will try not to take so long to update this time.
Thanks for checking in!
Love Nancy~

Wednesday, September 17, 2003 12:09 AM CDT

Good afternoon everyone.
Kelly had two doctores appointment this past week. She had her eyes looked at. Her eyes are good. No cataracts so far.
Monday we went to the clinic. We saw Dr.Goyal. He was very pleased with Kelly's bone marrow results. We talked about Kelly is allways feeling a little queasy. They did some blood work to check her liver and kidneys functions. Sometimes they could causes that feeling when they are not working right. It will be a little while for the results. Also Kelly is going to see a endocrinologist. I am sure I butcherd that spelling up. But there are some growth issues we have to address. They told us it will take months before we get a appointment to see the doctores. So in the mean time they will send us a large survey to fill out with questions like how tall I am, how tall Mike is. I guess they want to a genetic make up of our family.
Well got to go. Its 130 and I haven't heard from the school nurse yet. Kelly must be having a good day!
Have a great day!
-Nancy

Friday, September 12, 2003 9:27 AM CDT

Good Morning to you all!
Its a great morning because Kelly's test came back 100% Coreys bone marrow!!!!!!!!!!!!! They called,and to tell you the truth I didn't expect to hear from them until monday unless something was wrong. When I answered the phone and I heard Tammy's voice my heart did droped. But she tolded me the good news and we couldn't be more greatful, to GOD to all the doctores and everyone who have been praying for Kelly. We couldn't have gotton through this without all of you who have been praying and sending messages on the guest book!!! It always brighten Kelly's day to hear from so many of you!!!
We have an appointment with Dr. Goyal on manday and I have tons of questions for him. I know the big one from a lot of you who often ask " Now what? Is evething fine?" I did ask Tammy something along that line. Kelly will be closely watch for a long long time, Probably forever and that is fine with me!!
But this is GREAT 1 year post transplant and still in remission Kelly is on her way!!!!!
Thanks again and Kelly would love to hear from you!
With much apreacation and love
-Nancy

Wednesday, September 10, 2003 8:49 AM CDT

Good morning all.
Not much to report yet. We are still wating for test results. We won't know anthing until Monday the 15th.
Kelly did wake up with a sore throat. I'm going to let her rest for awile and see if she fells well enough to go to school this afternoon. I hate to let her miss school. She is all ready having to catch up. Friday she has a eye doctors appointment and of course Monday she will see Dr. Goyal.
I am really sad today. A little boy on one of the caringbridge sites has passed away. So many children have died this year! Something has to be done about this beast(cancer) thats robbing so many children of there childhood, and taking so many children from there parents.
I'm sorry, I just hate it when reality jumps up and hits me in the face. Oh well...Please remember all the children who are suffering with this disease and keep them in your prayers.
Thanks for checking in.
-Nancy

Friday, September 5, 2003 6:38 AM CDT

Good morning,
Kelly's bone marrow test(biopsy) went well. We will not know the results until next week.
Kelly tried to go to school yesterday but had to come home early because her back was really sore.
She did start piano lessons again with Erny Papay. She was very excited to get back and to see Erny again. She pretty much started were she left off. Also Kelly made the choirs. Kelly was so happy that she made it. Their first performance will be with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at the high school in October.
Got to go.
Have a great day!!!
-Nancy

Wednesday, September 3, 2003 8:23 PM CDT

Hey everyone this is Kelly!
Today was a very very tiring day.First I had to wake up a 5:00!!! My oppointment was at 6:00.They took me we went up to the OR around 7:30.I was in the red room.I remember I got strawberry gas.Plus they gave me this kind of laughing gas that I never had before,and when they would touch me I would crack up for no reason.That was kinda fun and funny.I woke up in the recovery room and I had to drink a hole cup full of mountain dew before I left but I really didn't feel like drinking so my dad poured it down the drain and said I drank it so we could go home :-).I am really soar right now.When I got home from the hospital i had some soup and went to bed.When I woke up we sang happy birthday to Michael.We had an Ice Cream Cake from dairy queen.Right now maddie (bird) is on my head sleeping.She thinks everyones head is a nest.She is also very very spoiled already.When you walk past her you have to get her out of her cage,because if you dont she will squeak until you get her out.I also taught her a little trick already.It is with her ball.You give her the ball and she will throw it to you.It is so cute.Well I have to go to bed now it is a school night.And again anytime you want to see me or any of my pets dont be a stranger just come on over!!! Thank you all for your prayers Luv ya p.s look at the pictures I got a picture of me and my bird
Love Kelly

Tuesday, September 2, 2003 9:18 PM CDT

Hello all.
Childrens called tonight and we have to be at the hospital at 6am. Kelly's not to happy with how early it is but at least she won't be hungry all day.
Kelly came home early from school today. She was a nervous wreck. She is so worried about tomorrow. I hate seeing her worried. Its just not right! All of these kids on these caringbridge sites, they are just to young to be worried about this kind of stuff. Oh well, wish us luck and prayers that we get good test results!
Thanks for checking in I'll up date Wednesday night.
P.S. Happy Birthday Michael!!!!!!!! My baby is 17!!!!!!!!!! on
Sept 3rd.
P.S.S. Also Happy Birthday Uncle Bob!!

Friday, August 29, 2003 9:48 AM CDT

Good morning all!
Yesterday Kelly came home early from school. She wasn't felling well and also she was very tired. I think it's going to take some time to get back in the swing of things.
This morning I took her in a little late. I let her sleep in.
Tomorrow is Kelly and Corey's one year anniversary of the bone marrow transplant. We are going to go out dinner to celebrate all of our children. We want to let them know how important each one is to us. Michael may not have been a perfect match for Kelly but he was sooooooo important to her recovery. Kelly is truly blessed with 2 great brothers!
We are so greatful for our kids! We love you Michael, Corey and Kelly!!!!!! Thank you Father for our
family and giving us another chance at life!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, August 27, 2003 7:26 AM CDT

Good Morning!
Kelly started her first day of school yesterday. She was very excited to get back to school. Kelly really likes her teacher. I think its going to be a good year. She really diserves a great year.
Today Kelly has a eye doctors appointment. They will check for cataracts. There is a chance that she may develop them.
Kelly's bone marrow test will be on Sept. 3rd. (also Michaels B-day) After her bone marrow test and everything comes back fine the bone marrow doctores and team said that Kelly will be seen by her regular oncologist from now on.
Thats good new. It means she is on her way!
Well got to go.
Thanks for checking in!!
Love Nancy

Sunday, August 24, 2003 10:30 PM CDT

Hi Guys!It's Kelly!
We got back from Seven Springs today.It was alot of fun.I finally got to go in a public pool! yay!!We went on a huge slide called the alpine slide, It rides down the mountain! We also rode a ski lift, played in the arcarde. me and michael got 1046 tikets!.We went putt putting,Bowling,Racket Ball,go karts which where REALLY FUN!I had so many moutain pies and some smores.It was alot of fun! Im kinda bummed out that school is starting and also excited too! I got some really cute close.I am mad because I wanted to get my bone marrow over with but no they had to cancle ME off the schule. But I like I mean LOVE anistesha (stuff that puts you out) so I think it is worth the wait.I am really into Hilary Duff now. OH and when ever you want COME see my bird I'M inviteing you to come and see her I want some people to come see me and madison (aka maddie) (bird).So whenever you want to COME ON OVER TO MY HOUSE well goodnight luv ya bye!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, August 19, 2003 10:59 PM CDT

Thank you all for all of your good thoughts and prayers for Kelly's test for tomorrow, but something that I have learned the hard way is, just because you make plans or you have made appointments doesn't nessary mean you are going to that appointment. Kelly's appointment was cancled for tomorrow. Some how she got crossed off the O.R. schedule. No one knows why.
Someone made a mistake somewhere down the line. Now Kelly will have to wait until Sept. most likely the 5th.
Oh well, what can you do?
We will let you know more later.
As always thanks for checking in on Kelly!
Kelly's mom Nancy

Monday, August 18, 2003 9:50 PM CDT

Hi everyone! This is Kelly!
I am really sorry I haven't written for awhile.Well I have alot of news.I finally got my bird I went threw some names Like Madison,Sunshine,Princess,but now I have decided on Princess Madison But I call her Princess.It is weird because all of my pets names begin with P. Peppy, (dog) Peanut, (guinea pig) Puff (fish),But there is one odd ball Named sunny (snail).Plus all my animals are girls but not sunny.Anyway I have to get back to my bird.We will put a picture up soon.She is Bright yellow and a peach face.She is still a baby so she still sleeps alot,and she will get more colors on her she will be yellow, orange,blue,purple,blue,and green.But not no cause she is still a baby so when she grows up she will be like that.When she grows up she will be able to talk a little.I love her so much.I havent been this happy for so long!!Yesterday we went to Kennywood.It was really fun.We went with Kristen,her two sisters,her mom,and her brother-in-law.They made me go on the Exterminater! The first time you go on it,it is really scrary because you go down a hill backwards!But I like it! These are all the rides I went on ....Swings,Pirate ship,Kangoroo,Racers,Exterminater,Log Jammer,Pittsburgh Plunge,Raging Rapits,Old Mill,I think that is it well Im getting a little tired so im gonna go to bed please keep me in ur prayers because im alittle scared about the bone marrow God Bless Thank you for checking in Bye!

Wednesday, August 13, 2003 8:55 AM CDT

Good morning.
Kelly had 2 doctors appointments this week.
Monday she had her 2 week appoiment. Her counts are good!
Yesterday she had a EKG(sonogram) of her heart. The cardiolgist said her heart looks perfect!!(sometimes chemo/radiation can damage the heart)
Coming up Kelly has an eye appointment(to look for catoracts) Also she has that bone marrow aspiration on the 20th. Please remember to keep her in your prayers!
The the most importment news (according to Kelly is) she finially got her bird! The bird already know Kelly and loves her. She will fly right to Kelly when she calls her.
Kelly says she feels so loved!! I will let Kelly tell you all about her tonight!
Thanks for checking in on us!
Nancy

Tuesday, August 5, 2003 0:03 AM CDT

Hello,
Kelly's shingles are just about gone!!!! They don't even bother her at all now!
Kelly will be getting an EKG on the 12th. And on the 20th, she will have her one year post transplant bone marrow aspiration. Thats the biggie, thats the one that I can't wate to get behind us! We will all breath easer when we get that one behind us. (Of course with great test results!)
On the 30th we will be celebrating Kelly's second birthday!
And Corey's and Michael big day too! I think the kids want to go to Dave and Busters down at the water front. It doesn't really matter what we do as long as we are togerher!!!
Well before I fall asleep right here at the computer I will have to say good night!
Please remember all the children fighting cancer in your prayers tonight! Thank you for always checking in on Kelly. It really means so much to us to know you care!!!!!!!!
Love Always, Nancy

Tuesday, July 29, 2003 10:01 PM CDT

Hello Everyone!
This week Kelly had 2 doctors appointment. Yesterday she had a bone density test and her regular appointment.
Kelly's counts are good but her white count is a little high. Probably due to the shingles. The shingles looked really good. If you remember, Kelly has been complaining that her right foot has been hurting.
As it turns out she has a small hair line fracture. We really don't know how she did it but Childrens saw it on an old x-ray that was taken at our drs. here in monroeville.
They read it as negative.
Today Kelly woke up with a rash under her eye. I thought it might be the shingles so I drag her down to the clinic to have them look at it. They said that It is some kind of infection but not shingles. They gave her a prescription for antibioic ointment. Kelly was not to happy with me.
Maybe I jumed the gun but you know me. Oh well. I'm just glad Its not shingles around her eye!
She is doing fine tonight.
Got to go.
Good night!

Thursday, July 24, 2003 11:06 AM CDT

Goodmorning
Kelly had a bad night with the shingles. She has it along her neck. They hurt and itch. Kelly said that she would rather it hurt than itch. I gave her tylenol, benadryl and put caladryl lotion on her. But it really didn't help. The benadryl made her sleepy but because of the itch and pain she could not fall asleep. Today though it does look better.
We had to cancel craft day. Hopefully next week she will be back. Better than ever!
As I'm typing, popups keep poping up they are driving me crazy!!!!!!!
Please keep Kelly in your prayers and all children with cancer.

Tuesday, July 22, 2003 11:29 AM CDT

Hi everyone.
Yesterday we took Kelly down to the clinic to have her foot looked at. It has been bothering her for some time now.
They think that she must have bumped it and its just taking time to heal. We had it x-rayed last week here in Monroeville and they said it wasn't broke but we took the x-ray down to children's to have them look at to see what they though. We haven't heard anthying yet. Its probably not broke. The good thing is Kelly's counts are good! That is what is important. Anytime Kelly has some pain we start to worry alittle.
The bad news is Kelly does have shingles. She has them along her neck. Hopefully we got we got it early. They started her on an antiviral medication for it.
Last night it was bothering her and I gave her benadryl and it seem to help.
This girl has been through the ringer!

Please pray for all the CaringBridge familys and that they find a cure for childhood cancer!!

Tuesday, July 15, 2003 11:14 PM CDT

Hello everyone!
I hope everyone is having a good summer!
Boy what a difference a year makes! I think Kelly is having a good summer too. Kelly has been doing a little swimming too! This past weekend she went to a camp out at her Aunt JoJo and Uncle Bob's friends house. Thanks Chris and Joe, Kelly had a great time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If she could she would be still in your pool right now!
Kelly has been having craft day on Thursday mornings at 11:30. The kids in the neighborhood come to our yard and Kelly teaches them different crafts. So far they have made sock puppets and beaded animals and painted rocks. We also had movie night. We had about 30 kids watching a little T.V.
in our front yard. I think they had a good time until some teenagers threw a firework in the yard to scare the kids.
I guess they thought that would be funny. Little did they know that one of the little ones got hit with it. Thank God it never went off!!
I need to ask for some more prayers for Kelly. She is having God willing her last bome marrow biopsy! Yeah!!
She is also having alot of blood work done and also an EKG.
All this is what they do at the one year post transplant.
As you can imagine, we can not wate to get this over with.
Also Kelly foot has been bothering her. So if you guys could say some extra prayers for Kelly we would realy appreciate it. These test will be done around the week of the 28th of July.
Thank you so much We Love You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, July 11, 2003 11:04 AM CDT

Hi everyone!
I am so sorry we havent written in so long.AOL wasnt working for a while and finally we got it fixed.I finally picked out a name for my bird! it is going to be Madison,and I will call it maddie for short!I will be getting it in a week or two!My doctors said that i only have one more scheduled thing and that is a bone marrow:-(
I am kinda scared but the doctors also said that I was aloud to go in the O.R (Operating Room),even though it is not nessisary.TONIGHT PUNCHLINE IS COMING OVER!I am so excited.Everything in my life is going perfect again! I get my bird, Punchline is coming over yay!!!Wait till they see me.The last time they saw me was aroud christmas.And I was U-G-L-Y! I have really changed sence then! Look for some pictures.We will be putting them up soon.Well I have to go Bye!!!!!!!
Love,
Kelly!

Tuesday, July 1, 2003 9:30 PM CDT

Hi everyone!
Today I went to see my bird! It is SO ADORABLE but there are 4 baby birds to chose from and I really liked this one even before I met it but now as I was holding the other ones I do not know which one,So we are going back next week to see them again I have pictures of them I will put them up too.Tomorrow I have a doctor's appointment and I have to test my breathing again.Plus tomorrow is a very speical day. IT IS COREY'S BIRTHDAY!He will be 14! WOW I will right more tomorrow bye!!

Monday, June 30, 2003 10:20 PM CDT

Hi everyone this is Kelly!
Camp was great I got five whole cameras full of camp.So not tonight but tomorrow look for some pictures.Guess what MY BIRD HATCHED!! tomorrow i am going to go see it. Right now it is a infant! i cant wait! alot of people have asked what did i do at camp well i will tell you.There was a really nice indoor pool,we did arts and crafts,sports,nature,cooking,swimming,board games,and on thursday there was a dance and i got asked to it! well i will write more tomorrow its getting late!
bye Kelly

Thursday, June 26, 2003 8:42 PM CDT

Hello all,
Kelly and Michael will be home tomorrow!
We are going to get them around 2pm. I talked to Kelly yesterday and got a letter today. She is having a great time! She said Michael is too! (I hope he is) I am so happy that Kelly got to go to camp this week. One whole week of nothing but fun. Thats what the doctor ordered. It will do her good. This week went really fast. Corey and I didn't get that tennis game in but he has been on the go all week. He had 2 deck hocky games and he has been at a pool the rest of the time. Maybe next week.
You will hear from Kelly next update.
She will have lots to tell you I'm sure!
Thanks for checking in!
Love Nancy

Monday, June 23, 2003 9:56 PM CDT

Hello,
We took Kelly and Michael to camp yesterday. Kelly was so excited to go. The night before she went to camp, Kelly made bracelets for all her new friends. When we got there she past them out to all the girls. I helped her unpack her stuff and she was ready for us to go. I'm just hopen Michael has a good time. At the time we left it didn't look like many kids were his age. He is really staying for me. I feel better knowing he is there for Kelly. Hes a good kid. I just hope he has fun too.
Corey is liking being the only child. He wants to play tennis sometime this week. We just have to find some rackets. I know he misses Michael and Kelly. He seems kind of lost without them. I really miss them too. They will be back on friday, 4 days from now.
Kelly will have lots to tell you then.
Thanks for checking in!
Love Nancy

Thursday, June 19, 2003 7:27 PM CDT

Hello everyone!
Today was a great day for Kelly. She had her last dose
of cyclosporine today!!! Yeah! Thats the medicine to prevent and treat GVHD. It has some nasty side effects like increase facial and body hair, high blood pressure, puffy cheeks and enlarge eye brows, decrease in kidney function and liver damage. We are very glad she will be off of that one!! One more med down and lets see, 5 more to go! Were getting there. Slowly but surely.
Kelly is all excited about camp. Its called Camp Courage.
Its for kids with cancer. Its at The Woodlands in Wexford. Its for 5 days (Sunday-Friday).
Some of the Nurses and Doctors that Kelly got to know will be there. She loves them all and can't wate until Sunday to see them.
Oh, I have to mention the speech Kelly gave at the Benefit for the leukemia and lymphoma society last week. If you haven't read it its in (past journals). To say how proud I was of her is definetly an understatement. Kelly wrote it herself and presented it with class. It amazes me how much she understands and to see her put her thoughts on paper. To hear her read the words was very emotional.
I will write soon
love nancy

Thursday, June 12, 2003 12:09 PM CDT

Hi everyone this is Kelly!!
Five words Im getting a love bird"!!!!!!!Ya that's right my doctors said ok!!!!!!!!!!!!! now it is really here!!!!!!!!!!!!!If you have any idea for a name post it up on the web site!! if you didnt get a chance to read my speech go on past jornals and it is the last one.My doctor's appointment went well,I only had to get a finger prick.Plus i dont have to go back for three weeks.Everything is going my way now! I'm gettin a bird i'm going to camp i dont have to go back to the doctors for three weeks.See now this is how the world should work!!!! well i am gonna go now goodnight

Tuesday, June 10, 2003 10:04 PM CDT

Hi everyone this is Kelly!!
the dinner party was great.I was really nervous about the speech but I think I did ok.My mom wanted me to put the speech on here and she also said to tell you guys that i wrote it myself so here it is. "Nine years ago my parents found out terrible news that there two and a half year old daughter has cancer,and she would have to go through twenty six months of chemo theraphy,she would also lose all her hair and gain weight from medicines.But that was just the beginning.When I recovered from all of the treatmnts we thought that was all behind us.When I turned six we found out that the leukimia had come back and again I would have to go through twenty six months of chemo.Again I recovered.Then we really thought it was over but it wasn't.Four years later I was in forth grade I was like a normal kid.Then I woke up with terrible chest pains.Because of my history my parents took me to the hospital.The doctors checked for anything but they could find nothing.So also because of my history the doctors did a bone marrow and for the third time we got the news,I had leukimia.Immediately they started chemo.But they also decided that chemo just wasnt woking.So they told us a bone marrow transplant was needed.Thankfully my brother Corey was a perfect match.So on August 30,2002 my brother was nice enough to donate it to me.After that I had to stay in the hospital for about two months striaght.Finally when I was outof the hospital I still had to be really careful.I still had to wear a mask,I couldn't eat some things,plus I really had to watch germs.But about three to five months later we could sorta relax,but not totaly.But look at me now I am not wearing any mask,I am going to friends houses ,and I'm going to school.I am pretty much a normal kid again.Even though there are still some restrictions it is much better then before.My doctors said when I am off the medicines I could even get a love bird"
I wrote this speech for the Lawrence A. Poli, Sr. Memorial Golf Tournament
To Benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Tuesday, June 10, 2003 10:04 PM CDT

hi everyone this is Kelly!!
the dinner party was great.I was really nervous about the speech but I think I did ok.My mom wanted me to put the speech on here and she also said to tell you guys that i wrote it myself so here it is. "Nine years ago my parents founs out teribble news tat there two and a half year old daughter has cancer,and she would have to go threw twenty six months of chemo thraphy,she would also lose all her hair and gain weight from medicines.But that was just the beginning.When i recovered from all of the treatmnts we thought that was all behnd us.When i turned six we found out that the leukimia had come back and again i would have to go threw twenty six months of chemo.Again I recovered.Then we really thought it was over but it wasn't.Four years later i was in forth gradei was like a normal kid.Then I woke up with terrible chest pains.Because of my history my parents took me to the hospital.The doctors checked for anything but they could find nothing.So also because of my history the doctors did a bone marrow and for the third time we got the news,i had leukimia.Immediately they started chemo.But they also decided that chemo just wasnt woking.So they told us a bone marrow transplant was needed.Thankfully my brother corey was a perfect match.So on August 30,2002 my brother was nice enough to donate it to me.After that I had to stay in the hospital for about two months striaght.Finally when I was outof te hospital I still had to be really careful.I still had to wear a mask,I couldn't eat some things,plus i really had to watch germs.But about three to five months later we could sorta relax,but not totally.But look at me now I am nt wearing any mask,i am going to friends houses ,and i'm going t school.I am pretty much a normal kid again.Even though there are still some restrictions it is much better then before.My doctors said when i am off me medicines i could even get a love bird"

Thursday, June 5, 2003 9:15 PM CDT

Hi everyone this is Kelly!
I am sorry I didnt get to tell you all about the picnic but i will now.There was lots of things to do. There were water balloons,a DJ,tie dying,arts and crafts,alot of sports you could do.There was alot of food too. Like cotton candy,nacho chips,popcorn,hot dogs,chips,and pop.My mom told you I saw 3 movies but she didnt tell you which ones! I saw Bruce Almighty (it was so funny),Daddy Daycare(it was ok),and i saw Finding Nemo(it was vey good).I think the best one out of all of them is a tie between Bruce Almighty and Finding Nemo.My mom also told you about my planes for the summer.My mom and I were thinking we could have a craft day once a week at our house and sence i love crafts every week i could think of the craft to do.Sometimes we could have movie night too,we could vote on which movie we want to watch.Really it was my mom's idea,she came into my room when i was half asleep and goes "kelly I got this great idea" I meen now she wants to talk :-) but i will be swimming during the summer because on june 22 i am goin to a camp for kids with cancer go to. We have lots of fun there is an indoor pool,we have like art class,cooking,computer,and one night we get to camp outside,and on thursday we get to have a dance it is really fun and it is for a week.The greatest part is that Michael and Corey may be going!!I will write more tomorrow!!! good night everyone and thanks for cheking in on me and GOD BLESS P.S I have not given up on the bird i promise you i will have before i turn 12!!

Tuesday, June 3, 2003 12:00 AM CDT

Hello everyone!
Kelly continues to thrive!!
Her blood counts last week were wonderful!
Kelly has big plans for this summer. Unfortunately she can not swim in public pools like Park Swim Club. Thats the one we
belong to. She can swim in a friends back yard pool but we do not have one. She has to use her creative mind to come up with things to do instead. She has some great ideas and I'll let her tell you all about them when she updates later.
Kelly has been very busy visiting friends and family,
going to birthday partys and seeing moives. In the past two weeks she saw 3 movies!
Kelly is just rolling along here living life to its fullest! We are so proud of her and thank GOD for all of our blessings that we have!
Kelly will update later with her big plans for her summer!
thanks for checking in!!
Nancy

Thursday, May 29, 2003 6:09 PM CDT

Hi everyone this is Kelly
Today was my doctor's appointment it went well.We found out that I can ride my bike!Today I went to U.P (my old school) I really miss that school.I cant wait for tomorrow because it is the fith grade picnic.There is gonna be lots of food and activites.We each got to pick 2 activities,I picked arts and crafts and tie dyeing (of course).My doctor also filled out the form for camp! I
will right all about the picnic tomorrow goodnight!

Wednesday, May 21, 2003 9:06 PM CDT

Hello all.
It took awhile to find out but Kelly's chemistry levels are good. And part of that means she doesn't need fluids via IV infusion!!!Yeah!! Lets just hope it continues and Kelly keeps up the great job of drinking.
Chartwell came and took all of the IV pumps back.(We will not be missing!) Now I can get rid of the all of the syringes and heparin and all of the medical stuff in my dining room that makes it look like a labortory. Sharps containers on the buffet, hydration bags in the fridge alcohol wipes everywhere!!
Kelly doesn't go back to the clinic for 2 weeks. This is not the first time that they tried to make her appointments every 2 weeks, but she has never made it the 2 weeks without something comming up like a fever. Kelly is hoping
not to see the clinic or hospital for the whole 2 weeks!!
Thank you once again for all of the continue prayers!!
Kelly is doing great! What more could we ask for!!
Thanks you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nancy

Monday, May 19, 2003 7:47 AM CDT

A good monday morning to you all!
Kelly was overly tired this mornong so instead of going to school this morning she'll go this afternoon.
I put a call into the clinic just now. I haven't heard from anyone about Kelly's blood work. Chartwell, the supplier of all of equipment and meds that we use here at home called last Friday. They would like to pick up there pumps if we are done with them. I'm not sure yet. It all depends on the her chemistry levels.
I will let you know when they call me back.
have a great day!
Nancy

Friday, May 16, 2003 9:19 AM CDT

Good morning all.
Kelly did great at the doctors yesterday. She had alot of blood drawn for lab work. This was the first time without a line. Nurse Rose got it in the first try. Kelly is an old pro
at it now! Kelly said the worst part of it is the rubber strap that they tie around your arm. Kelly wories about things before they happen and now I think that this will be one less thing that she will worry about.
Kelly has reached all most 9 months post transplant ( CAN YOU BELEVE ITS BEEN 9 MONTHS?!) Thats why they had to do alot of blood work. At this stage we have to look for some certain
problems that may or may not come up. Some of her blood like her counts came back and they are great! The chemistry levels are not back yet. Tammy should call us today. We will see if Kelly is drinking enough. She hasn't had IV fluids in about 10 days. She is drinking more but I don't know if its good enough.
We'll let you know later
have a great day!
Nancy

Thursday, May 15, 2003 7:17 AM CDT

Good morning all.
Kelly has her first doctors appointment without any line today.
I spoke with DR.Egler yesterday and she said that Kelly has alot of blood to be drawn today. Kelly knows this and she is a little nervous but she said that she will be fine.
Kelly has a way of calming herself almost like lamaze.
She is a tough cookie thats for sure!
I'll let you know how it goes tonight.
Thanks.
Nancy

Saturday, May 10, 2003 9:33 PM CDT

Happy Mothers Day to all of the wonderful moms out there!!!
We really miss our two MOMS!! They would have gotten us throught this hard time. I just hope that they are proud of the way we are parenting our children. My Mom had 5 kids and my Mother-in-law had 4 and I don't know how they did it.
God bless them. We Love and Miss them terribly!!
Well nothing is easy. Today I again had trouble with that darn pick line in Kelly's arm. So I called the home care nurse to come take a look at it. She called down to childrens to talk to Kelly's doctor. They were concern about Kelly's arm being sore. It may have an infection or a blood clot. The doctor called me to let me know that it was possable that Kelly may have to go in for an altra sound. If the nurse felt it necessary. Also she might just pull the line right here at home. The doctor said you have to be certified to do it and this nurse was. If We felt comfortable letting her do it here at home. Diane is a good nurse so we said we would let her make the discussion.
Diane felt that there probably is not an infection but maybe a blood clot in the line. She felt best to just pull it. The line goes where Kelly bends her elbow all the way up her arm and over to her heart. She pulled it out very slowly. She did have some trouble pulling it out. It looked like some blood clots started to form around the tube. Diane said that she never saw that before.(OF COURSE) It was pretty weird to watch. The tube was just so long compared to a regular IV line. She is still a little sore and I have to watch her temp. and look for bright redness on her arm. But for now Kelly is line free!! She can't wate to take a shower with out a plastic bag on her somewere!
I hope that this is the last of ports in Kelly's body.
Kelly still has to drink drink drink and I'll keep nag nag nagging her to do so.
Thank you for checking in and for siging her guess book.
Kelly loves to see who checks in on her.
Have a great day!!!

Friday, May 9, 2003 5:51 AM CDT

Goodmorning.
Kelly is still in bed. She isn't going to make school today.
Last night she didn't get a good sleep because of the pick line in her arm. She was up a couple of times complaining that her arm hurt. Wednesday night I just could not get the line to work. I was so afraid that I was going to POP it if I continued to mess with it. I don't know what I would have done if that would have happen here at home. It did happen once in the hospital. Yesterday at Kelly's DRs appointment nurse Rose had some trouble with it but finally got it working. Thank God! The good news is that next week after Kelly gets IVIG they are going to pull the line. Kelly knows that means she will have to get some pokes. She was brave and is OK with that. Kelly will be glad when the pick line if finally gone. Other than that Kelly continues to do well. She is on antibiotics for the last infection and the blood cultures are all negitive. I have to go wake her for her morning meds
Thanks for checking in!!
Have a great day!

Thursday, May 8, 2003 4:52 AM CDT

good morning everyone.
This morning Kelly has a DRs. appointment.
Last night I had trouble with her pick line in her arm.
I couldn't get it to work. Kelly didn't get her fluids in last night. I hope they can get it clear today with out Kelly having to get a pinch.
I got to go

Tuesday, May 6, 2003 10:00 PM CDT

Hi everyone this is Kelly,
I am out of the hospital YAY! I really hated being on 9 because I have been on 8 for my HOLE life the nurses there are like my neighbors.Yesterday at the hospital was so fun.I meen seeing those puppies made my day (I could care less about being on the news and meeting john daly and Miss Pennsylvania):-) Today I went over my friend marli's house.I am going to the doctor's thursday I will write more tomorrow GOODNIGHT

Monday, May 5, 2003 4:24 AM CDT

Kelly spent the weekend being very bored in 9 north.She is feeling better and her incision pain has also lessoned.Today they are goin to put a "pick" line in her arm.This will be done either in the o.r. or in radiology.It is not a big procedure but kelly prefers to knocked out for everything.We shall see.
Kelly's blood work came back negative for infection yesterday.This blood was taken directly from a vein so there is no chance of contamination.Hopefully after the new line is put in,Kel can come home today or tomorrow.
Maybe Kelly can update later.

Saturday, May 3, 2003 8:29 AM CDT

Kelly had her infected broviac port removed on Friday afternoon.Everything went well.Kelly was very sore from the incision area on her side and she was uncomfortable from the iv put in her arm.They will continue to give her meds thru her iv in the arm.This is not a long term fix,so we are still not certain if she will be back in the o.r. next week for another port of some sort.
Will update when we know more.

Thursday, May 1, 2003 9:35 PM CDT

Kelly had a rough evening last night.The doc's were considering
moving her to the icu but did not.Kelly had a high fever and fluctuating blood pressures.Today her blood pressure seems to be better she still has fevers and bad headaches.They have confirmed that her infection is coming from the broviac line.Tomorrow,some time kelly is going to the o.r. to have it removed.Dr.Wollman was in discussing it with kel and recommended,instead of a nother broviac she should get a mediport.Kelly was not happy about that because she must be pinched every time she is accessed.But its either that or they have to find a vein every 2 weeks to access her.Well that decision does not have to be made yet.Kelly must stay in the hospital until she completes the antibiotics some time next week.They will not send her home with a iv in her.Its not like having a broviac.To make matters worse 8 north was completely full so kelly is on the 9th floor which does not have the same experience as 8 north.Kelly was very bummed because she looks forward to seeing her favorite nurses on 8 north.In 8 north they work with all transplant and chemo children.They are used to kelly's concerns and kelly and mom feel more comfortable.
Well kelly says hello to all and is watching tonights movie,
Dr.Doolittle.
Good night.

Wednesday, April 30, 2003 9:31 PM CDT

Hello everyone,
Kelly was admitted to the hospital again tonight.It seems she has another infection of some sort.Test results are not back as
of yet.Today was going normal,she went to school in the am with no problem.Afterwards she usually takes a nap because she tires
fast.At about 3:30 she was running a temp of 102 and by the time we got to the e.r.it was 103.8.The nurses drew blood and are waiting for culture results.We suspect she has the same infection again in her broviac line.Once again they began her on antibiotics an iv fluids.
Things did seem to be going to easy for kelly.I'm sure she,as we are wondering if and when will it ever end.
Good night, we will update later.

Tuesday, April 29, 2003 9:27 PM CDT

Hi everyone this is Kelly.
Guess what,now that I am not wearing a mask it is fashionable! I just cant win!! I don't have a doctor's appointment for a whole week (they let me go two weeks).My last appointment I stopped by 8 north,I got to see all my nurses,and Gayle.School is going really great.The feild trip this year is to go to a Coal Mine,of course I cant go I meen if they wont let me get that darn bird chances are they wont let me go underground.Well Peppy wants me to play with her so I will go now LOVE YA thank you evryone! GOODNIGHT

Saturday, April 26, 2003 10:15 PM CDT

Hi evryone this is Kelly.
So far I had a great weekend.On thursday I slept over one of my friends house (Marli).Friday I went to a really good play called "anything goes".It was very funny.There was a boy in it he was one of the lead rolles I thought he was very funny and cute :-).After the play my mom took me to kings.We shared a sunday.Today we went to the mall and got new shoes.We also got my favorite food sweet and sour chicken from china palace.Well i got to go there is somthing i want to watch on tv right now i will update tomorrow. GOODNIGHT!!!

Wednesday, April 23, 2003 8:52 PM CDT

Hey everyone this is Kelly.
Tomorrow is my doctor appointment but I am going to school in the morning cause it is art day,and it is my first art class.Today I went on a feild trip well kinda.Feild trips are fun and well this one was not really fun.But that is because we went to the sience center to see a movie called Wonder of Wonders.It is about the bird's and the bee's and the flowers and the trees.It was not as bad as i thoght it was gonna be.My mom came too.On the bus was fun because me and my friend were tying to get the truck drivers in the other lanes to honk there horn and we got 2 people.Well we will right more tomorrow

Friday, April 18, 2003 10:18 PM CDT

Hey everyone this is Kelly!
I havent written in so long! so I decided I would tonight.Good new's,we are getting Physical Therapy to come to my house so I dont have to go out and do it! I am still on I.V fluid at night :-(.We lowered my Cyclosporine! ya I am only months or maybe even weeks away from my BIRD! I am not giving up on it! :-D Today my mom took my friend Amber and me the the pet store (Petland).We got to pick a puppy to play with!! (and you no me I was like in heaven!).So we picked a Beagle.Oh my gosh was it so happy to be out of its cage! it was so hiper I meen it was like doing flips and falling over then just getting back up!.It gave me so many kisses. I could just die when I go in pet stores it just makes me so happy to be able to play with an animal.Well I am gonna go to bed everyone and have a Happy Easter!

Wednesday, April 16, 2003 7:26 AM CDT

Good morning.
Kelly got to school yesterday but didn't make it today. She is pretty tired.
Each day she does more and more activities. It takes her a little longer to bounce back. We have been walking after dinner every night. Hopefully this will help her stamina.
Kelly has a DRs appointment tomorrow. We have lots of questions for him. Summer is comming up and we want to know what Kelly can and can't do. Maybe we can make plans for a vacation or a small trip. Who knows. We don't know about swimming this year. That would be wonderful if she could.
Its one of her favorite things to do in this world. But we will see I guess.
Sorry I haven't updated sooner but we have been running around more these days. All 3 kids have DRs appointments this week. 3 different days 3 different DRs!
Thank you for continuing to check in on Kelly.

Monday, April 14, 2003 8:14 AM CDT

Hello all.
Today Kelly did not make it to school.
She is very very tired. This weekend we probably over did it. She slept alot on Sunday. She didn't drink much so I had to hook her up to her fluids last night. We didn't make it to Church yesterday so we didn't get any palm. I think I'll go later today to see if they any left.
I'm going to check on Kelly now. I'll be back later.
Thanks!

Friday, April 11, 2003 7:14 AM CDT

Good morning!
Kelly's line is cleared!!! I pray that it will stay bug free until the docs say its time for it to come out because she doesn't need it any more. Just one more day for the IV antibiotics. Hopeful Kelly will be get a better nights sleep.
(AND ME TOO!)
Kelly's DRs appointment went really well. Dr. Goyal said that
she looks good. We did mention that Kelly sometimes feels nauseous especially at night. I have been giving her anti-nausea medicine for it.(This med also has a calming affect to it) but we think that Kelly is so worried that she is going to get sick that it makes her feel like its going to happen. We try to reasure her that she is going to be fine but sometimes the medicine is the only thing that will make her feel better. But again I worry that she will become depended on it. So what did the DR do after we told him this, he asked ~Kelly~ if she needed something to help her sleep. HELLO shes 11. I don't know maybe its me but I think that thats a decision the parents should make. Other than that she is doing great!
Kelly is at school and left with big smile on her face!

Wednesday, April 9, 2003 7:01 AM CDT

Good morning.
So sorry i haven't updated for a few days. We have been very busy with a little more normal activties. This past weekend we went to Aunt Kate's and Uncle Jimmy's to celebrate
Pap's birthday. (Thanks Kate!) On Sunday we went to cousins
Rebecca and Emily's birthday party. So Kelly has been on the move! Yesterday she rode the school bus for the first time this year and ate lunch a school. (packed of course!)
This morning Kelly was very tired. She is still on fluids over night and also on antibotics. Her sleep is interrupted
3 maybe 4 times at night. She said she was to tired to go to school to day. I didn't want to push her to much and told her that it was alright tomorrow is another day. I went down stirs and a few minunts later Kelly was up and getting dressed. She said the more she layed there the more she got mad at herself for wasting a day. I just can't beleve the strenght and determination this girl has. I'm so proud of her I can't even begin to say!
Kelly has a DRs appointment tomorrow and I think that we cleared out her line but we will know more tomorow.
Bye for now

Thursday, April 3, 2003 8:39 AM CST

Good morning everyone.
Kelly is back in school today!
Her DRs appointment yesterday went well. She got her IVIG with no problems. They also took more cultures and today a nurse will come to our house to draw another culture
to look for bactera. We will know in a couple of days if the medicine that they put into her line to clear it of bactera worked. But for now she is feeling well and happy to be back with her friends at school.
Thanks for checking in!

Wednesday, April 2, 2003 6:33 AM CST

Good morning everyone.
Today Kelly has to get IVIG its a med that helps her immunsystem. It runs for 3 to 4 hours so it will be a long day at the clinic. Kelly is also upset because she can't go to school today. The kids are taking the CAT test all week and if they attent every day they will get a prize.
Kelly asked the DRs if she could wate until next week but its really important that she gets it on time.
got to go-

Tuesday, April 1, 2003 8:10 AM CST

Hi everyone!
There is still bacteria in Kelly's broviac(central line catheter) the very strong antibotics that we are giving her is not working. Because Kelly is not showing any systems of being sick, they beleve it has not spread into her blood stream. Today we will go down to the clinic to get a medicine pushed into her line to let it sit for about an hour and then pulled it back out and hopefully the bacteria will come out too. Its the last resort to try to save the line. If it doesn't work than we will really have to think about pulling the line all together. Kelly will have to decided if she can go through the rest of her recovery without one. That means getting poked more often. If we decided to replace the broviac thet means two O.R. visits
and two anaesthesia. Kelly said to me that it is a really big decision for HER to make because she is the one who will be getting poked! And she is right! Hopefully this drano like medicine will work and we (KELLY) won't have to make that decision.

Sunday, March 30, 2003 9:31 PM CST

Hello everyone!
Kelly got to go to school on Friday! Yay!
Kelly's teacher Mrs. Jordon is so wonderful! I felt completely at ease with Kelly in her care! When Kelly got to school, we took the elevator up to her floor (there are only two). Kelly saw so meany friends that she hadn't seen in so long. They all welcomed her back with open arms!
She only stayed half of the day but it was a great day for her! She is planing on going monday. I'm going to drive her for now. We will ease her slowly into things like riding the bus and eating at school.
Kelly's line still has a infection in it. A nurse came Saturday to draw blood and take it back to Childrens.
If it is still positive we have to really think about having her line taken out. She still needs to have Meds and blood and fluids in and out of her line for a while longer.
So we have to think of some of our options. But we will cross that bridge when we get there.
thanks for checking in!
good night

Thursday, March 27, 2003 9:35 PM CST

Hi eeveryone! This is Kelly
I am feeling alot better.Today I went to the doctors and we found out that I have three infections in my lines.So they may pull if this keeps on happening.But if the Vankomiasen clears it out then they will not pull it.I am so excited about tomorrow! In case you did not no I am going to school,so I am just gonna stay in a little corner and do nothing to get me sick.:-)Next time I go to the clinic I have to get IVIG so it will be a long day.Well I better go to bed now it is a SCHOOL NIGHT :-) well I will tell yoou how school went tomorrow! night!!

Wednesday, March 26, 2003 6:35 PM CST

Hi everyone. Of course I just sat here and wrote a long entry and lost it. They give you only so long and puuf its gone! Im sure everyone is used to my spelling but its really going to be bad tonight because I don't have time to check it. Well anyway Here is just of it. Kelly not only had the flu but also a infection in her line. They think that it is only in her line and not in her bloodstrean. Because she didn't have the typical symptoms like a fever.
Kelly has to be on over night hydration and IV antibitics.
So we are a little sleep deprived. The good news is Kelly is feeling alot better and may even go to school on friday.
She has a clinic apointment tomorrow (THURSDAY).
Please remember her in your prayers tonight.
Thanks!
P.S. Thank you Aunt JoJo for the up dates!
got to go bye!!!!!!

Monday, March 24, 2003 6:13 PM CST

Hello. Aunt JoJo here again. The DeDomenic computer is on the blink again.

Kelly came home from the hospital around 2 a.m. this morning. The doctors think it is the flu. They have her on 24 hour fluids and a medicine called Phenergan to help with her nausea. She will see her doctor on Thursday. She is still very upset about missing school. It just seems like when she is looking forward to something good, something always happens. But this is just another bump in the road and hopefully she will be back to school next week.

Some exciting news...Kelly was asked to be the Mother's Day Tea Party honoree.

Thanks everyone for all of your prayers.

Sunday, March 23, 2003 8:48 PM CST

Hello everyone. This is Aunt JoJo filling in tonight. Kelly was very excited about going to school tomorrow, but unfortunately she got sick after supper and had to go to the E.R. at Children's. She is sick to her stomach among other things. She is very upset about not getting to go to school. She and Mom went shopping on Saturday and picked out an aussum outfit for her to wear. But hopefully this is just a minor set back and she will be there in no time. Please pray for her speedy recovery. We will update as soon as we know something. Thank you everyone for all of your prayers and support. Goodnight.

Thursday, March 20, 2003 10:54 PM CST

Hi everyone this is Kelly
Today I went to my doctor appointment.I am on the border line of having to get back on the fluids :-( but tonight I used my drink hat and chugged kool-aid.Besides that everything went well,but it was a very long day.Tomorrow my mom and I are going to target to by new clothes,book bag (school stuff).Tonight my friend Heather brought over my birthday gift (cause we invited her on the day of my party so she did not have time to get something) I really liked it,she got me markers that can write on windows,mirrows,fridges,cars and stuff like that.and she also got me flower lights for my room.OH yeah yesterday my mom took me to Elmers and we got Puff (my fish)2 roommates.We got a Catfish, and a snail, to clean the cage out.The Catfishes name is Zippy cause it is soo fast when it swims.My snail's name is Sunny because it's shell is bright yellow.Well I will update tomorrow Goodnight!!
:-)

Tuesday, March 18, 2003 8:42 PM CST

Hi everyone! this is Kelly
I have GREAT news!!! On Monday I get to go to SCHOOL,it will only be half day but I still get to go!!My doctor appoinment with my breathing test went good,but they want to see me every 4 to 6 weeks until I improve.Overal they think I had something like a bug,but they say it is improving and I am doing well.Thursay is my real doctor appointment.My mom and I went to get her hair done and my nails done at Clipps.We got there and they said "what are you doing here your appointment is not till tomorrow?".My mom and I were embaresst but instead we went to a park and got an ice cream cone at Bruesters (So our appointment is tomorrow).We will be putting up pictures soon so look out for them.Oh and for the nurses at Children hospital (brianne)I finally got a picture of peanut my guinea pig :-)

Sunday, March 16, 2003 9:07 PM CST

Hi everyone! This is Kelly.
I had a very long weekend.On Friday some of friends slept over for my b-day party,it was alot of fun.Once my mom devoles to pictures we will put them on.Today my family came over for my party.I got everything i asked for and more.Tomorrow I have a dr appointment at 9 to see if i did ok on my breathing test well goodnight!

Thursday, March 13, 2003 7:11 PM CST

Hello everyone!
Today Kelly spent the morning planing and shoping for her belated slumber party. She is so excited about it. She is definitely due to have some kid fun! This afternoon she had a doctors appointment. Kelly's counts are great! We are still wating for her chemistry levels to come back.
As for going to school? She is going to have to wate a little until she gets caught up a bit. Also if she goes back now it will just be part time. We are not sure but her teacher may not be aloud to come to our house to tutor her if she is back in school even part time. Kelly will benifit more to be tutor at home than to go to school part time.
So for now she will be schooled at home. I'm going to see if there is any school activites that she could attend.
Maybe that will ease her in a little.
Well got to go get ready for a party.
We will post some pictures of the fun!

Wednesday, March 12, 2003 7:04 PM CST

Hi this is Kelly!!
Tomorrow I have a doctor appointment at 2:30, so in the morning my mom and I are gonna be party shopping for my kid birthday party (poor mommy it is a sleepover).On Sunday is my family party.My teacher came today but she is not coming tomorrow or Friday.We orderd my birthday cake and there is a monkey on it,we also got monkey plates.I can not wait until Friday there are 9 girls coming!!!!!well I will update when we know more.Thank You EvErYoNe

Sunday, March 9, 2003 7:09 PM CST

Hello everyone!
Kelly had a good weekend. She had a friend over Friday and went to Walmart on Saturday. She bought some puzzles and
a paint by number set.
Kelly's teacher is coming over Monday. The Doctors are thinking about letting Kelly go to school part time. I'm not sure if me and Mike are ready for this step yet but I think Kelly is . I just hope her body is healthy enough. They are also going to start to wean her off of some of her medicine towards the end of March!! I know This is all good news. Its been a long time coming. But its also a little scary. Knowing me I'll probably go with her if they let me, if not I'll sit in the parking lot and wate for her. I have been known to follow school buses too. I guess I'm a little over protective at times.
I'll be back soon

Thursday, March 6, 2003 10:33 AM CST

Hello everyone this is Kelly
Yesterday was a very long day at the clinic.I had to get IVIG(it helps my immune system).I have to get pre madicated so I got so tired with the benadril,it takes like 3 hours for the IVIG to go in.I feel good today but bored as usual :-(.The doctors said everything looks good so when we know more we will right again well bye! P.S there are more pictures so make sure you look in the pictures I THINK YOU'LL LIKE IT!

Tuesday, March 4, 2003 7:38 AM CST

Day+185!!!!!!!!
We have reached 6 months!!!!!!!!
This is a real mile stone. When I think of what she has been through, oh my. Kelly is a remarkable person.
Yesterdays pulmonary test went very well. Kelly's dad went in the testing room with her and she showed him what an old pro she was at it and how strong she is.
We didn't see the pulmonary DRS. yet but we could tell from the graft that there is an improvement in her lung funtion. That is very encouraging!! We will see the lung Drs. March 17th in Monroeville (little break for us). We will know more.
Kelly's counts by the way are FABULOUS!!!
PLT-225
HGB-12.8
I have learned not to think to much into things and that we are going to have ups and downs and Kelly's recovery is a sloooooow process but she is rolling along here with the help of GOD!

Sunday, March 2, 2003 9:13 PM CST

Hi everyone this is Kelly
Friday I went to build-a-bear-workshop with Marli, her mom, and my mom.I made a ferry princess Monkey and I named her Pam.I also made one for Kristen (michael's girlfriend).I made her a monkey playing guitar.Saturday I went to the movies, my dad and corey took me,we saw Daredevil and it was very gorey gut besides that it was a good movie.Today my dad took me to Best Buy.I got a computer game about rescueing animals.Tomorrow I have a doctor's appointment.I have to take the measureing my breathing test again or my PFT's again.After we go there we have to go to the clinic so it will most likely be a long day.Well goodnight everyone!!

Friday, February 28, 2003 7:18 AM CST

Good morning everyone.
Tonight was supposed to be Kelly's "kid" birthday party.
But with her long hospital stay, Kelly may not beleve it
but, she just physically isn't ready for it. And I'm mentaly
not readly for it.(only kidding, sorta). Kelly had mercy on us and agreed to postpone it for a few weeks.:-)
On monday Kelly goes for her pulmonary function test. I really think that we are going to see an improvement. She is walking around with less effort and is taking less naps in the day time. I think we just got to get her strong again. We can do it. We'll get her strong like bull!!
I see that Kelly wrote that I was sick the other night.
I was, but I'm much better now. I had great care takers!!
Thank you Mike, Michael, Corey, and Kelly I love you guys!!!!!!!!!
mom.

Wednesday, February 26, 2003 10:56 PM CST

Hi everyone this is Kelly.
Well the day started off at 5:30 in the morninging for me.My mom was sick and had to go to the hospital.BUT dont worry she is fine and is home! :-).So Michael and Corey stayed home.I relized how much I like it when the boys leave for school!Friday I am going to Build a Bear Workshop with my friend Marli.I feel pretty good today a little nausea but not really bad(I think I feel that way because that is my biggest fear so I just think I am).Well I am going to go to bed now thanks for checking in GOODNIGHT! :-)

Tuesday, February 25, 2003 10:32 PM CST

Hi everyone.
Yesterdays DRS. visit went pretty good. It looks like Kelly does not have Graft-versus-host disease. That is very good news!!! We are very very greatful for that!! So now we have to figure out what is causeing some of the symptoms kelly is having. Kelly had a good day today but tonight she felt very nauseous. I gave her some zofran. I think it helped but she really wanted fenergan and you can only get it in the hospital. I think the DRS. are a little puzzled at what the problem is.
Now with Kelly's breathing problem it may just be that she has to get back in shape. DR. Goyal said that with the long hospital stays, the ICU stay and the transplant she may just have to reconditon herself. They want her to walk on our tredmil 3 times a week 2times a day for 5min at a time. If this does not improve her pulmonary test they will have to go back into the OR and do a biopsy of her lung. But for now I think I see a big improvement just from last week. Once again its all most midnight and i haven't hooked Kelly up to her fluids yet. I better go now.
Thanks for checking in!!

Monday, February 24, 2003 8:35 AM CST

Good morning.
Is it just me or is this the longest winter in history!
We have to go to Oakland today to the clinic for a DRS. appointment. The snow is really coming down now. yuck!!
Kelly is still showing signs of graft-versus-host disease.
If this is GVHD, I think they would consider it chronic.
I'm not sure how they would treat it probably with long-term
steroids. Kelly had a biopsy last week to see if this is GVHD.
I would think that they would have the reselts in by now.
Kelly is still having trouble with shortness of breath.
Needless to say I have lots concern and questions for Dr Goyal. If the snow lets us get there!
Thanks for checking in and we will up date tonight.

Saturday, February 22, 2003 11:39 PM CST

Hello everyone this is Kelly!:-)
For some reason I started being interested in puzzles so my mom and dad went to target really to get a toilet seat so they got me 2 puzzles.Monday I have a doctor appontment,my mom went down to develop the pictures at the dinner so we will put them up soon.Today I really just layed around being bored out of my mind! :-O.Well we will update when we no more thank you everyone! goodnight!

Thursday, February 20, 2003 9:43 PM CST

Hello everyone this is Kelly and yes I'm home from the hospital! Today my Aunt Karen and Cousen Lisa came over to give me my birthday present. They gave me a chinese fighting fish. It has a beautiful blue color. I love it!!
On tuesday We went to the Mothers Hope dinner. Jaromir didn't make it. He was stuck in Tampa because of the snow.
But I met Rocky Bleier and he put his superbowl ring on my hand!!! You should have seen Michael and Coerys jaw hit the ground! The ring was so big and heavy!! Lots of diamonds!
Today I'm feeling better but still get tired. My mom is going to write some. Bye!
Hi, Sorry it took me all day to up date the web site.
Well,about the tests that Kelly took Yesterday. One was a stress test test to watch her Pulse and respiration. They were pleasently supprise at how well Kelly did. They were watching to see how much her oxygen level dropped when she exercised. It didn't dropped much at all. That was good. No oxyen was needed to come home on. The lung wash she had in the O.R. some of the results came back and they were negitive. Some of the test have not come back yet but they said that there sure there going to be negitive too. She also had a upper and lower GI but the they have not come back yet. With that test their looking for graft vr host disease. The pulmonary function test that she just took showed such a big change from the one Kelly took in August, Is looking more and more like damage from the radiation and or all the chemo that Kelly has had. I'm not sure where we go from here but Kelly has a appointment with the pulmonology Drs. in the first week of March. I guess we will see then. Once again thank you for your prayers!!
Also a quick little thank you to the Heasley family for a great dinner!!!! Thank you so much!

Wednesday, February 19, 2003 11:11 PM CST

Kelly is home!!!!!!!!!
its 12:05am I'm soooooooo tired. I will up dated tomorrow morning. Thanks and good night!

Tuesday, February 18, 2003 3:28 PM CST

Some how kelly has convinced the doctors to allow her a pass to go to tonights Mothers Hope benifit.It is at the Westin William Penn downtown.The news has perked her up a great deal.We just hope its ok allowing her to attend.Kelly will be on a portable oxygen tank,a face mask when she is around crowds and a wheel chair.Sound like fun huh?Afterward,she must go back to the hospital.
There still have been no results back from yesterdays tests.Hopefully we will know more tomorrow.Also tomorrow they will be doing a test on a treadmill(like a stress test).We are sure kelly will update later about her fancy dinner party with jamir jagr and others.

Monday, February 17, 2003 4:11 PM CST

Kelly is back in her room recovering from today's procedures.
Kell had 2 procedures in the OR.The pulmanary doctors did what they called a lung wash.They went in to test fluid in her lungs and check for any infection.The other procedure was a upper & lower G.I. They will also be checking for infection and to see if kelly has Graph Vs Host Disease.It may take a few days for any results.Kelly did recieve some morphine for her discomfort after she came out of the o.r.We are praying this is a bug or something they can treat easily and not GVHD.If its GVHD then she will most likely be put back on steroids.
Kelly is extrememly dissappointed that she may miss the Mothers Hope Benifit dinner tomorrow with Jamir Jagr and other special guests.This is a yearly fundraiser benifit that honors kelly and other children with cancer.She was looking forward to this for quite a while.Kelly has been one of the poster children for Mothers Hope and gets to pal around with jamir.It really makes her feel special.Its hard for her to understand that its just one night and the important thing is for her to recover.
Well, once again thank you all for the thoughts and prayers.We will update again soon.
Also as requested we got rid of the flamingo pix and added kelly's favorite group.

Saturday, February 15, 2003 5:30 PM CST

Hi everyone.
We are still here in children's. Kelly would really like to get home but they have to figure out some things first.
On Monday they are going to do what they call a lung wash.
In the O.R. they will go down into her lungs and take a swipe and cultue it to see if any bacteria grows. The pulminary function test that Kelly took in august before the transplant compared to the same test she took last week showed a big change. Her breathing is not as strong.
They want to find out why and what caused it. If its not a bacteria or a virus it may be from all of the chemo or radiation. Right now they have her on a little bit of oxygen to help see if that helps with her shortness of breath. Kelly hasn't eaten for about a week so they gave her somthing to stimulate her appetite.
Hear I am again asking everyone to once again pray for Kelly but
Please pray that this is somthing that can easly be treated.
And that her lung function will reverse it self back to normal.
bless your heart.
thank you.

Friday, February 14, 2003 10:47 PM CST

Hello everyone this is Kelly!
I am feeling much better today.Over the weekend I might be getting a test to see if I have graph verses host again,and they want to get a sample of my cough in my lungs.Maura went home today too so thats good.They are giving me a little bit of oxygen to see if it helps me breath.Well I am going to go to bede now so GOODNIGHT everyone1 :-) :-D

Thursday, February 13, 2003 10:17 PM CST

Today (Thursday) Kelly had to have a CAT scan because the pft that she had yesterday showed an abnormality. Early reading of the CAT scan showed it to be a normal scan.
The lung Doctor will be in first thing in the morning to talk to us. Kelly was very brave while getting the Cat scan.
Come to think of it she is pretty brave at a lot of things!!
Kelly is still showing signs of not feeling well. So we really can't say when we will come home. Dr. Goyal is trying to rule out things, thats another reason why she is getting all of the tests. Kelly thought we were coming home today but Dr. Goyal said if we would go home today that we would end up right back in. Kelly did get to go to a valentines day party in the play room. She did enjoyed that!
Kelly's blood pressure is better today. Sorry i'm jumping from one thing to another. I'm pretty tired myself.
Its been a long week!
A little home news. Michael(16) got his drivers permit, also he got hired at CVS. Oh my goodness where did the time go??????????
When you remember Kelly in yours prayers tonight please pray for Kellys cousin Maura (1) She is also here at childrens tonight because of a infection in her lungs.
Thank you !

Wednesday, February 12, 2003 9:54 PM CST

Hello from hotel 8 north,Children's Hospital still.
Kelly seems to be getting better. Today she still needed
somthing for nausea, but no headache! Kelly had a test today called pulmary (?) function test. PFT. To test her breathing. We will know the results tomorrow. Kelly got 2 units of blood today. Her blood counts were 8 and maybe that is why she has been out of breath and has had headaches. But the issues tonight are high blood pressure.
probably from the volume of fluids she is getting + the blood. They decided to give her somthing to help get rid of some of the fluided build up in the hopes to bring down her pressure. It has not helped yet.Well I am going to go help Kelly now thank you everyone for praying for Kelly Goodnight

Tueday, February 11, 2003 10:28 PM CST

Hi everyone this is Kelly!
I am felling MUCH better! Tomorrow I have to get a test to check my breathing.I am still in the hospital :-(,hopefully I will be home tomorrow.My mom will update more tomorrow when we know more. well goodnight everyone!

Monday, February 10, 2003 7:28 PM CST

Today Kelly went for her EKG tests and everything looked good.There is really nothing new regarding her infection.Dr Goyal says its uncertain if this is a sign of graph vs host disease.They continue to treat it like a infection.They did boost up her level of cyclosporine which is the drug that suppreses t cell function to decrease GVHD. This is also the drug that causes many side effects that changes kelly's appearance and can cause liver damage.The level in her body is monitored closely.Thus is why it is so important for her to have fluids also.
Kelly did not get a blood transfusion yet.They gave her a drug called Neupogen,which is used to stimulate cell growth.We will see how it looks tomorrow.
Other than kelly being extrememly irratable(which is expected)we are just on hold waiting for the antibiotic to help.We are still uncertain how long kelly's stay will be this time.

Sunday, February 9, 2003 7:08 PM CST

Kelly remains in the hospital.It has been confirmed that kelly has both a strep and staph infection.This may have been in her system for some time and could be the cause of her feeling out of breath and "just not right" lately.They have continued her on the antibiotic vancomyocin (??) every 12 hrs.Kelly is also on a drug called fetynol to help with the nausiousness she is feeling.Today she spent alot of time just sleeping.She is just miserable right now.Her blood counts are dropping also,which they are contributing to the infection.It is most likely that she will need a blood transfusion on Monday.Also on Monday she has a scheduled EKG test.
If all goes well,we are praying kelly bounces back with the antibiotics and does not get any sicker.Her temperature is hovering around 99,which is on the high side for kelly.Just pray it stays there and her blood pressure stays ok.
We will update again soon.
Thank you for praying for kelly speedy recoverey.

Friday, February 7, 2003 4:38 PM CST

Hello All.
Kelly has been re admitted to Childrens Hospital.The doctors have determined that she does have an infection.The plan was to treat her with iv antibiotics from home,but she is feeling pretty bad and we feel she will recieve better care at 8 north.Kelly is very disappointed that she will have to cancel her family birthday party,but promises to reschedule as soon as she can.
We will post anything new whenever possable.

Thursday, February 6, 2003 10:16 PM CST

Hi everyone this is Kelly!
Today was my birthday! and it was a good one :-).Well Tammy called today and I do have a staff infection in one of my lumens :-(,we have not gotten the word that I changed to Corey's blood type yet,but because I have an infection I have to be on Vankamiason every 8 hours.Thank you everyone for writing me happy birthday on here I really look forward to reading these.I am back on fluids which I dont like at all! I can not wait until Saturday! to see all my family! I even think I know what I am gonna wish for,after watching the Michael Jackson interview I would like to go to his house (neverland) it is soooo cool in there (plus he has his own zoo).I still do not feel very well but I am well enough for Saturday! Well I am very tired so I am going to go to bed now GOODNIGHT everyone!

Wednesday, February 5, 2003 11:22 PM CST

Hi,
todays appointment both Dr.Goyal and Tammy(physician's assistant)both examined Kelly. They took blood to culture
it for bacteria. they also did her blood counts. The red blood cells were at 9 (normal is 11 to 14).They transfuse at 8. Dr. Goyal notice that for the past few weeks her rbc has been comming down a bit. He has a couple of theories. He thinks that maybe Kellys blood type(B+) might be changing to Corey's
type(A-). Kelly might be feeling bad because its like getting a blood transfution but getting the wrong type.
And this is the time that that usually happens.(around 6 months) Even though Corey and Kelly have a perfect bone marrow match, they have two different blood types. Dr. Goyal order a type and cross blood test to determine Kellys
blood type. That should be back tomorrow.
It could be a bacterial infection. Today she had her IVIG treatments to help her body fight infections.
It took 3 hours to run. Tammy will call us tomorrow with the results of the blood type but the cultures could take from 24,48 or 72 hours to grow anything.
I just notice the time and its after midnight.
HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY KELLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tueday, February 4, 2003 10:37 PM CST

Hi,
Just a quick note. Kelly's x-ray was good and her chemistries looked good too, but,( there is always a but)today Kelly had a low grade fever and as she put it she just didn't feel right. Kelly asked me to call the DRS.
so i knew she really didn't feel well. we are going to the clinic tomorrow morning (WED)There is something going on in her little body. I'll let you know when we get back
Thank you for the prayers!!!!!!!

Monday, February 3, 2003 9:41 PM CST

Hey everyone this is Kelly!
My doctor appointment went good but they had me get a chest x-ray cause I get out of breath easily.They also gave me a birthday present.(blowpens) my birthday is thursday! My mom is going to finish up todays journal I'm going to sleep now.
Hi,Todays counts were good,her platelets are 204
that is really good! rbc is 9 thats good too.
The DRS. are a little confused as to why Kelly gets so tired so fast. Dr. Wollman listen to her lungs. They sounded clear but he wanted her to get an chest x-ray anyway
just to see her lungs. We didn't get the results back yet.
I was wating for Tammy to call back
tonight with her chemistries levels but its 11pm.I guess I'll hear from her tomorrow with the results of the blood test and the x-ray. Kelly did have another headache tonight.
I wanted to let Tammy know that too. Oh well its bed time.
Maybe.
I'll let you know tomorrow
good night.

Sunday, February 2, 2003 11:03 PM CST

Hello.
This past weekend Kelly took a trip to the mall with her dad to get mom a B-day present. Kelly also went to visit her cousins Molly, Maura(sleeping beauty),Brian and Ashleigh. Kelly just loves being the big cousin! She also has two other little cousins Rebecca and Emily. She loves to sing and dance with them! Kelly also has four other BIG cousins Ryan,Lisa(who Kelly looks up to),Mark Jr. and Stephen. Kelly just loves her Aunts and Uncles and her Pap and
Lil and of course Aunt Ditty. A great time for her is when all her Family gets together for some sort of family function. Kelly just Loves all of you so much you really mean the world to her!
Anyway, Kelly hasn't been feeling that good. She gets winded very easily. Her blood preasure has been on the low
side. Her heart rate is up when she does the simplest task. The DRS. don't want to wate until Thursday to see her so we are going down to the clinic tomorrow (monday). I won't be surprise if they put her back on IV fluids. Today she drank
about 34 oz. Its just not enought to flush out her kidneys.
Sometime this week she is going to get a bone density test
because of the high dose steroids Kelly had to have.
In two weeks she will have to have an EKG because of the high dose chemo and radiation. Well I'm going to go and think and write down some questions for Dr Goyal now
good night.
P.S.
Thank you to the Heasley family for the chocolate cookies bars they were sooooooo yummy!

Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 10:04 PM (CST)

Hi everyone this is Kelly!
My dad brought down my blood sample to the clinic today,and my Cyclosporine level is still high:-(. Tomorrow the doctor is gonna call mom and see what we should do about it.My LOVELY mother took me to the pet store to get hay for peanut,BREATH MINTS for peppy,we asked the pet lady if love birds carry anything and she said "not that I know of".Im going to talk the DR'S into letting me have that darn bird! I just love animals so much! Were having a
family party on the 8th but my real birthday is february 6th the day after my Beautiful mother's birthday (boy I love her!) :-)Saturday my handsome dad is taking me to the mall to bye my beautiful mom a birthday gift! I dont know if you can tell but I am really hiper right now so i may sound a little strange :-) well my Lovely mom is gonna TRY to get me to go to bed now (i am not tired) She said that she is going to scratch my back for 10 minuets!
good night everyone:-)

Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 11:07 PM (CST)

Hello everyone.
This morning I'm going to draw blood for a cyclosporine level. Mike will then take it to the clinic and they should call later in the day to let us know if any adjustments should be made. I was just reading an information sheet on cyclosporine. They tell you not to switch brands because they could deliver different amounts of medication. Now Kelly had to switch from capsules to a liquid because of a change in her dose. I wonder if that could be the reason why
her levels have been so high. It could be the reason why she is getting headaches and just not feeling well. The side effects of this medication goes on forever. Pretty scary stuff!
Tonight Kelly wanted to go to the doller store down the rode(by the way it's going out of busines sometime in Feburary). I really didn't want to take her out in this weather if we really didn't have to but she really wanted to go and just get out of the house. So we went and she lasted maybe 5 minutes and she was done. She tires sooooo fast.
I think that this is something new too. Last weeks labs were ok
but i did notice that they came down a bit from the previous week. I will have my list of questions for Tammy (physician assistant)tonight.
Oh well, good night and please keep Kelly in yours prayers.
thanks!
Nancy

Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 10:30 PM (CST)

Hello everyone.
Today Kelly isn't feelin very well. Early today she had a headache and her legs are bothering her. She also said that she felt depressed too. This has been a very LONG winter and
I think along with going a little stir crazy, this whole ordeal gets to her at times. We were going to go to her Uncle Kevins house this weekend but with the cold and snow
we didn't want to bring Kelly out in it. She was disappointed again. She has been trying to plan her kid b-day party but every idea she has I have to tell her we have to check with DR. Goyel first. If it were up to Kelly alone she would have 20 kids here! But we just can't do that. To be honest she just doesn't have the stamina for it.
Lately she has been getting tired just walking to the kitchen. I think Kelly will need some rehabilition again.
When she was in the ICU before the transplant, after being on the respirator for 11 days. She had to go to the childrens institute. They were really good and got her moving again. This time she will just need outpatient therapy. I better get to kelly now
goodnight

Monday, January 27, 2003 at 10:52 PM (CST)

Hey everyone! This is Kelly!
I had a great time at Marli's sleepover! My teacher could not come today because she had a sore throat :-(,I dont think she is coming tomorrow either.I think my birthday party is on the 28th of february,we are not sure yet.My mom was gonna give peppy a bath today, so she told her "Do you want a bath peppy" and as soon as peppy herd the word "bath" she ran!(it was so funny) so as soon as she was done my mom told me that we are gonna "try" to keep her hair like a show dog! that would be cool! Michael went in a big box today to try and scare my mom but as soon as my mom came down and saw him we both taped him in the box and put it against the wall, so he couldn't get out! I told him "Im going on the computer bye michael" So when he finally broke out, (I was behind the wall) He walked bye and I screamed at him and it scared him soo bad that he jumped and landed on the ground and hurt his foot! Well, I have not had a headach for a long time! I am totally done with the fluids! so it is so nice!
well I am gonna go to bed now GOODNIGHT! :-)

Saturday, January 25, 2003 at 07:17 AM (CST)

We think we know what is causing Kelly's headaches. Yesterday Tammy (Physician Assisant) called to let us know that her cyclosporine level (medicine to suppress "T" cell function to decrease GVHD) was very high and that could very well cause headaches and make her just not fell very well. I held her dose last night and today will decrease her dose.
Last night she did go to sleep over at her friends house with 4 others girls. 3 she had not met yet. There in her class this year. Kelly was a little nervous to meet them. She worried about what they would think of her and what she looked like. But when we got there they seemed like very nice girls. And I'm sure she had a great time. I haven't talked to her yet. Boy did We miss her!! I have not been away from Kelly in over 9 months. So I must say I was a little nervous. I told her even if its 3am and you want to come home,call! But she didn't. She is something else!
I have to tell you something about Corey. Right now he taking the SAT test. Johns Hopkins University ask him to take it. Its for the center for talented youth odyssey series. We told him that there is no pressure for him at all. Just to take it for the experence. Corey is just in the 7th grade. To be asked is an honor. He Donated his bone marrow and took the SAT test at age 13. What a kid!

Friday, January 24, 2003 at 09:19 AM (CST)

Kelly's headaches seem to come and go. There are a few reasons why she could be getting them. Comming off the steroids, not drinking enough maybe the dry air in the house. When I was telling Tammy about Kelly not feeling "right" Kelly had an about face recation. So I'm afraid she won't tell me when she is not feeing good. Sometimes there is no hiding it but others times I just don't know.
For now Kelly can't get the love bird that she wanted.
We have to temporarily wate for Kelly to get off the Immunosuppression medicines. Kelly is heart broken. I don't know what I was thinking. I got her hopes up for it.
We just want so much to make her happy. We told her its just for now.
It will give her something else to think about for her birthday.
I'll be back

Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 11:41 PM (CST)

The headaches are back today. Kelly slept most of the day. she tried really hard not to let me know that she had one.
Kelly heard Dr. Goyal say if they continue we will have to do a spinal tap and ct scan. So of course she trys to hide that she isn't feeling well. You know I can't blame her, poor baby has so much to worry about at TEN!!!!!!!!!!! I feel like we are on a roller coster ride. We are up, we are down. Well I'm going to try to go to sleep now its 1:03am
and hope and pray for a better day today.

Monday, January 20, 2003 at 11:08 PM (CST)

Hey everyone! This is Kelly
Guess what I am getting a bird!(lovebird) for my birthday!!! I cant wait until I get it!I havent had a headach for a week. Today my friend Julia came over and she brought her love bird it loved me arm it wouldnt leave my shoulder :-)I am felling really good I havent had prednizone in 3 days!!! well I am really tired so GOODNIGHT
Kelly

Sunday, January 19, 2003 at 11:23 PM (CST)

Hi everyone.
I have to say that we had as close to a care free weekend as we could possibly have. If that makes any sence? First of all, Thursaday at Kelly's DRS. appointment,went very well!
Dr. Goyal said that its early yet but Kelly looks very good.
About the headaches, If they continue for more than 2 weeks we will have to run more tests. She hasn't had one since! yeah!
Friday Kelly had 2 friends sleep over. I can't tell you how
wonderful it was to hear giggles, laughing, singing and talking at all hours of the night!!!!!!!! Saturday Michael
and Kristen stayed with Kelly and Mike and I went to a movie and dinner imagine that! Today we had a big brunch and just hung out together.Mike took Kelly to the pet store to look at birds,Corey to Blockbuster's,and Michael to Kristen's house for awhile.(what a good dad :-) )
(Kelly taught me how to do the smilely face).Thank you God for a great weekend! GOODNIGHT

Saturday, January 18, 2003 at 10:58 PM (CST)

Hey this is Kelly!
As you all know I had a sleepover yesterday with Amber and Marli WE HAD SO MUCH FUN! We stayed up until like 5:00, we watched Lilo and Stitch.My mom is REALLY thinking about getting me a bird! I cant wait! Tonight my Mom and Dad went to dinner and a movie. They saw Catch Me If You Can, and had dinner at...........um well I am not sure where.Michael and Kristen Babysat me it was soooooo much fun.I called and orderd pizza hut and yes I ordered it!!! well goodnight bye!

Thursday, January 16, 2003 at 08:18 PM (CST)

Hey everyone!
My doctor appointement went very well,he said I can go to marli's sleepover party! I will be completely off prednizone on Saturday, and Tomorrow I am having a sleepover at MY HOUSE! Marli and Amber are sleeping over!Dr Goyal said the headachs may be from coming down on the prednizone.However if they continue more then two more weeks they will have to give me a spinal tap :-(, and maybe an MRI,but no headachs today! :-).I went on this chat room with people who had some kind of cancer and I talked to alot of people.But it made me realize that there are some people who have it worse then me :-( But I really injoyed it! well talk to you later bye!
Kelly

Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at 12:14 PM (CST)

Hey everyone this is Kelly again!
Today my mom and I went to Jo Ann Fabrics because I am gonna make more pillows! (to keep bussy).This morning at 7:30 we left for the eye appointment and I have a little bit of dry eye. (I meen I have less moistness in my eye then an average 10 year old)He put a drop in my eye and it numbed my whole eye for like 3 hours!.I dont have any pressure in my eye and that would be caused my prednizone.I have a regular drs'. appointment at the clinic tomorrow I think at 1:00 SO I CAN SLEEP! My mom and brother Michael went to my favorite band's concert tonight (punchline) and my mom taped it for me to see, and Steve is one of the band member's and he wrote me a note and he called me "HUN" AHHHHH!!
he said "we miss you HUN" then a heart and punchline and he even drew a monkey! :-) :-) :-D So I am gonna frame that note for EVER! well I will right again tomorrow BYE

Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 10:00 PM (CST)

Hey everyone this is Kelly!
Today my teacher came and I had a Science test and I got an A on that.Yesterday my mom and me went to the pet store and I LOVE ANIMALS so of course I cant leave the store with out at least asking for something! so I saw these two lizards! and they were soo cute, but the bad thing is they carry Selmaelma and that is kinda like food poisening but worse so that is out of the guestion! (at least for now) Well anyway of course I found something else to beg for and now I want a Teddy bear Hamster but that could actually work because it could go in the same cage as Peaunt,and of course its name would be Punchline! or Paul Jr........well I will have to think about that one.So if I beg hard enough I bet you I could get it by the end of this month! Tomorrow I have an eye appointment (I can see fine!)but it is at 8:00!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am usually not up till at LEAST 12:00! so I will be sleeping all day tomorrow.The next day I have a normal dr. appointment at the clinic.Tomorrow I think we are going to Jo Ann fabric's I am not sure (I want to make more pillows and I think I am gonna start makeing dolls).My headachs have been going away, right now I dont have a headach,I think I get the headachs cause i DONT DRINK enough but I did have 3 big glasses in 20 minutes so im getting there.Well I better go to bed goodnight!

Monday, January 13, 2003 at 11:16 PM (CST)

Hello everyone.
Most of the day went well until Kelly got another bad headache. I'm really getting concern. I gave her benadryl and tylenol. Hopefuly it will help and she will sleep good.
Kelly does have an eye DRS. appointment on this Wednesday.
If He doesn't have any anwsers as to why she is getting these headaches there going to have to look further into it. It maybe from the meds. but she is cutting back on some and the headaches are almost daly. I just hate to see her in any kind of pain. Kelly tells me she just doesn't feel right. And I know she worries about herself.
I just checked in on her and she is sound asleep. Hopefuly the tylenol is working. It is 12:50am and all is quite here except for the washer and dryer thats running. (Its the never ending job around here) I want to thank everyone for being with us through this every step of the way for our
family. The headaches are worring me a little, please pray that we can take care of them with ease. I'm real tired
I'm sorry if I ran on and on.
thanks!

Friday, January 10, 2003 at 09:21 PM (CST)

Hey everyone this is Kelly again!I had such a good time at my aunt Karen's house(I got Pizza Hut!).Today before we went to my aut Karen's my mom and I went to Target and I got pj's with MONKEYS on them and a head band.Starting tomorrow I will be cutting down on my fluids and my prednizone.I cant wait to sleep in tomorrow,and watch my dad go crazy at the television! Go Steelers! I probably will either do my easy bake oven or my chocholate maker tomorrow.Well I'll be going to bed now Bye!

Thursday, January 09, 2003 at 10:06 PM (CST)

Hey Everyone!
This is Kelly,I haven't written on here in a while! Well today's dr. appointment went well,my mom and I did ask a few things but we won't know the anwser till next time.Tomorrow I am going to my Aunt Karen's so we can give Lil her presents (Kinda like a late christmas dinner)so that will be fun.I have been pretty bored but sense Christmas just came I got 2 new computer games that I LOVE,so that keeps me pretty busy.On Saturday I am coming down to 2m a day for prednizone and Im slowly starting to take down my hidedration at night (iv hook up).Well it is almost 12 so I better get to bed Talk to you later bye!

Wednesday, January 08, 2003 at 10:35 PM (CST)

Day+133
Today Kelly's teacher Mrs. Jordon came over and kelly had school. She is doing pretty good and Mrs. Jordon is keeping
Kelly up with her class.
Thursdays DR. appointment is at 10:20am. We have some questions about her recent headaches and they will look at her blood counts and ask how her week went.
Other than her headache I think it was a good week, Kelly even decided to give peppy a hair cut! Poor dog!
we will up date later.

Wednesday, January 08, 2003 at 05:51 AM (CST)

Day+132
Kelly did a lot of sleeping yesterday. She also had a bad headache most of the night. They are not sure why she is getting them. We made an appointment with a eye doctor.
There is a risk of cataracts from the the radiation treatments. Regular eye exams will be a part of her long-term follow ups. This first appointment they are going to test her tears. Im not sure why or what there looking for yet. I do know that radiation can cause dry eyes. Maybe she will need eye glasses. Maybe thats why she is getting these headaches.
Corey is getting to catch his bus got to go

Monday, January 06, 2003 at 11:01 PM (CST)

Day+130
Today we did go to the mall even though I was alittle nervous about the snow. But all went well. Kelly bought 1 t-shirt and 2 sweaters a snow glob, socks and a monkey pillow.
I think thats all. She has the shopping bug. I get
tired out just thinking about shopping. Kelly could go all day! She really enjoys it. Looking around at all of the stuff. I think she gets it from all of her aunts!
I hear the little bell I'll up date later.

Sunday, January 05, 2003 at 10:33 PM (CST)

Day+129
Hello everyone!
Kelly has been great!
We went to visit our friend yesterday(Saturday) and getting out did her a world of good. Kelly had a great time and didn't want to come home. Tomorrow (Monday) We are going to venture out to the mall (With a mask and some purel of course!) Hopefully it won't be to crowded and most kids will be back at school. Kelly can't wate until she doesn't have to wear a face mask. You just don't see little kids wearing face masks every day. Only Michael Jackson! So some people give her a double take. She sometimes feels uncomforable about it. Hopefully it won't be much longer.
Kelly's next appointment is Thursday.
They are going to try to wean her from the nightly fluids.
I guess we will see what happens with that. She is drinking a little more on her own. It would be great because we both could use a full night sleep with out getting up 3 or more times at night.
speaking of sleep I better go get some!
Good night everyone.
clinic is Thursday.

Wednesday, January 01, 2003 at 08:49 AM (CST)

Happy New Year

Hope this one is better.Kelly is continuing to do well.She still has periodic headaches and blood pressure fluctuations,but with all she is taking we are contributing it do that..for now.Kelly stayed up well past midnight and celebrated newyears eve with family and Michael's girl friend Kristen.She had a real good time palying games and munchin.At midnight she went outside and did what she does best,make noise.
Now that the holidays are over,its back to reality.Kel will spend all day thursday at the clinic recieving a iv blood product that is needed every 3 weeks or so.It is given to help
corey's bone marrow to take and be excepted.Unfortuanatly,it takes 3-5 hrs to go in because kelly always has a reaction.The last few times she had blood pressure problems,so they had to stop for a while.She also complains of headaches during this process.We are not sure if this will be done at the clinic or as a outpaitient in the hospital.The clinic is very busy with transplant patients and will probably be crammed for space.
The next step to look forward to will be getting kelly to school this year.Not sure when they will allow that but so far home schooling is working good.Kelly really likes her teacher but i'm sure would like to be out with other kids.

Hope everyone had a safe and nice Newyears day and we wish all a good 2003.

Saturday, December 28, 2002 at 08:13 PM (CST)

Happy Holidays Everyone

We apologize for not updating recently,its been very busy around here between shopping and clinic visits.Kelly and family had a very nice and hospital free xmas.It was very special having kelly home and feeling well.It seemed as if kel was more excited this year than pasts.She spent alot of time busy making 27 personalized pillows that she gave to relatives and friends. Kelly loved making and giving her gifts and it was special to recieve a hand made present from kelly.Kelly was also thrilled to have her favorite band,"punchline" visit at the house.Kelly made special punchline pillows for each one.As always the boys from punchline always make her feel special.They really do treat her like their #1 fan.They hung out and brought kel autographed pix and a dvd.She was thrilled.Kelly was also pleasantly suprised to recieve a letter from santa.The letter was very nice and contained a unnecesary gift.The return address was direct from the North Pole.??
We are all happy 2002 is over,its been a rough one.We know kelly still has a long battle ahead of her,but are praying for a better year in 2003.Kelly is still making 1-2 trips a week to the clinic.The steroid,Cyclosporine that she is on requires her blood levels to be checked a few times a week.This is the drug that prevents rejection of the marrow.It also causes alot of terrible side effects that are not kind to her.Her level has been high lately.Kelly is still require to be on iv fluids 10 hrs a day to help prevent dehydration.This also helps flush the toxin from her body.
The trips to the clinic are very long and frustrating.They are currently dealing with about 6 transplant children and really only have 2 rooms and not enough doctors.
We would like to thank everyone for all your prayers and well wishes this year.We had alot of help from our friends,neighbors,relatives and people we barely know.We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and wish all a Happy New Year.
Love, Nancy & Mike
Michael,Corey & Kelly

Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 10:49 PM (CST)

Day+112continue
The bone marrow biopsy show no signs of leukemia! So far so good. We not only take one day at a time we take one test at a time too! That one is behind us now. Hopefully we can enjoy a wonderful Christmas!! Once again thank you for all of your prayers!

Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 07:28 AM (CST)

Day+112
todays appointment is at 10:00 am I will up date when we get back.

Tuesday, December 17, 2002 at 10:46 PM (CST)

Day+110 continue
Tammy(physician assistant)called tonight. To talk about Kellys medicines. We have to adjust the dose from time to time. This time the dose is showing high in her blood. Probably from her being dry from not drinking enough fluids. Its still our battle. So far no news on the biopsy. We have an appointment on Thursday with Dr.Goyal. They have to have the result by then. That will make it 6 days. I can never remember it taking that long.
In the mean time, Kelly has been busy, busy, busy, making Christmas gifts. Look out Martha hear comes Kelly!
Kelly is so happy and excitied about Christmas! Its really wonderful to see her this way again.

Tuesday, December 17, 2002 at 06:54 AM (CST)

Day+110
Kelly had her DR's. appointment yesterday. They drew blood and
gave her a quick exam but her bone marrow test had not come back as of yesterday. The test was done late on friday. I guess they wated until monday to process it. Hopeful today we will learn more. It wasn't long ago when they did the last one and it was fine. But you know until they say its
ok we have that uneasy feeling. Hopefully Tammy will call soon and we will up date with good news.

Saturday, December 14, 2002 at 09:42 PM (CST)

Day+107
Hi everyone this is Kelly,yesterday I had my bone marrow and it went fine but we won't get the results back until Monday. Now the good news. I HAD PIZZA HUT today and I had 2 slices but I ate it very slowly and it was SOOOOOO GOOD! and I didn't get sick! yeah! My next appointment is Monday.I'm very excited about Christmas it's only 10 day's away! I have a feeling I wont be getting what I want for christmas,a monkey CAN YOU BELIVE my mom wont let me have one! GOODNIGHT

Thursday, December 12, 2002 at 10:46 PM (CST)

Day+105
Just a quick note Kelly will have the bone marrow test today
(Friday). We have to be there at 12:30 so it will be a late day, thats for sure! We will up date tonight.
Again, thank you for all the positive thoughts and prays.
We can feel it!

Wednesday, December 11, 2002 at 07:55 PM (CST)

DAY 104

The weather put a scare in to us today,so we decided to be safe
and reschedule kelly's procedure.No matter what kelly must be seen on friday,so they are trying to reschedule the tests for then also.If not it will be next week some day.Kelly did want to get it over with,but the weatherman talked like it was so bad out we thought best not to go.Guess we should have gone.
We will update when we find out when it will be.

Tuesday, December 10, 2002 at 11:26 PM (CST)

Day 103
Today (wednesday) Is a very important day. Kelly will have a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy in the O.R. This is to see if there is any leaukemia cells left and to look to see if all the normal cells are Coreys. We hope and pray to GOD with every breath we take that it is. I don't know when we will have the results. Maybe if we are lucky tomorrow night. Hopefully Thursday. Its now 12:45 am. Kelly is finally asleep. She is a little worried too. It is so hard to watch your child go through this. I saw a poster down at the clinic that read "childhood ended when cancer began"
And it is so true. But we know its going to be fine.
Because we have hope and we have all of your prayers. We can't tell you enough how much we appreciate all the continuing prayers for our family. thank you so much!
We will up date soon to let you know how today went.

Sunday, December 08, 2002 at 07:21 PM (CST)

DAY 100

Today is the big day we been looking towards since kelly's transplant.Last weeks trip to th icu made us realalize
today is just one small step forward.Day 100 seemed so far away in August.Kelly has made it thru a great deal since August and has done a courageous job doin so.Unfortuanatly day 100 does not mean its all over.We may have let our guard down thinking we are getting so close to today.Kelly's wish to have "Pizza hut" and other fast food has been put on hold a bit longer.
Kelly is feeling good now and we want to keep it that way.The iv antibiotics she was on ended on saturday.She continues to get iv fluids nightly,which if she would just drink more that could stop.On Wednesday kelly will go to the o.r. for a bone marrow aspiration.They will test her marrow to check her progress.Kelly does not mind this to much because she likes to be put to sleep.It usually is a long day.
Kelly spent this weekend decorating the tree and wrapping xmas gifts.Kelly was also happy to recieve a get well card from her friend Jamir Jagr,whom she knows thru the Mothers Hope foundation.Each year he is the honored guest at a fundraiser.Kelly is also a yearly guest and has done a poster with him.

Thursday, December 05, 2002 at 07:10 PM (CST)

Day+97
Kelly is finally home. They are not 100% sure but we think
Kelly got sick from licking peanut butter off of celery
sticks. Kelly knows that she is not aloud to {eat} fresh
fruit or vegges so she thought it was ok just to lick off some peanut butter and I never told her other wise, never dreaming that she would even want them at all. Big mistake!!
There are microorganisms (bad bugs) that live on the skin of fruit and vegetables. If they can't be peeled she can't
have them I guess until day 100. But whats the difference
between day 90 and day 100? There probably isn't. She probably would have gotten sick on day 100 too. I think it's going to be a long recovery. We will have to be really careful for a long time. But the important thing is she is much much better. Yesterday Dr. Wollman was teasing her saying that she just gave her mother 7 gray hairs Kelly said
"thats ok she'll just color it." Kellys back to her old self!

Wednesday, December 04, 2002 at 05:36 AM (CST)

DAY 96

Kelly is scheduled to be discharged today.On Tuesday She was feeling a liitle weak still,but much better.She is very eager to come home.
We will update later.

Monday, December 02, 2002 at 08:40 PM (CST)

DAY 94

There is not very much new today,Kelly is feeling very tired today.She is complaining of a headache still and nausia.They gave her something for both and she has been sleeping most of the day.Dr.Woolman examined kelly today and said its possable to be released on tuesday,but we will see.The cause of the infection is still uncertain,but is possably from something that she ate.Even though we are getting close to that day 100,kelly's immune system is still new and we cannot forget that she is more acceptable to infection.
Please say an extra prayer for Kelly's 8 north neighbor Eddie whom just had his bone marrow transplant.He is having a tough time and is now in the icu.The hospital is now decorated for xmas,but its not a very pleasant place to be for any kid.

Sunday, December 01, 2002 at 06:03 PM (CST)

DAY 93

Kelly was moved to 8 North today.She is feeling a whole lot better.The oncology doctors are still unsure of the type or what caused this infection.The chief doctor from infectious disease examined kelly late this afternoon.She asked alot of questions about what happened prior to her getting sick.It is some sorta bacteria infection which is being treated with antibiotics.We are uncertain how long kelly will spend in 8 north but presume she will go home on iv antibiotics.
Kelly spent the day routing the Steelers and of course drawing.She is now allowed to eat,but is limited to the same menu for transplant patients.This incident has made us realize that day 100 was just a small goal.Not a whole lot will change on day 100 except Kelly will need to get a bone marrow extraction procedure and some other tests to check the status of her new marrow.Kelly was looking forward to fast food after day 100 but that will probably not be.
Kelly was happy it see her favorite nurses again,but is looking forward to get home to decorate the house for the holidays.

Saturday, November 30, 2002 at 04:51 PM (CST)

DAY 92

Kelly is doing better today but remains in the ICU at Childrens
hospital.Her blood pressure and breathing has been good today.The blood tests came back positive for an infection but they are unsure of the type and what caused it.The antibiotics that was started as soon as she arrived seems to be working good.Kelly did not have a temperature so far today.Kelly is not happy because she is not aloud to eat today.She is on a small amount of oxygen for her slow breathing she was experiencing.Until she comes off that they will not feed her.If she would need the respirator,they do not want food in her stomach.The days and nights are very long and noisey in the icu.There is always a nurse coming in and checking on her.The icu nurses are very good and smart.They have a lot to do and stay very busy.Hopefully tomorrow kelly will get to move up to 8 North.The nurses up there already have a room blocked for her.Maybe kelly can do the next update from her room.

Friday, November 29, 2002 at 04:03 PM (CST)

DAY 91

Thanksgiving day for Kelly was not the best.After she enjoyed the day with her family,she became very sick around 8pm.Kelly's blood pressure was pretty low and she was becoming dehydrated from the fluid loss.She could not walk because she was so weak so she was taken by ambulance to Childrens.The ER doctors immediatley began iv fluids and antibiotics assuming infection.Her blood pressure was still low,her fever was up to about 103 and she was still getting sick.It was decided the best place for her was the intensive care unit so she could get closer care.When she got up to icu she had a team of doctors and nurses working to get her pressure under control.By morning kelly seemed to be stabilized,but they still dont know whats causing all this.An additional iv line was put in so the can administer the 6-10 different ivsgoin in her.Today she also had to recieve blood and platlets.We are now awaiting a diagnosis of what is causing her sickness.Kelly is medicated and sleeping as of now.She is handling all this in her typical brave self even though we can tell she is very scared.
Hopefully her stay in the icu will not be long and we will go up to 8 north where kell feels at home.

Friday, November 29, 2002 at 01:27 AM (CST)

Day 90+

It's Aunt JoJo again. I wanted to let everyone know that it is 2:30 a.m. and Kelly right now is in the ICU at Children's Hospital. She was having a nice Thanksgiving and sometime after dinner she started to become ill and throw up. They had to call an amubulance to take her to the ER. Her blood pressure is very low right now. They're not sure why.

This is day 90 for Kell. She only has 10 more days until 100. Could everyone please pray for Kelly and her family that she get through this. Hopefully this is just a minor set back and Kelly will be up and moving in no time.

I'm sure Nancy or Mike or maybe even Kelly herself will be updating this site very soon to tell everyone she is doing well. But in the meantime, please pray.

Thank you.

Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 08:08 PM (CST)

DAY 89

Kelly's Cyclosporine level continues to fluctuate and they continue to adjust her meds.They are watching to make sure she does not retain the drugs in her system to long/to much.Kelly needs to flush them out after recieving daily medication.She still is taking iv fluids nightly because she will not drink enough.Overhaul Kelly is doing well.As noted she has been having headaches which are not really explained but can be from stress and or all the meds she is taking.The doctors check her and dont really see a reason.8 North at the hospital must be really busy right now.The doctors are bouncing back and forth from hosp to clinic,making the visits for kelly long.Kelly's 8 north neighbor Eddie has begun his tranplant and we pray everthing is goin well for him.On the other side of her was Joe,who just got released after a long battle.We are happy he got to go home for the holidays.
Kelly is looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with lots of family relatives and of course lots of turkey.She is helping to make 3 pies tonight.The day 100 is getting closer and closer and kelly talks about it everyday.She cannot wait to get out and have restuarant food again or just go to the store to shop.
We are not sure when she will be able to get to school but she continues to be home schooled and thatt seems to be going well.She should be keeping up with her class,but of course its not the same.
Thank you to everyone for continuing to send messages to kelly,she really enjoys them.
We hope everyone has a very nice Thanksgiving.We know we have alot to be thankful for.
Goodnight and Happy Thanksgiving from our family.

Tuesday, November 26, 2002 at 09:03 PM (CST)

Day +88

Aunt JoJo here again.

Kelly had a very long day at the clinic today. She arrived around 9 a.m. and didn't get out of there until about 5 p.m. and with the snow falling didn't get home until after 6 p.m.

Kelly had her IVIG which is to boost her immune system, not to help accept Corey's bone marrow (sorry about that). She had a reaction even though she was given benadryl before the procedure. Her blood pressure went down low twice so they had to do it very slowly.

She's been getting headaches every day for awhile now but they're not sure exactly why so they will be monitoring that.

Around Day 100 Kell has to have another bone marrow and an EKG and also will have to go to the eye doctors to check for cataracs because that is a side affect to the radiation she was given.

Kelly is at home resting tonight and looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner with her family.

Goodnight.

Sunday, November 24, 2002 at 08:01 PM (CST)

Day +86

Hello again. This is Aunt JoJo. The DeDomenic computer is on the fritz again. This is very annoying to Kelly since she likes to spend time on the computer. So I am updating again for them.

Kelly had a very nice weekend. She had a great visit with her cousins Molly and Maura. She enjoyed seeing them very much. She also got a ball for her guinea pig, Peanut, to go into and roll around the floor so she got to play with him. She is not allowed to touch Peanut yet so the ball helps her to interact with her. Kelly is also enjoying sleeping in her own bed upstairs. She said she is getting the best sleep ever now that she's in her own room and bed. Way to go Kell!!!

On Tuesday it will be a long day at the doctors. Kelly has to have an IVIG which helps her to accept Corey's bone marrow. It will run approximately 3 hours. She gets this done every 28 days. The last time she had it done she had some side affects--chills and a fever. So this time they must take it very slowly. They're doing it a day early so they can enjoy Thanksgiving.

Kelly is looking forward to Thanksgiving and the upcoming Christmas season.

Goodnight to all.

Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 11:46 AM (CST)

Day+83
Wednesday Kelly had her DRs. appointment.
Her counts are about the same as last weeks but the
platlets came down a little bit. Platlets seem to take
a long time to bounce back.
Kelly had a headack and a low grade fever (99.9)
on monday and tuesday she seems ok now. They didn't seem
really worried about it. If the fever were above 101
thats when they are more concern. But kelly usually
runs around 97 so when I read 99.9 I got a little nervous.
But she is all right today thats all that matters!
Some good news, ever since Kelly was in the ICU and went to
the Childrens Institute back in July we have had a hospital
bed in our dinning room. It was great because Kelly had a lot of weakness in her legs and she still does but she has gotten alot stronger. With help she can make the steps now.
So we are going to send the bed back. We had it so long I forgot where we order it from. We figured it out finally
and they are coming today to get it. So when you walk into our house it will be one less reminder that our baby was so sick. I have not slept in a bed for so long. I slept on a fold out chair at the hospital and the couch while Kelly has been sleeping in the dinning room. We are moving one step closer to normal. Thank You Lord!!!

Monday, November 18, 2002 at 09:01 PM (CST)

Day+80
Hi everyone this is Kelly.Today my mom corey and me went to the movies! we saw the santa clause 2 it was good but when we went to the theater in delmont at the 12:15 show it was CLOSED so we had to go to another theater at 1:20.We had to pop our own popcorn because I couldnt have popcorn from the theater.But I can in 20 days!!!!!!!!

Saturday, November 16, 2002 at 09:15 PM (CST)

Day+78
Today Tammy called (Physician Assistant)to tell us
that Kelly's Cyclosporine level is to low. Last week it was to high. Now she is full of water from the iv fluids she is getting at night. The medicine is flushing through her system faster and thats good.Now we will increse her Cyclosporine back to where it was before she got so dry.
Also today we are going down even more on the prednisone.
Kelly should feel better. That prednisone makes you feel
like you want to jump right out of your skin.
A little note to Viv, I bought a blender today and i'm going to try to make Kelly slushes. She said she would try
them. It sounds good to me. I could go for one now!
Thanks for the idea Viv!

Thursday, November 14, 2002 at 09:57 PM (CST)

Day+76
Kelly's anc count is starting to come up again, it's 3.4
up from last week. Her plt count is 76 and hgb is 10.6
Her body is definitely working hard to get well!!
She doesn't have to go back to the drs. until next wednesday.
She is still on iv hydration at night.
Kelly really wants to see the movie The Santa Clause 2
We might go on Monday for the first show. They said she could go when it is less crowded like a monday morning.
They told us in front of Kelly so now she has it in her head
that it's ok but we really worry about it. She will have to wear her mask for the whole movie. It won't be to comfortable. But it will be worth it to Kelly.
Kelly has a whole list of big plans that she wants to do come day 101 and beyond!

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 at 07:45 PM (CST)

DAY 75

Three quarters down twenty five days till fast food to go.
Well thats how Kelly is looking at it.She already has plans to be at pizza hut on day 101.
Other than showing up at the doctors a day early,it went well today.Dr.Goyle was there today to do kelly's check up.He continues to say how well she is doin.Her steroid level is being tapered down a little each week.The little the amount the better.Kelly really hates the affects the steroids have on her body.Next weeks appointment is on wednesday,but Dr.Goyle is off for a few weeks.She will see Tammy,the physician assistant.Tammy does the same thing as the docs,just dont get the title i guess.The nightly iv liquids still must continue cause kel is not consuming enough fluid on her own.This is taking a toll on night time sleep because of the trips to the bathroom throughout the night.She must start to drink on her own.
Kelly is still amusing herself with school,crafts and movies,but its really getting hard keeping her unboard(if thats a word).Kel is looking forward to the holidays and helping to make xmas cookies.

Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at 07:56 PM (CST)

Day+74
Our computer is working (somewhat). It can kick me off at anytime. Anyhow Kelly has a Dr's appointment Wednesday.
She has been doing pretty good. As you know she has to get fluids at night by IV. I think she has been feeling better
because of it, but now she really isn't drinking much at all.
She is useing the IV fluids as a crutch. We will see what they have to say about it tomorrow.
Some of you may have been asking yourselfs why did the DeDomenic's have 30 pink flamingoes in there front yard
and where did they go? Well we were Flamingoed by the McCulloughs! They made a donation to a youth club for a fund raiser. Our neighbor called us Sunday morning and asked why we had flaningoes in our yard. We opened the front
door and there they were all 30 of them looking at us!
It was really funny. Kelly loved it.
We will post a picture of them sometime tomorrow.

Saturday, November 09, 2002 at 08:32 PM (CST)

Day +71

Hello everyone. This is Aunt JoJo again. Kelly's computer is down yet again, so I am writing her update for her.

Kelly is doing well today. She went to the grocery store to pick out some cereal when it was not crowded. She has to wear a mask any time she is out of the house and she can not go into crowds. She was going to go for a little walk with her mom tonight, but it is a bit cold out there for her.

Her chemistry level is high so she needs to be on IV fluids which will run for the next 12 hours. She is trying really hard to drink, but it is very difficult to drink all that she needs to so the IV fluids will help her out.

If everything goes well, she will not have to see the doctor until Wednesday. Let's all pray that the next few days are quiet ones for her.

This is day +71. Only 29 more days to go until 100. Hopefully they will be peaceful ones.

Kelly says goodnight to all and Aunt JoJo does too.

Thursday, November 07, 2002 at 08:42 PM (CST)

Day+69
Kelly's counts
PLT-79 going up!
HGB-11.1 good!
ANC-2.9 holding on could be better.
Todays appointment went ok.
They are comming down on her prednisone (slowly).
Which will help her blood pressure come down and we can lower her blood pressure medicine.
Tammy the Physician Assistant usually calls in the evening
to let us know how Kellys chemistry levels are.
They show how her kidneys and liver and other organ are doing. With all of the drugs she has to take they have to watch her closely. But I haven't heard from her tonight.
Kelly may have to go on the IV fluids at night. She is drinking more but I don't think its enough. Her blood test will tell us for sure. I guess I'll have to call tomorrow.
They really are so busy there.
Kelly is doing pretty well today.
Let you know more tomorrow.
goodnight.

Thursday, November 07, 2002 at 09:55 AM (CST)

Day+69
Today Kelly has a Drs. appointment at 1:20.
She will see Dr. Goyal. We have not seen him for awhile.
He is the head of bone marrow transplant kids.
She has been trying really hard to drink more.
We will see today.
I'll up date tonight.

Tuesday, November 05, 2002 at 09:24 PM (CST)

Day+67
Hi Everyone this is Kelly!Today was a pretty boreing day, like most days.I did have school for 1 hour at 11:00,and at 1:00 my friend julia came over for about 1 hour.My mom took corey to the dr's to see if he has strept throat or not, and so far he doesnt but sad for corey he also got his flu shot.I got a new pet or pets.They are sea monkeys and there must be hundreds of them.It came in a packet well the eggs came in a packet and then you pour the eggs in this special kind of water and you can watch them hatch instantly!Well goodnight

Monday, November 04, 2002 at 09:52 PM (CST)

Day+66
Todays counts stayed about the same as last weeks.
But her chemistry levels are showing she is not drinking
enough. Kellys kidneys levels are up from 5 to 8 this week.
They want her to drink 60oz a day. That is alot of fluid,
even for an adult to have to drink. She is starting to get mad at me for nagging her to drink all the time. She will go to sleep just to avoid drinking. We are going to try a sticker chart and I am going to drink the same amount as kelly so we can try to do this together. If she just can't
drink enough she will have to get IV fluids at night here at home. A nurse will come to our house to teach me how to hook her up. Kelly needs to drink,drink,drink we want her kidneys to stay healthy! Please pray that they do.
thank you so much!
Mike+Nancy

Monday, November 04, 2002 at 06:40 AM (CST)

Day+66
Todays drs. apointment is at 11:20 whitch means they will see us at about oh, lets see, 1:30 maybe 2.
Oh well. They are busy though. Its really sad but there
are so many kids there. Sometimes its hard to beleve but kelly is one of the lucky ones.
Im realy curious to see what her counts are today.
Her ANC has been coming down a bit from the staff infection.
they stoped the bactrim for a week hoping that will help bring her counts back up. today Kelly starts taking bactrim
again. they are also slowly weening her from the prednisone.
She will still have the puffy cheeks probably for a long time but that will go away in time. I have to draw her blood
this morning to get cyclosporim level to take with us. I haven't had to do this for awhile. got a little spoiled I
guess.
this weekend kelly was bored,bored,bored!!!
She wants so much to go somewhere other than the hospital!!
I did take her to the dollar store the other day when there was not a lot of people around. There just isn't alot of places she can go just yet. she did have her friend stephanie over yesterday to keep her company. thanks stephanie!
got to go wake kelly now its time for her meds.

Thursday, October 31, 2002 at 09:48 PM (CST)

Day+62
Hi everybody this is Kelly.Today was a good and pretty fun day.First my mom and I went to the clinic and luckily I didn't need plt's infact they went up,so it was a quick visit.When we got home I felt tired so i slept until 2:00 and then finished carving my pumpkin.Then my mom and I made the most uglyest cake you have ever seen! we attempted to make a chochlate cake shaped as a witches hat (the pointed part was an iced ice cream cone).It was three layers,so we cut a circle out of a square and we were brakeing parts of the extra cake to make the cake look rounder and it was just a big big mess.So it didnt look pretty but it tasted fine.I also made the punch in it was cherry 7 up,lemon lime pop,ginge ale,orange sherbert,and ice cube shaped hands (I just put water in hospital gloves and put food dye in it and gummie worms).I dressed up as a spa girl but not a normal one,a dead one so i put a green mask on and black around my eyes and pretended that i went to the spa and the water was too hot so I died :-) and Kristen came over and helped me with my outfit and she brought me SO many beanie babies that was so nice of her.Corey went trick or treating so we do have some candy but I had fun staying home too.Well im going to go to bed now GOODNIGHT everyone!

Wednesday, October 30, 2002 at 09:38 PM (CST)

Day+61
Thank you aunt JoJo for the up date. We finaly got our computer working again.
Kelly has a drs. appointment tomorrow. She may need
platelets. I hope not. But her counts have been steadly
coming down. I do have some questions for the drs. I'll have to write down or I'll forget to ask. (of course) Sometimes I think
my brain can only hold so much information and right now its pretty much full!
Of course kelly can not go trick-or-treating but she is making the best of it. She is planning on giving out candy and we are going to have our own little party planned
by kelly. She is making a chocolate witch hat cake,punch
and other treats! Who knows whats up her little sleeve!
I only hope tomorrow isn't to long of a day.

Tuesday, October 29, 2002 at 08:37 PM (CST)

Day +60

Hello everyone. This is Aunt JoJo. I am updating for Kelly today since her computer has been having problems. Kelly is doing pretty good today. She got to go to Michaels before the rain came. She had a blast and got lots of new craft things to do. She made a sand globe with her picture in it and a poster of a dog and butterfly. She also drew all over her body and she will have a picture for you when her computer gets fixed.

Kelly had school today with Mrs. Jordan. She did very very well. She had a spelling test, a math test and an English test and got all A's!!! WAY TO GO KELLY!!!! She is enjoying her schooling with Mrs. Jordan.

Her good friend, Marli, came over to visit also today. So it does sound like she had a good day.

Although Kell had a good day today, she has to be very careful right now because of her low platelets. She has a doctor's appointment on Thursday.

Hopefully the computer will get fixed soon and you can all hear from Kelly herself how she is doing. But for now, I had a fun time entering in the journal for her.

Kelly and Aunt JoJo say goodnight.

Tuesday, October 29, 2002 at 06:18 AM (CST)

Day+60
Kelly's counts are coming down a little. It may be due to
the staff infection she had.
ANC-3.5
WBC-4.4
RBC-10.3
PLT-33
her platets are 33 not low enough for a transfusion, but
close. She may need something on thursday. It is really hard to predict when and if she will need platets.
her ANC count is comming down too. They ask us to hold her
bactrum ( its a antibiotic she takes 3 times a week to help
prevent infection) this may help her counts come up.
Today we may go to Michaels crafts store before it gets
busy. We will see. Kelly is getting board. But we have to keep her new bone marrow safe and healthy. Somtimes its hard to make her understand how important it really is.
Kelly got up a couple of times last night. She has been having some bad dreams. I guess thats to be expected.
I have not been tip-toeing through the tuplets in dreams
myself.

Monday, October 28, 2002 at 06:05 AM (CST)

Day+59
Today kelly has a clinic appointment. we hope that its not a long day down there. this weekend went well except that kelly misses everyone. we try to tell her it should not be to much longer but its still hard for her.
one of kellys favorite pass times is to spy on her big brother michael and his girl friend kristen. this week end kelly and her (partner in crime) corey had a suprise attack
on them with silly string. we posted a picture.
we will up date tonight
bye

Friday, October 25, 2002 at 09:39 AM (CDT)

Day+56
I apologize for not up dating in a couple of days.
We have been having problems with our computer.
Yesterday Kelly had a long day at the clinic.
She had to get IV gamma globulin. It helps prevent infection. It runs for 3 hours which means we were there for
7 hours. Kelly did get a headache and just didn't feel well
afterward. Today is her last day for her IV antibotics.
So i won't be bugging her late at night or early in the morning as much. Her cultures have come back negitive.
Kellys blood counts have been holding there own.
RBC-3.10
PLT-50
ANC-5.2
We posted a new picture of kelly with her new wig on and
a table and lamp that she had painted when she got bored.
(i don't think that i'll let her near the china cabinet)
On Wednesday Kelly got to finaly meet her teacher Mrs. Jordan. She really enjoyed her. Beleave it or not she was happy to get some home work.

Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at 09:34 PM (CDT)

Day+53
Hi everyone this is Kelly,Today was a pretty boring day (like most days).I have been really bord and lonely without my friends.Because all I can do is sit around the house and watch t.v and it gets pretty boring.But I am glad that my wig came in the the mail on Monday.Today my mom got me a pumpkin and tomorrow im gonna carve it for fun even though it wont last for halloween! and I am going to be a Spa Princess for halloween im gonna put the green face mask on, wear a white bath robe,put on fake nails and eyelashes, and wear slippers but I cant forget the towl on my head! :-).Sense I cant go trick or treating my mom and I are going to just bake alot of treats like I am making 1.chocholate slime(vanilla pudding dyed green)Orange puss(yellow kool-aid,orange sherbert,worms frozen inside of an ice cube,ginger ale)3.witches,ghost,moon,and cat suger cookies.4.Hand(frozen water that was frozen inside of a hospital glove for the shape and colored red)well im going to go to bed now GOODNIGHT.

Monday, October 21, 2002 at 09:01 PM (CDT)

Day+52
Today Kelly had a dr's appointment. Her counts are down a little its probably from the staff infection she has.
Her blood culture came back negitive. The antibiotics
are working.Its a good thing we went to the E.R last week for kellys low blood presser because one of her meds. that she takes for the GVHD can hide fever or signs of infection. We might not have known that she had the staff until it got worse. Thank you God! One of Kelly's worries is the side effects
from one of her meds called cyclosporine. it causes temporary changes in facial appearance. Kelly knows it will go away but it is still hard for her.
Our next Drs appointment will be on thursday and it will be a long one. She has to get med by iv for over 3 hours.
it will help treat GVHD.
But thats not for a couple of days and tomorrow she is looking forward to sleeping in
thanks for all the prayers

Sunday, October 20, 2002 at 04:33 PM (CDT)

DAY 51

Last night the iv pump broke during Kelly's 11pm meds.It did not even start before the pump quit working.We almost had to take a trip to 8 north,but the Doctor talked Chartwell into delivering a new pump.It arrived at 4:30 am and she got her antibiotics.This morning the visiting nurse came and drew blood to culture to check for infection.Today Kelly's blood pressure has been slowly decreasing.This and an unexplained pain in kelly's right chest area had us calling the hospital again.They pretty much said hang in there til tomorrows visit because they wouldnt be doing anything other than what we are already doing.If it worsens or she feels sick we are to call back.The pain seemed to go away or so kelly says.She does not want to make another trip back to the hospital tonight.
Kelly requested and is getting one of her favorite dinners.A roasted chicken.She also spent the whole afternoon painting and decorating a wooden coffee table.
Its hard for kelly to just sit around and not be able to go out and play with friends,but she does stay busy.
Hopefully it will be a quite night.

Saturday, October 19, 2002 at 06:32 PM (CDT)

DAY 50

Today Kellys's doc called saying blood test came back positive still for one of her broviac lines. They said she dont have to come back to 8 north yet,they are ending a nurse on sunday to draw blood cultures and take it to the lab.Kelly continues to get the antibiotic by iv every 8 hrs which ended last nite at 215 am and began again at 830 this am.It was almost easier being in the hospital letting the trained nurses handle this.If the infection remains in the line they will have to remove and replace kelly's broviac again.
Kelly remains in good spirits and shows no ill effect from the infection.Today was spent resting and watching tv.Tonight she is painting her crafts.

Friday, October 18, 2002 at 08:52 PM (CDT)

DAY 49

Kelly was released today at about 5:30 pm,home by 630.She is doing very well.The home nurse is here showing us how to administer her antibiotics with the iv pump.This must be done 3 times a day every 8 hrs.Kelly is on so many different drugs it is very overwelming to keep straight.The Vancomyacin is the antibiotic that runs 2 hrs at a time.They are also cutting her dosage of predisone a little at time.All these drugs are really taking an effect on Kelly's appearance,but we know its only temporary.Kel is handling everything well.She was very happy to come home again and to sleep in her own house.Monday we will have to draw blood again before taking her to the clinic at 9 am to check cyclosporine levels and blood counts.
Kel did enjoy seeing her favorite nurses and Gayle at the hospital,but hopes to just stop in for a visit next time.
We are almost at the 1/2 way point and are praying the next 50 days goes hospital stay free.

Thursday, October 17, 2002 at 08:27 PM (CDT)

Day-48
It's 9:28pm Kelly is drawing my picture so i have to be very
very still. Kelly had a very good day. She had school,drew
alot of halloween pictures and watched t.v. She will probably go home tomorrow. Her blood cultures have to be negative for 3 days. So lets just hope! We never know what tomorrow will bring. Only God knows that! If we do go home they will send her home on antibiotics for 10 days. We will have to learn how to give it to her in her broviac.(thats her I.V. line). Kelly's counts are still pretty good although thay have come down a bit, thats to be expected. tonights movie is My Favorite Martian.
have a good nights sleep.

Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at 06:46 PM (CDT)

DAY+47
Today we found out what I have,I have a Staph infection and I have to stay a couple more days here because they are growing this bacteria and seeing whitch antibodic works the best on it and then give me the medicine.But I am on Vancomyocin right now.
I also went to the playroom today and made a scare crow,sand art,and a coster.I may be sick but I feel fine.The movie tonight is Mr.Mom and tomorrow is my first day of school in the hospital.
Goodnight from Kelly

Tuesday, October 15, 2002 at 07:50 AM (CDT)

day-46
just a quick up date kelly has to be admitted for iv antiboiotics. her blood cultures that were taken in the er on sunday have shown something. thats why her blood pressure was up and down. we will let you know more when we get there and what room she will be in.
thank you.
nancy
Day 46 4:50 pm
Here we are again.After spending the day at the clinic,kelly has arrived in her room on 8 north.The results from Kellys blood work came back positive this morning for a infection.This explains the fluctuation in blood pressure and her trip to the e.r. on sunday.They began treating the infection right away with antibiotics by iv.Thankfully kelly is not really feeling sick from the infection.Its possable we caught it quite early.They took cultures yesterday and again today to see if anything grows.If they come back negative,this could be a short stay of a few days.
Kelly was bummed that she was going to miss her 1st day of home school with Mrs Jordan.It did not take long after she arrived here that she began making crafts.Gayle had a whole lot of things to do waiting for her.She does know how to keep herself busy while in here.
Unfortuantly kelly pretty much hates the foods here and the steroids make her very hungry.It is hard to keep her appetite satisfied here.
Tonight kelly plans on watching the movie "Jamangi".

Sunday, October 13, 2002 at 07:48 PM (CDT)

DAY 44

Never a dull moment,Kelly got to take a ambulance ride today to the e.r.Earlier this morning she felt a bit dizzy.Her blood pressure was pretty low.She is taking drugs because her pressure is high,now all of a sudden its low.After quite a few calls to the doctor and monitoring it for a couple hours they decided it was best to come in.The ambulance ride was to get kelly thru the e.r. entrance without being exposed to the other peapole.The docs there are like all in training and it seems like we know more than they do.It gets frustrating because when your used to being on 8 north where the nurses and docs all know you and take better care of you.Well it came down to kelly needed iv fluids to stabilize her pressure.She needs to drink more fluids.Tomorrow we go back down for her appointment at the clinic.Nancy is nervouse because this will be the 1st time she must draw blood before we go.
We will see how all goes tomorrow.

Saturday, October 12, 2002 at 08:44 PM (CDT)

Day+43
Today was a pretty boring day.A nurse did have to come over to show my mom how to change my caps, but that was only because the hospital and chart well use different broviac caps so my mom could not flush my lines unless the caps were changed.My brother Michael went to the home coming dance with Kristen and he looked so cute but as Corey would say "he lookes like Ale Gore! :-)".We found a rash on my legs and belly today so we did end up calling 8 north but is dosen't really look like the same rash as before,it kinda looks like a sun burn and it seems to uppear when I am standing and not so much when I am just sitting down,so they just said look out for any more rashes.

Friday, October 11, 2002 at 08:35 PM (CDT)

Day+42
This is Kelly again and today was was a pretty good day, we found out that my teacher for school is also going to be my home bound teacher! And that will start Tuesday.Monday is my Dr.'s appointment and later on that same day we will be going to pick my wig out.Today I painted some clay arts,and then my uncle mark came over for dinner I just had pizza,but I did first try a bite of a hot dog but it just did not taste the same so you can pretty much say I have been living off pizza! All I have been thinking about is it is almost half way there and my mom told me on day 100 I can have Pizza Hut so I have been just thinking about what all I will be able to do later on!

Thursday, October 10, 2002 at 07:04 PM (CDT)

DAY 41

hello this is Kelly again. Today I didn't do much except lay on the couch and sleep but later on Amber came over and we played for about an hour or so.I have been extra tired around the house sence I have been home but it is much nicer to be home then in the hospital.But I hate having to watch my sweets and salts,because I am on doses of prednisone im always hungry AND MOODY.Im supposed to drink 60 onces of fluid a day and that is really hard so as much as I Love being home,it is pretty hard

Wednesday, October 09, 2002 at 06:10 PM (CDT)

Day +40

Kelly's first appointment at the clinic was today.After fighting the parkway traffic we got there by 9am.Dr Goyle examined her and they took blood to check her levels.He says she is doin good so far but she must maintain it.
Tammy,the nurse practitioner called with the blood work results.She says she is not drinking enough fluids and this could affect her kidney functions.They want her to drink 60 oz. of fluid a day.If the level keeps rising they would have to put her back on iv fluids.Also her sugar level showed to be high.So now we are watching all this and her high blood pressure.
Now to make things more interesting,the insurance company does not want to pay for kelly's blood pressure medicine, Isradipine. For some reason they dont agree with the doctors choice of medicine.Dr Goyle says this is the only medicine for her and we will have to fight it out with the insurance company.They are appealing this for us,but for now we will have to pay for it.Its hard to believe the insurance would have any say in what medinice is right.They are not doctors.I guess its just business to them.
Todays blood counts are still looking good:
hgb-11.6
plt-83000
wbc-11.3
anc-9,800
Blood pressure has been floating at the high end:140/89ish
Normal for kelly has been around 119/60ish.
The next clinic visit is scheduled for Monday unless something comes up.
Kel continues to keep her self busy by making crafts and watching movies.Her mood continues to fluctuate up & down due to the steroids and methadone.

Tuesday, October 08, 2002 at 07:26 PM (CDT)

DAY 39

Kelly's first night home was a bit restless.There was alot to unpack and alot to get things reorganized and settled.She said she did not sleep well.Probably used to a nurse poking at her in the middle of the night.Today Kelly spent resting on the couch and watching tv.She continues to do well taking her 13+ pills 3 times a day.Tomorrow morning Kelly has her 1st clinic appointment.Hopefully we can sneak in and out the side doors.Kelly will be wearing a mask not to come in contact with any other kids or adults while at the clinic.They will be checking her levels and blood work.We have not been at the clinic for about 7-8 weeks.The nurses their surely are going to love seeing kelly.
Today Kelly was very happy to have one of her favorite home cooked meals,a whole chicken.She also had a visit from her friend Marli,whom she missed very much.
Tonight she is watching another movie,Ever After.She has been very tired today and probably will fall asleep early.

Monday, October 07, 2002 at 06:03 PM (CDT)

DAY 38

Well it was a typical day trying to get released from the hospital.What started at noon,ended up being about 6pm.
The end result: KELLY IS HOME.
The whole day was and still is very overwhelming.We had to get about a dozen prescriptions filled at the pharmacy in the hospital,which was not fun.Now sorting out all the meds and charting out when and how much to give kelly is a chore.
Kelly is very smart though.She knows pretty much what she has to take by the drug name,how much and what time.Now if only we can figure it out.Kelly has to go to the clinic every Monday,Wednesday,& Friday to have her levels checked.It will be our job to draw blood in the a.m. before going into the clinic at 9am.Between that and taking her blood pressure,flushing her ports, we could sure use a live in nurse.
Kelly is very happy to be home.She was very happy to see Peppy and her pig Peanut.Not to mention Michael & Corey.
It will definately take some time to get used to a routine again.Kelly is on a low salt diet which is hard to please her appetite.She cannot eat any fast food or resturant foods til after day 100.
Once again we would like to thank everyone for helping out at our house and the hospital.Kelly still has a long road ahead of her and your thoughts and prayers really mean a great deal to us.Kelly really enjoys reading her journal messages.
Tonight there will be no movie.
Thank you and goodnight.

Sunday, October 06, 2002 at 05:07 PM (CDT)

DAY 37

This could possably be Kelly's last night here at 8 north.Tonight Jackie(kelly's nurse) is going to show us how to take blood and use a blood pressure cup.This will be done at home for quite awhile.Dr.Goyle also told us the bone marrow results came back and kelly has 100% corey bone marrow.It will take awhile longer before her blood type completely switches over to his.Kelly still is not able to eat fast food until after day 100,which she is not thrilled about.Until that day,she cannot be around crowds of people without a mask.Her immune system is compare to a new born and we must be careful.
Hopefully the next time we write it will be from home.

Saturday, October 05, 2002 at 09:56 PM (CDT)

DAY +36

Today Mom went home to prepare the house for Kelly's return.It is going to be a bit scarey leaving the secure feeling that 8 north gives you.We would love to bring the wonderful nurses home with us.Kelly was in a good mood today until Dr.Goyle told us to start kel on a no/low salt and sugar diet.Kelly's blood pressure has been high since starting on steroids.She is taking meds to lower it,but the salt dont help matters.Kelly is also doing real good taking her 20 or so pills a day.She is now a expert.
Today was spent playing games on the computer,making crafts and watching The "Truman Show".Kelly is really looking forward to going home next week.We will need a truck to get all her stuff home.Tomorrow we will start bringing things home and mom is going back to clean some more.
It will be difficult not only leaving the nice nurses at 8 north but the other families on that floor.Its hard to be happy your leaving,knowing there are other children still there sick.Please when saying prayers for Kelly, say a few extra for the other children on that floor.Pray for Eddie.
Thank-you,Good night.

Friday, October 04, 2002 at 09:03 PM (CDT)

Day+34
Todays trip to the O.R. went very well.
They removed her left broviac and of course Kelly ask to keep it so now we have a collection of mediports and broviacs. Todays nurse forgot to get us the anc count but
the rest are
hgb-10.8
plts-71
wbc-15.5
We are all very excited about coming home on Monday(if all goes well) but we also know that Kellys recovery is far from over. She will have lots of visits to the clinic and they have told us for the firse several weeks she may be too weak to do much more than sleep,sit up, and walk a little around the house. But we also know with all of the prayers out there for her anthing is possible! Kelly has done so well so far.
Tonights movie is The Mask
Thank you again to everyone for all of the prayers and well
wishes.

Thursday, October 03, 2002 at 06:44 PM (CDT)

Day +33
HI everybody this is Kelly I'm going to write this jornal! Today I finally went to the playroom for private time and I made a banner with dolphin's,hearts,and stars on it.Tomorrow is my operation they are finally going to take my left borviac out,so if all go's well I'll go home Monday! But we will still have to follow the rules like I can't have tap water or fast food and have to stay away from crowds,I will miss the nures here but i'll be glad to see peppy and peanut.Thank you everybody for writing to me while i was here but we will still keep this site up while i am home. Counts Today
hgb:11.2
plts:69
wbc:18.7
anc:14,025

Wednesday, October 02, 2002 at 07:28 PM (CDT)

Day+32
Kelly had a much,much better night last night.
I guess she got depended on the morphene. Now they will slowly wean her off the morphene. Other than Kelly worrying about taking
her pills (THAT WOULD BE 17 TODAY) she is doing great.
We just had fun girl talk and she is in a great mood!
Maybe,maybe,just maybe this weekend we can come home. But before
we can come home there is some things i'll have to learn like taking a blood presure
and drawing blood from her broviac line. I only hope that I
can learn how. Whether I like it or not I'm becomeing a
part time nurse. (now thats pretty scary!)
Friday kelly will have to go to the O.R. once again to have one of her broviac lines removed. Its a good thing because
she doesn't need 2 anymore. When we come home we will still have to follow the same rules as the hospital. Like bottle water only no fresh fruit or vegies. no take out or fast food. ect. This will go on for the rest of the 100 days.
There will be a lot of drs. appointment down here and she will have to wear her mask out and try to avoid crowds but thats ok we will be home!
todays counts are
hgb-10.8
plts-62
wbc-15.0
anc-12,000
Thank you so much to everyone who walked in the light the night walk for the leaukemia socity
in Kellys honor! We wish we were there!
tonights movie is the nutty professor

Tuesday, October 01, 2002 at 06:40 PM (CDT)

DAY 31

Kelly had probably the worst night yet last night.She had withdrawl symtoms from stopping the morphene all at once.She was up all night with the jitters and really hyper.It took a while before they knew what was causing this.At 1,2,3am she was walking the halls.She was given benedryl and fetenoyl to calm her down and put her to sleep but this did not work.Finally at 9am today they gave her a dose of morphene.This worked and clamed her down.After the morphene Kelly slept til after 1 pm.She slept right thru school.Now they are giving her morphene every 6 hrs and will wein her down off of it.
The meds on the iv lines are down to two.At one point today they stopped everything and she was able to walk the halls without her pole.She still is not happy with the fact that she must take 7 pills twice a day.Todays bllod counts:
hgb: 10.4
plts: 70000
wbc: 15.6
anc: 9984
Dr Orlando is still impressed with kelly's condition.
Kelly also had a visit today from her good friend Cathy Howe and Teddy from The Mothers Hope foundation.Cathy always cheers kelly up and loved her visit.
Kelly is now calmed down and getting readt to watch one of her favorite movies "Moulin Rouge".

Monday, September 30, 2002 at 06:37 PM (CDT)

DAY 31

Today the doctors told Kel they needed her room for sick kids.They started to wein her off iv meds again.The morphene pump was removed,along with the cyclosporene iv.Little at a time they are stopping the iv's.Kelly is not thrilled because this means she has to take quite a few pills.Dr.Wollman visited today and secretly told Kelly "maybe" next week will be the week to go home.No promises,but still sounds great.She did have a really good day.They also stopped the med that stimulates white blood count growth.Todays counts are:
hgb: 10.4
plts: 75000
wbc: 20.3
anc: 16037
Kelly did not have school today,but will start again tomorrow at noon.Kelly likes to sleep in late.
Tonight kelly is watching Halloween Town on the Disney channel.

Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 05:24 PM (CDT)

Day+30
Today Kelly had a pretty good day. Corey and Daddy spent the
day with us. Michael and Kristen came later. Everything is pretty much the same except for her counts are really high.
Its mostly from the steroids. I don't think they concider
them a true count. We know her counts are going up but the
steroids bump them up to a false high. (I THINK) I will ask the drs. tomorrow. Sundays around here are a little quite. Not to many Drs. running around.
Kelly is working on a paint by number painting.
This room is starting to look like a gift shop. Its amazing
how kelly has kept herself busy. I am so proud of her!
Last week her teacher was here giving her lesson. Kelly didn't feel so good through the lesson but didn't say a word
until her teacher left and then kelly did get sick. I ask her how she got through it plus do so good. She said she just didn't want to stop.
Todays counts are
hgb 9.7
plts 82
wbc16.1
anc 13,846
Tonights movie is part 2 titanic
thanks everyone

Saturday, September 28, 2002 at 08:32 PM (CDT)

DAY 29

Today Kelly's skin graph results came back positive for
Graph vs Host Disease.This was pretty much expected,though we were hoping she could get away with out this.As usuall,Corey and Kelly are fighting with each other but now inside kel. The bone marrow results are not back yet.The marrow results will tell how much of corey's marrow as taken.What this means is Kelly will be on a high dose steroid for a while to treat the GVHD.They started the steroids last night by iv and by tonight she is showing some side effects.Kelly's cheeks are turing red and she is getting puffy.Her mood swings have just started and i'm sure will get worse.Hopefully this will be the last hard effect she will have to deal with.
The sick feelings continued today and she took something for the nausiousness.Kel did eat a litle more today.We expect once the steroids kick in full she will be eating alot more.Kelly is not happy about the steroid side effects.
Todays blood counts:
hgb: 10.2
plts: 84000 (transfusion yesterday)
wbc: 9.0
anc: 7560
Today kelly spent a lot of time making a wreath.She says it will probably take a few days to make it.
Tonights movie is "Titantic"
Once again,thank you everyone who have brought food to the house and to the hospital.We really do have great friends and appreciate it.

Friday, September 27, 2002 at 04:50 PM (CDT)

DAY 28

Kelly got back from the o.r. at about 4pm.Every thing went as planned.The doctor that did the scope tests say everything looks normal and sees nothing that would be causing kel to get sick.We still are waiting for the biopsy results that they took.The oncology docs did the bone marrow aspiration and took a skin graph.we will not see results from that for a few days.Because of her recent sickness,Dr.Orlando wants to begin her on steroids tonight anyways.He says he can always stop if results come back negative.He is thinking her being sick latley is from Graph vs Host disease.
Kelly is already apologizing for her upcoming mood swings.
Tonight kel is eating alittle bit of pizza bread and some ice cream.Once the steroids kicks in she will surley be eating alot more.
Since coming from the or kelly is feeling ok and is now very awake.She is on some morphene for the back pain.
Todays blood counts continue to be good.
hgb: 10.0
plts: 42000
wbc: 8.3 (higher than normal,but stimulated by drugs)
anc: 5810 (norm-5000-10000)
Kelly is pretty active today.Tonights movie is "clueless"

Thursday, September 26, 2002 at 06:54 PM (CDT)

DAY 27

Today kelly is not feeling well.She is still bothered with the nausiousness.No time has been set for tomorrows trip to the o.r. They are prepping her today for the upper/lower g.i.For some reason they want her to take a liquid med to clear her out,but she has nothing in her.The docs also decided not to remove the other broviac.They want to make sure the meds stay in her.Today counts are:
hgb: 10.1
plts: 40000
wbc: 5.7
anc: 3420
Kelly did manage to get thru school again today.The teacher says she is doing good.
Also today,now that kelly cannot eat anything,she is saying she is starving.We will see if she is still starving tomorrow after the or.
One last correction.Kelly is a cousin again, and thank god not a aunt.That would not be a good thing right now.

Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 06:33 PM (CDT)

DAY + 26

Kelly is now 1/4 of the way towards the 1st step goal of 100 days.We are still very happy with the progress she is making and (knock on wood)how she excepting Corey's bone marrow.Today all meds were stopped on the one broviac that is being removed Friday.Kelly is now swallowing 4,sometimes 6 pills in the morning and in the evening.She is getting pretty good at it.Dr orlando is on call this week and
"mentioned" next week we will start "talking" about goin home.So what ever that means it sounds promising.Alot has to do with the tests she has on Friday.Todays counts:
hgb: 10.2
plts: 45000
wbc: 5.7
anc: 3477
Kelly is sleeping now because they are still giving her fetenoyl for her nausia.
Kelly is also very excited to be a Aunt again.Ashleigh Wulf was born last night(congradulations,Kevin & jessica).
Kelly's appetite is slowly returning.She is eating Italian Ice and some peanut butter crackers.
Thank you also to whoever brought groceries last night to the house.Corey is in his own little world and does not know who brought them.Our whole neighborhood has been very kind and helpful and we cannot say enough to thank everyone.We are very lucky to live in such a great neighborhood.

Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 06:40 PM (CDT)

DAY + 25

Kelly had a pretty smooth day.School started today at noon.
Kelly did real well and the teacher seemed impressed with how she did.She was given 3 pages of homework and was done an hour later.After school Kelly made some crafts out of cast mould.She made a mask and a fish.
Kelly still is feeling pretty good.Today she was able to do two laps around the hall.Friday's O.R. visit seems to be getting busier.Besides the bone marrow aspiration,she will be getting a skin graph,upper & lower G.I. and she is having the original broviac port removed.Little by little they are preparing her to go home.She will be taking alot more meds by pill or liquid.She is abit worried about that.
Todays counts are still good:
hgb: 10.3
plts: 40,0000
wbc: 4.6
anc: 3588
Thanks to Holly, Kelly has plenty of computer games to keep her busy also.Tonights movie is "Big Fat Liar".

Monday, September 23, 2002 at 06:24 PM (CDT)

DAY + 24

Today Kelly had a good day.Mom got her to take a walk around the hall for free.She was again tired after one trip around.Kelly also did some craft work today,and had her nails painted.
Health wise,things have not changed alot.Dr. Orlando was the attending today.She still has to take something for the nausious feeling she has been having.The have started her back on the bactrim,which is a antibiotic pill she was taking pryor to transplant.Kelly will be on this for quite a while.She has been doing real good swallowing her pills.The Signs of Graph vs Host Disease are still present.This Friday they plan on doing a Bone Marrow test and take a skin graph to check the progression of the disease.This will be done in the O.R. sometime Friday.If the gvhd persist they will have to treat it with high doses of steroids.We are now praying that this is not necessary.Being on steroids has not been to comfortable in the past for Kelly.Todays counts:
hgb: 10.4
plts: 52,000
wbc: 4.1
ANC: 3075
Kelly is getting platlets tonight because there is a direct donor unit that expires tonight and they dont want to waste it.THANK-YOU DONORS.
Tonights movie is gonna be "House Guest".Thats if she stays awake.Prior to platlets she will get Benadryl which normally makes her sleep.Her temp is also starting to take its nightly rise.

Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 04:39 PM (CDT)

DAY +23

Kelly is not a happy camper today being mom went home for the day.We survived the day alright though.It costs me 10 bucks to bribe Kelly into taking a walk.She did real well walking around the loop.It did make her tired but it was good for her to get some exercise.
Dr Goyle checked on her today.He thinks the rash and temperature are definatley a sign of Graph vs Host Disease.He says he wants to wait it out without treating it right now.It is not real bad yet and all organ functions are normal. Kelly did need platlets this morning. Todays counts are:
HGB: 10.6
PLTS: 20,000 before transfusion
WBC: 4.3
ANC: 3655
Kelly is still feeling nausious and taking fetenoyl a few time each day.She is afraid of getting sick.
Overall things are still going pretty good and the idea is to get strong enough to get out of here.
Todays movie is 'The Wedding Singer".
Kelly is also excited that her favorite band,"Punchline" put her name on their new cd inside cover.

Saturday, September 21, 2002 at 06:41 PM (CDT)

day+22
todays counts are
hgb 10.5
plts 36
wbc 4.2
anc 3024
polys 58
bands 14
today dr. goyle came to see kelly. they are not sure why she keeps on getting sick. she does show some signs of
graft versus host disease. gvhd is not all bad. a mild or
moderate cases seems to have an anti-leukemic effect. they are going to have to do a skin biopsy to see what form and at what stage it is at. hopefully its mild. corey being a related perfect match helps.
the docs. would like to see kelly getting up and out of bed
more often. but kelly wasn't feeling well enough to go to
the playroom.
other than all of that. the docs. are really please with how well she is doing. her counts are great. and she looks
good.
kelly had a visit from her dad and corey and nothing lifts her spirits higher than a visit from her brothers! she just lights up all over!
the nurse just took kellys temp. and its up again.
it seems to rise at night. no movie tonight kelly would like
to go to sleep early.
thanks again to everyone and good night

Friday, September 20, 2002 at 07:07 PM (CDT)

DAY +21

Three weeks have gone since transplant and Kelly seems to be doing real well.She still is getting sick almost everyday for the last 3-4 days.Kelly is having bone pain which the doctors say is from the marrow working in her bones.She has been using more of the Morphene push latley to aleviate some of the pain.Also a rash has began to form on her stomach and leg area.This is a sign of Graph vs Host,which at a small level is good.Todays counts:
hgb: 10.2 since bllod yesterday
plts: 43000
wbc: 3.9
anc: 3003 and climbing (norm,5000-8000)
The plan today was a trip to playroom.Gayle had it all wiped down and quarentined off for kelly,but she did not feel well enough to go.The doctors told her she should get out in the hall and walk abit now.Maybe tomorrow.
Thank-you neighbors for this weeks dinners and help.

Thursday, September 19, 2002 at 06:58 PM (CDT)

Day + 20

Kelly is still feeling sick today. They are giving her medicine for nausea.The med makes her tired so she does sleep alot.Last night Kelly recieved Aunt Kate's platlets and today somebodies blood.Today's blood counts still looking good:
hgb:7.5 before transfusion
plts: 87,000 after transfusion
wbc: 2.6
anc: 1820
Dr. Woolman thinks that its possable the sickness is the graph vs host,which he says a little is good.This would fight off any remaining bad cells.
It's possable a trip to the play room will be tomorrow.Depends on how well she is feeling.Today a teacher came in to introduce herself.Looks like school may begin next Monday.Kelly also got a suprise visit from "Sponge Bob".Bob also visited the other Children.
Kelly is going to take a bath now and watch the rest of "I am Sam"

Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 06:23 PM (CDT)

DAY +19

Kelly continues to do well.Todays blood counts:
HGB: 7.8
PLTS: 36,000
WBC: 1.9
ANC: 1330
It's possable tomorrow Kelly may be able to leave the room with a mask on.She is looking forward to a trip to the play room.
Today Kelly did get sick again and we are now thinking it may be withdrawl from the Morphene.They did lower the dosage that she is getting.They also lowered the amounts of iv nutrients she is recieving,hoping she will get a appetite back.The plan is to start weining her off the antibiotics also.Though probably not completely,she may have to go home with some iv antibiotics.Talk of going home does sound good,but also is a bit scarey.Kelly won't have all the great nurses and docs checking her every now and then.A nurse did say she has seen some kids leave after 28 days.Knock on wood we are getting there.
Kelly continues to pass time making crafts and presents for people.Thank god for the Disney channel also.Tonights movie is "I am Sam"

Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at 05:41 PM (CDT)

DAY +18

Kelly is not having a good day today.It started out like the last few days,then Kelly got sick to her stomach.We are not sure why because she is not getting anything new to make her sick.All the medications she is on has that side effect,but why all of a sudden? The nurses gave her something for the nausea that put her to sleep.Maybe every thing is catching up with her.
Other than that the doctors are still pleased with how well she is doing.Todays counts are still encouraging.
HGB: 9.2 (greater th an 11 normal)
PLTS: 40,000 (150,000-450,000 normal)tranfuse under 20,000
WBC: 1.0
ANC: 530
Kelly needs 3 days in a row with anc over 500 to be able to go to playroom.She would still need a mask and no one else can be in the room when she is in their.They say her immune system is like a newborn baby (brand new)and she should not be around alot of people for awhile.
If Kelly wakes up i'm sure tonights movie will be
"Monsters Inc". She has been talking about it for a month now.

Monday, September 16, 2002 at 06:37 PM (CDT)

DAYS +16 & +17

Yesterday the server was down so there was no update.But no news was good news. Today like Sunday was another good day for Kelly.Kelly is feeling pretty good.On sunday she did get platlets.Also she had her unexplained evening fever of 101.It seems to go away come morning.Sundays movie was post poned to watch the lousy Steeler game.
Today Dr.Richtey has finally agreed that the bone marrow is starting to graph.Now we are watching for signs of graph versus host disease.This is when Kelly's system rejects the foreign marrow.This is expected to some degree as long as it does not get severe.They still have her on anti rejection drugs and anti biotics running constantly.Kelly's use of the Morphene pump is very minimal now.
Todays blood counts are:
HGB: 8.0
PLTS : 61000 after transfusion
WBC: 0.8
ANC: 232 up from yesterdays 164
When the anc count gets above 500,Kelly will get to leave her room and go to the play room or walk the halls.Still no sign of Kelly's appetite coming back yet,but it does not seem to bother her.
Kelly and Mom enjoyed a visit from Mrs.Mccullough today.
Tonights movie will be The Bachelor.
Kelly says thank-you & "Good Night" everybody.

Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 08:28 PM (CDT)

Day+15
Todays counts are
hgb-7.8(red blood cells)normal is greater than 11 but 8 to 11 is ok
plts 28 (platelets)-helps to stop bleeding normal is
150,000 to 450,000
wbc-0.3
anc-180-type of white blood cell that fights infection
normal 1500-total white blood cell count of 4,000 to 10,000
polys-40
bands-20
Kelly slept most of the day today.
she is a little run down. I think everything is starting
to catch up to her. the nurse just came in and took her
temp. and its above 101. now they have to draw blood
cultures to see if there is anthing growing. Today
and most days takes us on little roller coster rides.
We are starting to ger excited about her anc count (its 180
corey's bone marrow is starting to percolate!)
and then she gets a fever. now we have to worry about a infection. But she is on a few types of antibiotics.
She should be ok.
Kelly did have a visit from her friend Andi and sister Katie
and dad today. She really enjoyed seeing them!
tonights movie was longshot. Kelly is sleeping now. Hopefully she will have a restful night.
thank you everyone again for caring about our family!

Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 08:28 PM (CDT)

Day+15
Todays counts are
hgb-7.8(red blood cells)normal is greater than 11 but 8 to 11 is ok
plts 28 (platelets)-helps to stop bleeding normal is
150,000 to 450,000
wbc-0.3
anc-180-type of white blood cell that fights infection
normal 1500-total white blood cell count of 4,000 to 10,000
polys-40
bands-20
Kelly slept most of the day today.
she is a little run down. I think everything is starting
to catch up to her. the nurse just came in and took her
temp. and its above 101. now they have to draw blood
cultures to see if there is anthing growing. Today
and most days takes us on little roller coster rides.
We are starting to ger excited about her anc count (its 180
corey's bone marrow is starting to percolate!)
and then she gets a fever. now we have to worry about a infection. But she is on a few types of antibiotics.
She should be ok.
Kelly did have a visit from her friend Andi and sister Katie
and dad today. She really enjoyed seeing them!
tonights movie was longshot. Kelly is sleeping now. Hopefully she will have a restful night.
thank you everyone again for caring about our family!

Friday, September 13, 2002 at 06:17 PM (CDT)

day + 14

Not a whole lot new today.Kelly is feeling very tired today and has been sleeping a lot.It has been another uneventful day so far which we are not complaining about.Kelly did manage to wake up for a visit from Gayle to do some craft work.Dr. Goyle came in also and told kelly she should get out of bed and sit in a chair whenever possable.She needs to work her muscles so a trip to the children's institute is not needed.We did not get any new signs of marrow graphing today.Tomorrow's another day.Her counts today:
hgb:8.3
plts: 41000
wbc: 0.2
no new listing for the anc count.
It is likely she will need platlets sometime this weekend.
Kelly says her mouth and throat sores are much much better.
Tonights movie will be The Wedding Planner.
Kelly says thanks to everyone for the thoughts and prayers and good-night.

Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 06:27 PM (CDT)

DAY + 13

"Hopefully Optimistic". That is how they are describing today's counts.
hgb:8.5
plts: 61000
wbc: 0.2
anc: 80 (the biggie)
polys: 40 (also the biggie)

No one is saying anything for sure,but kelly has a anc count where yesterday she did not.
Kelly seems to be feeling pretty good today.She says her sores are not bothering her as much today.She is not pushing the Morphene button as much as yesterday.The appetite for food is not back yet but she is drinking a little bit of root beer.Last nite she began to run a small fever,but today it has been normal.Kelly's activity level today has been great.Seems like every nurse here is getting a bracelett from Kelly.She also has done some sand art work.
Tonights movie will be "Never Been Kissed". Another Kelly favorite.
If this is the start of the bone marrow graphing we are praying kelly's host does not reject Corey's marrow.

Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 05:08 PM (CDT)

Day + 12

Today Kelly is feeling pretty good.No change in throat sore.They did increase the dosage of Morphene to make her more comfortable.Today's problem was when they went to change her bandage on her chest,her skin came off with it.Her skin is very sensative and this was vert painful and upsetting for Kel.We also asked the doc's when to expect the bone marrow to show signs of graphing.He said normally 14-21 days and normally its the latter.We will take a somewhat uneventful day.no surprises is a good thing.
Kelly also wanted to let everyone know what she did today.8 North had a special visitor today.A female Nascar driver named Arlene Pittman visited Kelly.She came in dressed in her race outfit and took pix with Kelly.She also signed an autographed picture of her with "Pink Fire" her pink race car.Kelly was impressed that a female was a race car driver.
Kelly also spent today making a bracelett for her nurses.She has been giving her favorite nurses bracelets she makes.Kelly also painted a bird house for her Mom to hang up when they get home.Tonight's movie nite movie is My Best Friends Wedding.One of Kelly's many favorites that Mrs Mcculough brought in for her.

Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at 03:14 PM (CDT)

DAY + 11

Kelly is back from surgery and doing very good.They said the broviac line had a puncture hole in it.A new broviac was installed next to the old one.Kell was a little nervous before hand but as usuall she was very brave goin into the O.R. Today is also her final round of Methotrexate.We are now just waiting for signs that the bone marrow is graphing.Everyone seems to be impressed with how well kelly is doing.
Kelly's counts today are:
hbg:8.5
plts:71000
wbc:0.1
anc: 0
We are looking for the anc count to rise,which is a one sign of graphing.Hopefully as this comes up her mouth & throat sores will go away also.
Kelly still is not eating anything and says she is not even hungry.The iv nutrients are keeping her from feeling hungry.
Kelly says thanks for the cards and has them hanging up on the wall in her room.Rest of today she will spend mostly resting.

Monday, September 09, 2002 at 08:03 PM (CDT)

DAY +10

Kelly's surgery is scheduled for Tuesday at 2pm.Today she recieved platlets twice to bring her counts up before tomorrow.They will stop the Hepbern tomorrow morning 6 hrs before surgery.The iv line in her arm is working ok for now and kelly says she is getting used to it being there.Kelly picked chocolate flavor oxygen for her sleepy medicine tomorrow.
The sores in her throat still persist and will remain until her ANC count comes back up.It is currently 0.The docs have increased her Morphene and kelly can press the button every 15 minutes or so if she needs more.Today she was very tired because they gave her benedryl before the platlets.Kelly was busy today making her dad's birthday present which you can see in the new picture posted.
Thank you neighbors for dinner and the birthday cake.

Sunday, September 08, 2002 at 07:44 PM (CDT)

DAY +9

What a difference a day makes.Today Kelly has some problems with her broviac port.The newest one has ruptured inside.This happened today while she was recieving a blood transfusion.This presents a problem because they need more than two ports.At all times she has at least three drugs going into her and sometimes four.A quick temporary fix was to install a iv line in her arm the conventional way.Even though this is one of Kelly's bigest fears,she handled it very bravely.The long term fix is to go back to surgery and install a new broviac or medaport.We are concerned because the O.R. is not germ free and she has no immune system.
We do not know for sure but they will probably do it Monday.
Kelly's platlet count was also very low so they are giving her platlets tonight.
In spight of all this Kelly was happy to have a visit today from her brothers.She was finally able to give Michael his birthday presents.They were also happy to see her.
Well i guess we will see what tomorrow brings.Thanks again for everyone's help and continual prayers for Kelly.

Saturday, September 07, 2002 at 08:51 PM (CDT)

Day+8
Kelly was in great spirts today!
She was awake most of the day busy doing crafts.
The Drs. are very pleased with her so far.
She didn't need blood today her r.b.c. count
went up a bit. She is still on i.v. nutrition,but asked
for a root beer pop and drank a little bit of it. She still has the mucositis(mouth + thoat sores) the morphine is helping.
Kelly misses her daddy and brothers a whole lot but they still have colds and we can't take any chanses.
Everyday behind us is one day closer to home.
Thank you everyone for the prayers. Kelly had a good day!!!

Friday, September 06, 2002 at 08:07 PM (CDT)

DAY +7
One week has gone by,but 100 days seems so far away.
Kelly slept most of the day.She is very weak from the increase Morphene and Benedryl.Her temperature is still teetering at 101.
She also needed another platlet tranfusion today.Her rbc count is at 7.0 which means tomorrow she will probably need blood.Thank you to everyone who is giving blood & platlets.
We can not say enough to thank everyone who is helping us through out the past few months and now.The wide spread amount of people who are thinking and praying for Kelly is overwhelming.

Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 07:31 PM (CDT)

DAY +6

Not a whole lot new today,which is sorta of good news.Still can't visit Kelly due to colds.Kelly is still feeling very tired & the sores in her throat have not improved yet.She continues to be on Morphene pump.Tonight her temperature has come up to 38(almost 101).Again they took cultures.
The platlet transfusion has brought her count up to 40,000.
The rbc is at 8(transfuse <7).
Kelly activitiy level is short and limited.She did do some craft work today with Gayle.She also spent some time on line.Kelly goes on her sight each morning.She really enjoys the messages everyone is sending her.She likes to see the number of people that has viewed her sight.The words of encouragement really mean alot.Thank you to everyone.

Wednesday, September 04, 2002 at 05:20 PM (CDT)

DAY + 5

No visits to Kelly again today.Don't want to take any chances with colds and sore throats at home.Kelly is not feeling well with the sores in her throat and mouth.They now have her on a Morphene pump.This gives her a constant amount of Morphene,and she can pump more if she needs it.They started her on antibiotics last night because she had a fever.Cultures were also taken.Although today the fever has gone away for no explained reason.
Kelly's counts were low enough today that she did need a platlet transfusion.
platlets :14,000
rbc : 9
wbc : close to 0
anc: well under cautious level of 500
I believe the first sign of the bone marrow graphing will be seen in white blood count.This takes about 10-14 days from day 0.
Kelly spent a great deal of today sleeping.She says she never felt so tired before.She is really being very good about what she's going thru.She truely is one brave and courageous girl.

Tuesday, September 03, 2002 at 04:07 PM (CDT)

DAY + 4

Kelly is disappointed today.Corey has a slight sore throat and not feeling real well,so we cancelled our trip down to see her.
Kelly's temperature has been creeping up most of the day.It wont be long before they start antibiotics for that.The mouth and throat sores seem to be getting worse.She has been getting Morphene more often now.
Today she did manage to do crafts with gayle.She made a coaster out of wood.She enjoys the daily visits from Gayle.This helps pass some time doing something other than laying in bed watching tv or movies.I'm sure the time is coming where she wont feel like doing anything.

Monday, September 02, 2002 at 05:51 PM (CDT)

DAY +3

Happy Labor Day,another one spent in the hospital.Kelly's first diagnosis was this holiday 1994.We sure thought this nightmare would be over by now.
Today Kelly had a quiet day spent with Mom,Dad & Corey.The sores in her mouth have also moved to her throat.They must be pretty uncomfortable.The doctors prescribed Morphene as needed.She held up all day without it,but asked for some this evening.Dr.Goyle is happy so far with how she is doing.He says alot of kids get real sick right away after the transplant.We know its just a matter of time as her counts drop,she will get sicker before she gets better.Her platlet count is at 39,000(tranfuse under 20,000).Red blood count is @ 10 (ok) and WBC @ .06.
Kelly spent some time today playing checkers with Corey and watching movies.Every night is movie night after baths.Tomorrow she is looking forward to having cake for Michael's 16th birthday.

Sunday, September 01, 2002 at 02:26 PM (CDT)

DAY +2

Kelly'stomach sickness has gotten better.It must have been from the Methotrexate.Today she is bothered by sores in her mouth.They gave her a medicine to numb her mouth.She was not crazy about the taste.Other than that,so far today has been uneventful.Her blood count continues to get lower.Next week sometime she will probably need blood and platlets.
Mom went home for the day to see Michael & Corey.This did not please Kelly but we managed to amuse ourselves by watching a movie.Unfortuantly this did not last to long and she was bored again.100 days can't come soon enough for any of us.Tuesday is Michael's 16th birthday,kelly is sad she wont be there for it.
Kelly say thanks for the nice cards,messages.& email.She will be on line when she feels up to it.

Saturday, August 31, 2002 at 07:05 PM (CDT)

DAY + 1

Today started out good for Kelly.She spent alot of time this moring playing on the computer.Her mood was real good.Some time mid afternoon kelly got sick to her stomach.This pretty much put a stop to her pleasantness.It seemed to be a uncontrollable sickness.The nurse did give her something to control the sickness. This put her to sleep rather quickly for the rest of the day.We felt bad because one minute she was fine the next she was getting sick.She was given Methotrexate and some other drugs today.These possably did not aggree with her.
Corey seems to be doing just fine.He says his back and iv spots are sore.He does have to take iron medicine for the next couple months.Of course it taste just great.
Not sure if Corey realalizes what he really has done for Kelly.He had a long rough day Friday,but handled it like a trooper.
The picture page has been updated to include 2 pix taken while Kelly was getting her new bone marrow.

Friday, August 30, 2002 at 04:11 PM (CDT)

DAY 0

Well the actual transplant was completed at about 4pm. Kelly and Corey are both doin fine right now.The bone marrow harvest began at 730 am in the O.R.It took longer than they thought because they had a hard time finding Corey's veins.At 10:30 Corey was taken to the recovery room.
He needed 1 unit of a blood transfusion. At 2:30 they began the transplant into Kelly.Kelly was premedicated so she slept thru the whole process.She is awake now and watching tv.
It was a very long day running up & down from floor to floor,kid to kid.Now we have to wait for the marrow to graph.This is gonna be the hard part.The doctors say to expect fevers,sores,ect which they will treat as they come up.Its gonna be hard sitting around just waiting for these things to happen.Now all we can hope for is that magic number day of 100,which seems so far away.

Thursday, August 29, 2002 at 05:36 PM (CDT)

Day -1
Today was the final round of radiation and hopefully chemo too.Kelly is in very good spirits today.She spent alot of time playing games on the computer and listening to music.Of course she had craft time with Gayle.Her appetite is not much better today,but she did start protein iv yesterday.She now has all four ports being used with some fluid goin in her.Kelly also needed a blood transfusion today.Her counts have dropped to the cautious point.
HBG - 7.9 (greater than 11 normal)
ANC - 440 (greater than 1500 norm)
Plts - 142,000 (150,000-450,000 norm)
WBC- .5
Tomorrow is the "big" day. Corey must be here at 6am for the 7:30 surgery.The surgery for Corey will take approx 1 hour once started.They will have to process the marrow since the blood types are not the same.They remove the red blood cells.The Transplant into Kelly will take place sometime afternoon.This process takes 2 hours and is just like a blood transfusion.Kelly will be on steroids,Benadryll,and tylenol before and during the transplant.
Thank you every one for your kind thoughts and prayers.

Thursday, August 29, 2002 at 05:17 PM (CDT)

Wednesday, August 28, 2002 at 04:45 PM (CDT)

DAY -2
Another day of radiation is completed.All the radiology technicians/nurses are suprised at how well Kelly is handling the radiation.So far she is doing real well.Other than loosing her taste buds,kelly is feeling ok.Today she ate pizza bread and chips.She says its like eating air because there is no taste,but she knows she has to eat something to stay strong.Kelly is also doing alot of arts and crafts today.
Tomorrow will be the final radiation treatment.They usually have her there at 7-730 am,but they say she can sleep in tomorrow.After that its sit and wait for Corey's bone marrow.
Corey had his physical and blood work done today.All checked ok for him.The nurses have trouble finding his veins for the blood work.The iv part is what worries him the most.He is still being real brave about the procedure.

Tuesday, August 27, 2002 at 04:13 PM (CDT)

DAY -3
Both radiation treatments are done for the day.Kelly is feeling much better today.The jaw pain is gone.Radiology nurses say that is common after radiation,but goes away after day or so.Her appetite is better today but she hates the food here.She has eaten cereal and what appears to be some sorta chicken.Kelly is not a happy camper and would like food from home.The medicine must have an effect on her taste buds because she says the food texture feels strange in her mouth.The doctors said they will start her on a protein iv tomorrow.This is to keep her strong goin into effects of treatment.
Today's blood counts have dropped down as expected.The blood bank called today to say the only type they can except for kelly now is O negative.This has something to do with the transfer of blood types from kelly's to Corey.O negative blood will work either type.
Corey is gettin a bit nervous,but still feels its worth missing school on Friday.

Monday, August 26, 2002 at 07:23 PM (CDT)

DAY -4
Kelly completed her 1st day of radiation treatment today.She had two rounds,one at 7 am & the other at 2pm.Other than it being noisey she said it was not to bad.It was very loud,but she managed to sleep thru it.After her 2nd treatment she bagan to have pain in both sides of her jaw.The doctors unsure of cause,but put her on morphene iv for tonight.They thought it to be a bit soon to be caused by radiation,but maybe combo of cytoxan and radiation.Kelly's blood counts are actually going up right now,which is strange to see.The doctors say this is normal and it will all of a sudden drop from the radiation.Kelly's activity level has dropped alot also.Gail,the child life specialist made crafts with Kelly for about a hour.That's about the extent of her playing.She did manage to watch a marathon of Sponge Bob.
Unfortuanatly she is also not eating very much.The jaw pain and just plain not feeling very well cuts back on her appetite.Tomorrow she has two more rounds of radiation.
Corey will come in wednesday for blood work,and then return Friday for the actual transplant.He is being very brave about the whole process.

Sunday, August 25, 2002 at 12:56 PM (CDT)

DAY -5
Kelly got sick last night from yesterdays chemo so they gave her medicine to prevent this.This medicine is making her quite drousey so she is sleeping alot.Between that med and the lasik all she is really doin now is sleeping and goin to the bathroom.Also yesterday one of the broviac ports quit working.Doc think there must be a restriction somewhere in line.For now we will work with the three other ports.They say its nice having 4 ports but 3 will work.
Kelly has completed her second and last round of cytoxan.Tomorrow she will get her 1st radiation treatment.Todays blood counts are low,but not real bad yet.No transfusuion's are needed yet.
Thank you to everyone from Alcoa and everyone else, who is or are goin to donate blood or platlets.It is very comfortable knowing people are donating blood for her.

Saturday, August 24, 2002 at 05:09 PM (CDT)

DAY -6
Today started with a visit from Dr.Goyle.He believes Kelly is doing well as far as her strenghth goin into the transplant.Kelly then was pre medicated for her chemo.Today she recieved her 1st dose of cytoxan.She also has 3 other assorted iv's goin in her.Some are for anti biotics and others so she dont get too sick from the chemo.Her mood and spirits are beginning to change.Between being bored and the meds its hard to tell which one.Earlier today she was on line with marli and punchline which made her happy.Right now(6:15 pm) she is resting.She does not have an appetite to eat any thing.On tv is all Disney,which tends to get to you after awhile.Tomorrow plans are pretty much the same as today.Kelly says hello to every one and you can look for her on line when she is feeling ok.(www.ewan3399@aol.com)

Friday, August 23, 2002 at 04:04 PM (CDT)

Kelly has arrived on 8 north and is on line.She is busy doing artistic work now.She must design her sign for the front door.Today it was very important for us to get here by 11am,so we can sit around all day and do nothing.She will be starting anti biotics & fluids soon.Kelly says she is bored,but she is really in good spirits today.Gail gave her lots of craft work to keep her busy and now she has the computer.We would love to see her with these spirits the whole time but we know that wont happen.Dinner has arrived and we will see what supprises her under that tray lid.She can only eat what they bring her,no fast food or cafateria.
Kelly will be in touch later.
Kellly says-Good-bye for now.

Wednesday, August 21, 2002 at 07:27 PM (CDT)

Kelly's day began today at 8am at children's for a EKG &
sonogram.She watched Shrek while the tests were being done.All tests went real well and results were both good.This means that the rest of her body is healthy enough to proceed.
After the tests she reported to out patient surgery for a 10am appointment.Now of course 10am really meant 12:30 by the time she went in.Kelly had another broviac put in and a
bone marrow test,and a spinal tap.The best part of this kelly says is the anestesia.She likes the fact that she gets to sleep thru all this.By the time she woke up in recovery and was able to leave it was 5:30pm. Kelly is feeling very tired tonight,but otherwise ok.Thursday is a day off,so im sure she will be doing some sorta craft.Next step is Friday am to 8 north for admittance.

Tuesday, August 20, 2002 at 04:46 PM (CDT)

Well Monday was a long & stressful day for Kelly.We got to the hospital at 8:15 am & left at 11:30pm.
First appointment was to meet with the radiologist at presby who will be performing the radiation treatments.He examined kelly and told us what his part of the process is.He also went over all possable effects of radiation and what we can do about them.
Next we went to the pulmonary tests.This was to make sure kelly's respiratory system was ok for transplant.This test took a little more than a hour.At 2pm we went to clinic to meet with Jason the transplant coordinator.He went thru the details of what to bring or not to the hospital.He also answered any questions kelly had about the transplant.Kelly asked if she would have access to a computer online while in and they assured her she would.This should help pass some time.Dr. goyle did examine kelly and checked her counts.At 4:30 it was determined she needed a transfusion. We were off to 8 north for what they call "short Stay". Well short stay turned into about 7 hours.
Tomorrow we must be at hospital at 8 am for tests,then surgury at hopefilly 10 am.The blood seemed to perk kelly up alot.She looks alot better today and has alot more energy than she has lately.The highlight of her day was going to the craft store and miami subs with marli and her mom.

Friday, August 16, 2002 at 05:34 PM (CDT)

Kelly's transplant coordinator has now schedule things to begin.On Monday kelly must be at hospital 9am for a day full of tests and exams.Wednesday back to hospital for EKG tests and surgery to install another broviac port.
Kelly will be admitted next friday to 8 north which will be home for the next 2-3 months.They will begin preparing her for the bone marrow transplant by giving her 4 days of chemo treatment and 3 days of total body radiation.On Friday, August 30 Corey will be brought in to perform the bone marrow extraction from him and then put in Kelly.Corey is expected to need some blood transfusions on that day and will be sore for a little while afterwards.By this time Kelly's counts will be 0 and the idea is that corey's marrow finds its way to Kelly's bones.This process takes time.Approx 2-3 weeks for it to begin.During this time Kelly is acceptable to infections and must be monitored very closey.
Kelly is a very special and strong person.We are looking forward to this being over and done with.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Tuesday, August 13, 2002 at 06:37 PM (CDT)

Our appointment on monday ended up not for kelly, but to meet with the transplant team.They discussed the process and procedures in detail.
Kelly,s appointment was today.She seemed in good spirits today but still a bit scared.Her blood counts are still low but not low enough for transfusion.DR. Woolman says counts should now rise. The rest of her check up went well and she recieved her chemo treament.The transplant coordinator met us and discussed plans.Kelly will need another broviac port installed.Next week sometime they will schedule surgery to have it installed. At the same time she will get a bone marrow extraction and a spinal tap.They believe by the end of next week they will admit her and begin the pre transplant chemo and radiation.This will take approx 7-8 days prior to the actual transplant.Dr.Goyle,the transplant doc says the 1st 3-4 week will be the toughest.
Kelly is now looking for ways to keep her busy.Thanks to Holly she is doing alot of ceramics and crafts when she is feeling well.Thanks to everyone for your encouraging messages.Kelly loves to read them.
Also a special thank you to Mr.Papay for his piano benifit for Kelly,held at his church.It was very thoughtful of him and all the people whom attended.

Thursday, August 08, 2002 at 06:12 PM (CDT)

Kelly's doc appointment was changed to this Monday.
She is doing good except some sickness from the chemo.She is also very bored.Kelly is doing alot of crafts to keep busy.Between that & getting on Corey's nerves thats about it for now.

Tuesday, August 06, 2002 at 05:36 PM (CDT)

Kelly's doc appointment went well today.As ussual,the nurse had a hard time drawing blood from her ports.Finally she did and her counts came back low as expected,but no blood or platlet transfusion needed today.She was given her vinchristine(chemo).Corey also had to get blood work done.They had a hard time finding his veins,but finally did.
He was real brave even though we could tell he was nervous.Corey also got a pre exam to get ready for his role.
If all goes ok Kelly will go back next Tuesday for same chemo and count check.We are to meet with transplant doctors next week to discuss our next step and ask any questions.Kelly is in good spirits right now but a bit scared of whats comin up.

Sunday, August 04, 2002 at 09:00 PM (CDT)

Kelly had a good weekend.Last tuesday she had chemo treatment which went well.She must go every tuesday for two more weeks.This week her brother Corey must come to get some blood work done. He is being very brave about being the donor.The bone marrow transplant should take place sometime near the end of August.
Kelly's counts are still somewhat good so she was able to go to the drive ins on saturday night with her aunt and uncle.She seen Stuart Little.
Her counts may not be as good this week when they check them so we were glad she had a fun weekend.

Tuesday, July 30, 2002 at 09:07 PM (CDT)

In September, 1994 Kelly was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Lukemia (ALL).She spent the next 26 months going thru chemo treatments.All was well for the next 18 months and in May 1998,Kelly relapsed.Once again Kelly was put thru the terrible effects of chemo therapy and hospital stays.After 26 more months of treatment we thought it was over.Kelly was doing real well and began a normal life as a 10 year old girl.In May of 2002,Kelly began experiencing pain in her chest area.At first doctors believed it was a chest cold and said it will go away.The pain worsened and in the back of our minds was the obvious.We found out just before memorial day what we knew but did not want to believe,Kelly relapsed again.Kelly began chemo treatment again immediatley. Kelly and our family is now preparing for a bone marrow transplant sometime in August.We are happy of the fact that our son Corey is to be her donor.It sometimes is hard to talk about what kelly is going through in person.We appreciate very much all that everyone is doing and know that alot of peolpe are praying and love Kelly very much.Therefore we will try to keep people informed on this site.

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