History

Sunday, March 4, 2007 7:09 PM CST

Wow, its sure been a long time since I have been on this site. Its so quiet that I can think and finally finish a thought. Its been so busy and heatic here for quite a while. My parents, Rachael and I are in Baltimore, MD right now so that we may see another specialist tomorrow. We are staying at the Ronald McDonald HOuse and it sure is nice, what a wonderful play room and room. And everyone is so nice.

Rachael is still having so much trouble with her GVHD and the trial drug that she has been on is not working very much and it is real bad on her scalp. We are back on so many meds right now. But still she is a trooper with everything going on. She has also begun to have seizures and has been diagnosed with Epilepsy and it on meds for that. I am sorry that she is having this problem but I am glad that she is not having the grand mal seizures. She is having the Ped Mal Seizures with the staring and zoning out. THe last couple of months she has had to have quite a few test from EEG's, MRI, MRA, CT and such, plus all the blood work. Counts have been pretty good, but we still pray everyday and hope that she will continue to do good. but all the problems lately sure have out family really worried.

Rachael just had a birthday on Feb. 4, its hard to beleive that she is 5 and we are very thankful she has made it this far.

Thank you all for all your prayers, but please call I would love to talk to a friend. (Mom need it!!)

Love to all,
Cheryl

Wednesday, September 13, 2006 5:59 PM CDT

Wow what a busy summer and start of school. Rachael is now allowed to go to Preschool. She rides the bus in the morning and I pick her up at 11:30. If her counts stay up, they will have her stay all day. She is in a special ed preschool class with only 6 other students. We did this because of her 25% delay and less chance of her getting something (I hope). I took pictures of her getting on the bus with her brother and boy did I cry. My little baby is taking a big step that we thought that she might not make. She looks so little on the bus, but she loves every minute of it.

She goes tomorrow for her treatment. We have 3 to 9 more months of the low doses of chemo. It is slowly working on her skin. She hates to get stuck and even get her needle out of her port. When they had to re stick her when her needle came out and the site was not numb, it did a number of her. So everytime the nurses come near her, we have a really hard time. These are times that I miss transplant very much.

Thank everyone so much for your support with our family in so many ways. Some days I don't know what to do with all that is on my plate, especially financially. One day I know that we will be ok and be able to help others the way, we have been helped. Charity and her family held two yard sales for us and it was great. Thank you, WE LOVE U ALL.

Love,
Cheryl and family

Saturday, April 29, 2006 2:18 PM CDT

What busy days that we have had lately. Found out GVHD in still active and then what to do for Rachael. Found clinical trial now had to wait for chemo drug to come from Chicago. Finally came and started 3 hour IV on this new chemo drug that is for GVHD. Now we have to watch counts very closely. Chance she might have to have blood and platlets again. Hope not but you dont know. Lots to think about again. I wonder how much more that I can deal with at times, but I take quite a few deep breaths and go with the flow. But boy do I get lots of headaches and chest pain lately.

Rachael did well with her first round on this chemo, she had a upset stomach with diahrrabut that was it. It did not last long. She is such a strong girl, just like her daddy. She will be getting the chemo once every 2 weeks with the trial for 6-12 months. The doctors hope that the discoloration of her skin will finally go away.

We filled out Rachael's paperwork for school for September. If her counts stay up and she is doing well, she will go to school 4 days a week 1/2 days. She will ride the bus in the morning and then I will pick her up. I know I will cry like a baby when she gets on the bus. I know that this will be good for her to play with other children and learn so many things. We now have a wonderful teacher coming to the house twice a week. I have all kinds of crafts and things that Rachael has made all over the kitchen.

We leave Wed. for a trip that Casey Cares Foundation arranged for us. We are heading to TN to Dollywood. We can't wait. The kids are looking forward to get to go ride rides and have fun. Ask me after the 7 hour one-way trip (haha). Can't wait to have fun with the kids especially in case Rachael's count drop.

I say a prayer most nights that Rachael will continue to do well and not give up. She is my baby and this is so hard, but we have faith and can't give up. I know that she is already in your prayers and we thank you. Prayers do work.

Love to all,
Cheryl, Rachael and family

Thursday, April 13, 2006 8:48 PM CDT

What a busy last couple of weeks its been. Back and forth to the doctors. From clinic to eye doctors, orthopedic doctors and dentist. Rachael and the family is doing pretty good. I feel very tired and worn out, but got to go.

Just found out about the GVHD, its still active and the Enbrel injections have stopped working so another med we will be trying. We should know on next Wed. I feel so bad for Rachael, still doing so many things to her body. Sometimes it scares me so, but I do understand.

We have moved back to Peds Oncology, there is a new doctor who specializes in Peds. BMT. She is very good but really miss everyone on the BMT floor. the care and love was outstanding. I can only say good things about them and the care that they provided Rachael. WE LOVE YOU ALL AND MISS YOU!!!!!!!! LOVE YOU JUDY!!!! Thanks for being my back bone at times and just listening.

Rachael is still being home schooled and loving every minute of it. Ms. Ampy works really well with her.

I hope that everyone will have a wonderful EASTER.

Love to All,

Cheryl and Family

Wednesday, February 8, 2006 7:50 AM CST

Happy New Year to Everyone. What a busy Holiday Season we had and then 3 Birthdays right after. Sorry that I have not written lately, but have been a little sad at times and hard to write about things that are going on.

As you know Rachael has been getting shots for her Graft Verses Host Disease that has attacked her skin. Well, she has been getting her weekly shots for this, but the treatment is not working like the doctors have hoped. We will be seeing a Ped Bone Marrow Transplant doctor next week to see if there is something more out there that can help Rachael. Tomorrow will be the last trip to the Bone Marrow Clinic and it will be really hard. These doctors and nurses are like family to us, and care for us so much. I am really going to miss the back rubs (haha) and just talking to everyone. To see the nurses and Rachael run up and down the halls is really a trip to see. And now Rachael loves the men up there, she runs to them first. I guess I better watch her when she gets older, you think. At least she has good taste. But to all the staff up on the Bone Marrow Transplant floor: You all are so wonderful and have done so much for this family, in thought, words, deeds and especially for just being their when needed. We will miss you, but promise to visit often. Thank you for everything and we will miss you, especially Rachael's favorite nurses and doctors.

This move to a new clinic I hope will be good for Rachael but I am very worry of this move for a lot of reasons. As long as it will help Rachael, I will just deal with it. Rachael just turned 4 years old on Feb. 4. She celebrated a Dinosaur Birthday will her older brother, James and her grandpa. Some of her friends could not be with her, but a wonderful time was had by all with pizza and ice cream cake. She and James loved their gifts. Its so hard to believe that Rachael is getting older and we have been doing this hospital thing for over 3 years. I am so thankful that she is still with us, but with all the obstacles it's easy to think other things.

I must thank some special people who helped out family have a wonderful Christmas: To our friends at Capital One for coming in and fixing a rotten board in the bathroom and the wonderful goodies that you brought with you. The bathroom looks so nice and we are grateful to you for coming and doing this.

To Charity and her elves: All I can say is WOW!!! The presents were very over whelming. The children got so much and were so happy to open so many things that they wanted. To have you and your family in our lives, we are the ones that are blessed. Your friendship means so much to us. I know a illness brought us together and I am glad we can be there for each other. Watching you have made me stronger in a lot of ways, Thank you, LOve you.

To Joan and her staff: Thank you for the pony for Rachael, she pulls it around the house all day. She loves to sit and ride it. James and Ashley loved their goodies, especially the football and books. Thank you so much for all your kindness.

Mom, Dad and Allen: Thank you for being there for us at all times. I know that you would be here no matter what, but want you to know that you are very much appreciated and that we love you for all that you do.

Once I talk to the Ped Bone Marrow Transplant doctor I will let you know what is decided.

Good Bye for now,
Love,
Cheryl and Family

Wednesday, November 30, 2005 10:38 AM CST

Happy Holidays to all,

Its already been a very busy season and Christmas is not even here yet. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family and friends. The little ones had a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving with bologna sandwiches, peanut butter sandwiches, popcorn and chips, but at least they ate. It was so cute to see them really get into their table and goodies.

Rachael is now back going to the hospital at least once week for chemo injections. The GVHD is back on her skin and because of all the medication that she is back on her immune system in now again suppressed. But we know that she is a fighter and will be back to old self again.

It's hard to beleive that on Dec. 16 it will be 3 years since she was first diagnosed. I am already having a hard time knowing that this is coming soon. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but just can not get to the light. What a long road it is. But I know we will get there with all the prayers that we have receive and with the Lord's guidance.

We would like to wish a very happy holiday to everyone and to say Thank you for all that everyone has done for us. We love you all.

Merry Christmas,
Cheryl and Family

Monday, September 12, 2005 7:29 AM CDT

What a wonderful morning it is today. I wish I could feel as wonderful as the morning is bright. Rachael is having some problems and I just don't know how to handle these things right now. I have so many emotions inside of me and I dont know what to do: cry, hit something, frustration.

The first of Sept. Rachael would of started her immunizations to start school soon, but that will not happen as planned. You see Rachael has GVHD again, right bad on her skin. She looks like she is wearing a mask. She needs to get this under control before her skin turns like leather. So, she is on immune suppresents drugs again, but this time it is not enough. It looks like chemo will be started. The doctors are not sure of how to handle this, since she is so young. they are talking to the docs in Washington State at the BMT hosptial. I will admit I am scared to death, the patients that have had these problems are not with us anymore. I pray that she will show everyone wrong. I know she and we have a purpose for her going through this, we are still trying to figure it all out.

Say a little pray for Rachael. I will try to download some recent pictures of Rachael before this GVHD hit. I hope I am able to put them on. She is such a pretty girl.

Love to all,
Cheryl and Family

Thursday, March 24, 2005 3:30 PM CST

Hi everyone. Sorry it has been awhile since I last updated. I try to get quiet times so that I may think, and they are few and far between.

Rachael is doing great. The doctors have taken her off of two more medications, so all she takes is 3. She has lost alot of weight and doing wonderfully. She is truely a miracle. She is talking alot more and running around everywhere. She still is restricted to going some places and being around people, but thats okey. If things continue she will be getting her shots in about 6 months then no holding her back.

What a wonderful Birthday Party we had. We celebrated a cake for Rachael, James and Poppy at the same time. I know Poppy liked sitting at the kids table. haha. Charity and her kids got to come. I was glad to see them, and the kids played so well together. Uncle Allen and Katie join us too with Bubby. And Uncle Tim, Amy and Stacey came for a little while. Rachael and James got so many nice presents and food was delicious.

I pray everyday that Rachael will continue to do well. I know how quickly things can change, so I charish every minute. I want to thank everyone for their love and support. You have made us stronger.

Shelly: Rachael and our family send your our love, we think of you and your family every day. Rachael would not be here today without your kindness.

God Bless,
Cheryl and Rachael

Sunday, January 23, 2005 4:25 PM CST

Sorry we have not been on in a while. We had trouble with our email and have changed carrier, now with earthlink.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I know we did, everyone was home and pretty well healthy. Racheal is now completely off of her Predisone and has lost quite a bit of weight. She is now under 40 pounds and looks so good. The nurses are glad to see "old" Rachael again. I know that we are. We have tried to take her to have her pictures taken, but she just will not sit to have them done. I do have some of her at the ASK Christmas party and here at the house. Racheal's blood culture came back positive last week, so antibodics were started I.V. and boy was that a night mare. One morning she broke the line and we had to go get her restuck, then the next morning she was so swollen at her site and the needle came completly out. Luckily her next two cultures have been negative, so no pump for now.

Rachael is really starting to talk right well. Her vocabulary increases everyday. You can't help but laugh at her, she is so funny at times. She does love to play with her Care Bears and watch videos, Ice Age is the favorite now, at least for a couple of days. Rachael loves to play with her sister and brother, runs after them and plays doggie with them. But when dad comes in from work, she has to have him twirl her around till dad is dizzy, but she does not want to stop. She will say "HI DAD" and run to him and raise her arms and will say "HELP ME" so he will pick her up. But forget for mom and dad to hug each other, we hear a growl and she will come break us apart, only to hug us both at the same time. We can't hug without her.

Christmas sure was a blast, so many toys. The kids loved opening all packages, no matter whose they were. Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Colonial Heights, really made our Christmas special. They brought over special packages each night for about 10 days before Christmas. We could not wait to see what special gift would be sent to us each night. These people are very special and their kindness meant so much to our family.

Love and Peace,

Cheryl, Bobby, Ashley, James and Rachael

Tuesday, December 14, 2004 6:44 PM CST

Merry Christmas. I hope that everyone will have a safe and happy holiday. We should have a wonderful one, with everyone being home this year.

We had a nice Thanksgiving. I even cooked this year. My parents and one of my brothers ate with us. I tried all kinds of new recipes from Food Network. The Pumpkin Truffle was my favorite.

The doctors took Rachael off of her Predisone completely. So far she is doing well. Her liver counts were up a little, but the doctors are not too worried right now. We will just watch her closely, so that the GVHD will not come back. They hope to get her off of her Tackolumos soon and then the rest of her meds. Once she is off of them, she will have to get all her baby shots all over again. I know that she will love that. (Not one bit) We just know that is something that will have to be done. The doctors are very happy that she has lost over 10 pounds, she looks like Rachael.

We took Rachael for pictures in the dress that Bubbie got her the other day. Could not get them. Once she seen the table, with it looking like a doctors table, no luck with pictures. She cried and screamed. We wanted so much to have pictures of her, but I hope the ones we took here at home come out.

We took Rachael to her first ASK Christmas party. She had so much fun. Santa was there and all the kids got a gift from him. There was a gift shop, and they took all the ASK kids in there to shop for there family. I helped her. It was nice to see her play with the other children and run around. She liked the clowns.

This has been a hard week for us. On the 16th, it will be 2 years since Racheal was first diagnosed. I can lay in bed at night and recall everything that happeded that day and the next couple of days. I am happy that she is doing so well, but yet I still pray everyday that she will not relapse and know how quickly it can turn around. I am thankful that we are one of the lucky families to have made it this far. In BMT unit, there has not been very many peds that have made it.

The family is doing good. I am still recooperating from surgery. They had to reopen part of my incision due to an infection. I hope it closed before Christmas. But other than that I am doing good.

Mom and Dad: Thank you for all your love and support, in so many ways. We could not make it with out you. You have been my right and left hands at times.

I hope that each one of your has a very Merry Christmas. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Love
Cheryl, Bobby, Ashley, James and Rachael

Sunday, October 10, 2004 5:42 PM CDT

What a busy couple of months that it has been. In between Rachael's appointment and my, I feel like I am always on the go for something. Rachael has been feeling pretty good, they have started taking her off of her Predisone. Thank goodness. She goes not sleep much because of that but, we take it a day at a time. Sometimes very hard at times. We really have to watch her skin, she breaks out easily. She sees the Dermatoloist very often. She must wear sun screen even in the house.

Right now she is running around in circles here in the kitchen with her brother. Not so long ago I did not think I would see her do that. I have to smile and laugh. Rachael has begun to talk quite a bit. And she is potty training. It's funny but when she says "I pee pee." everything must come off and after she is finished she must get in the tub and take a bath. She is the cleanist little girl I know. But then after the bath, she have to chase her around the house to put her clothes on. She loves this game. It's okey till we have company. hahaha

Yesterday was the Helping Hands Carnival. What a nice day. All three children that they are helping came. One little boy, Baylor will have to have a bone marrow transplant, he is 13 months old and cute as can be. I arranged for the Blood Mobile to come out and we got 30 units. I am happy so many wanted to help. I was sad that I could not give, but with surgery tomorrow, I was not allowed. We did get to bring Rachael to the carnival for a while, she loved the hay rides and brother, James loved the bubble machine. The Carson Vol. Fire Department, made a presentation to the carnival for $3,000.00. That was awesome. What a terrific group of guys and gals.

A area church has been helping the family with groceries and such. And want to help so that the children will have a great Christmas. I have a wonderful friend, named Charity who helps us in so many ways: raising money, food, air conditioner and especially being such a great friend to our family. Also Ronnie and Julie, thank you for being there and helping is so many ways. We love you. Sometimes I wonder how we can make it, but we do. So many love us.

I will try to update once surgery is over and I get alittle better, I did not realize how down and the problem I have.

If Shelly and her family come on this site. Hello and we are thinking about you. I will call soon. LOVE YOU.

Cheryl

Sunday, July 25, 2004 12:17 AM CDT

Hi everyone. It's been a busy week. We just finished Vacation Bible School and it was a great hit. The kids had a ball. We were lucky enough that Rachael was able to go all weekend. Noone was sick. She did so well, singing, eating and doing crafts. She would sit with the older kids and want to make what they made. Rachael would stay in her class with her brother, James for a little while. But then had to go check on her sister, Ashley's class, then check on dad in music and come to see me in the kitchen for a snack. Poor thing was so tired from all the running around on her chuncky little legs. Some morning we slept until 9:30 am, but it felt so good.

Our local paper, The Progress Index ran a nice article in the paper the other day about Rachael talking to her donor, Shelly Doyle from Nebraska. To be able to talk to Shelly, has been overwhelming for me and my family. What do you say to someone who saved your daughters live. "Thank you" does not seem enough. I dream of meeting her and giving her a big hug. Now we have family in Nebraska, must visit.
Maybe someday we will be able to.

The Norfolk Daily News in Nebraska called and they did an artile about Shelly and Rachael. I can't wait to read it.

Rachael goes to the doctor tomorrow for her check-up. I hope things will go okey. Dad and Ashley will take her this time because I have an appointment with my doctor. I was in the hospital overnite over a week ago. I had to have 2 blood transfussions. My hemoglobin was a 5.4 and the doctors were very worried. I did not realize how much my health had gone down since I have been so busy with Rachael. I finally made it to the doctors after a year and a half. Now I am on lots of iron and vitamins. I know surgery is in my near future, too. It will get better. With prayer it will happen.

I would like to thank everyone for there nice entries in our guest book. Your kind words, really do comfort our family. Thank you.

Cheryl and family

Wednesday, June 9, 2004 7:27 PM CDT

Sorry I have not updated before now. So much has gone on with Rachael and with James and Ashley. I finally got James into Headstart which has been a big help. And James loves to go to school and ride his bus.

It's hard to believe that it has been a year since Rachael's Bone Marrow Transplant (June 3). We had a birthday party for her on the 5th to celebrate. There was plenty of food and enjoyed talking to all the family and friends that came. At 5:00 pm rang her bell 3 times to celebrate the year. I know that she will not be considered cured until 5 years, but this is a big step to be here. We let off balloons for all the children who lost there fight at MCV. We hope that someone will get the balloon and let us know how far it went. There were plenty of tears that day, but still a very special happy day.

Rachael is still on Predisone and will be on it for another 3 months, before she will be decreased off of it. That poor little one, with being so puffy and eating all the time. But she still runs around like herself, just she need some help getting up and down sometimes. And her chuncky smile make us laugh.

We had some very good news today. Rachael's donor wants to meet her. We have her name and address. I hope to call her this week. Would you beleive our donor is from Nebraska. So far away, but she gave us a very special gift, our little ones life. I have tears just thinking about it.

Rachael has her year BMT biopsy tomorrow. I hope it is a short day. Rachael cannot eat or drink until it is over, and she gets very fussy at times. I hope all goes well.

Thank you all for your LOVE and SUPPORT. Without you and each other, we could not of made it this far.

Cheryl

Sunday, February 29, 2004 8:26 PM CST

Well we thought that Rachael would have to have a liver biopsy and be in ICU for a couple days, but thankfully she will not have to have it done. But, we have GVHD again. This time its in her eyes, skin and liver. Her hands and feet have it this time too, and it looks almost like blisters. Not much pain though. The doctors have put her back on her immunesuppessent again. So we take 7 meds again. Her stomach is very bloated tonight and I am very worried. We go to MCV tomorrow so we will know more. THey put Rachael back on Predisone again, so she is beginning to eat alot, but very clingy and uptight.

I hope things will go okey.
Cheryl

Friday, January 30, 2004 7:31 PM CST

Had a long day at clinic today. Rachael has not been feeling well, real fussy and not looking all that good. She went to clinic last week and we were told that her liver counts were high. This week they are twice as high as last week. After xrays, ultrasound and lots of blood work today, Rachael is really tired. I hope she will sleep well tonight.

Dr. Chung talked with us today and think Rachael may have a viral infection somewhere that might be attacking her liver. Also with her dry skin and blothes, there might be some more GVHD going on. If there is we will have to go back on the immunesuppressent that Rachael was taken off a couple weeks ago. I pray really hard that this is just a little hump in the road.

Rachael will be 2 on Feb. 4. Hope to have a little party for her since she was in MCV last year. We hope to anyway.

Love to all,
Cheryl

Thursday, January 8, 2004 7:25 PM CST

Hello. Sorry that it has been so long with getting back here to update. For awhile our computer was down and we could not get online.

Rachael went to the Peds Clinic yesterday and had her 180+ day bone marrow biopsy. We will not find out the results until two weeks. But we do know that her counts are good except for her white blood count. That is still low, but we knew that it would take a while to come up. So still home bound for a while longer. That's okey. I am catching up on things around the house slowly. Been very tired and depressed lately, so sometimes,just want to lay around. I have been so worried lately about Rachael. The other day she had a smell to her, it was like when she was first diagnosed and on chemo. The smell did not stay long, but it brings back very clear memories. I pray everyday that she does not relaspe.

Good news. Rachael was taken off one of her immune suppressent drugs. The others she will have to be on for another six months.

It's hard to believe that on Dec. 16 it was a year since Racheal was diagnosed. We had Bubby and Poppy over and had a doggy cake for Rachael. It was a very hard day for everyone. That nite I layed there and could not sleep, I could recall everything that happened that night and for days later. It etched in my mind probably forever.

Rachael will be two on Feb. 4th. I can't wait, she will be home for her birthday this year. We hope to have a party with Care Bears for her.

Love to all that check on this site and check on the family.
Thank you,
Cheryl

Thursday, October 30, 2003 6:20 PM CST

Lots of things have happened since the last update,many meetings with the Oak Grove Methodist Church .Bobby and I have worked with the church to gather items for the games ,and both the silent and regular auction.Rachael has cotinued to inprove. The carinval was held on Oct 25 it was cloudy an cool, but everyone had a great time .Rachael was able to go despite a slight cold . She had a doctors apptmt.on the 28 of Oct.all of her counts are still good but she dose have a cold and has to take more medications on top of her current meds.but she is doing well . The members of Oak Grove have been as supportive as our church family ,and we thank them for all of their hard work and generiousity. A karoke group treated Bobby and I to a night of music whichwas very nice . Everyone that has seen pictures of Rachael has wanted to do something for her and the family.At times it is overwhelming the out pouring of love that has been given to us all. Some how thank you,s don,t seem to be enough. There is no way we could express how much we appreciate everything everyone has done .May God bless all of you .

Thursday, September 25, 2003 6:39 PM CDT

Sorry have not written lately, but with Isabel around we finally got power and our telephone back. The family did pretty good during the outage. Was worried about Rachael because of the open windows, but she did right well.

Rachael had her 90+ day biopsy on Sept 24. She did right well, very tired after they put her to sleep. But once she woke up, boy was she hungry. Her counts are great. She really amazes me, to watch her. She is talking alot more now, before she was so quiet.

The Helping Hands Carnival for Oct. 4 has been postponed. The new date is Oct. 25. Will let you know of the location, it has cchanged because of the storm and rain we received.

Thank you for all for your continued support. We love you all.

Cheryl and Bobby

Saturday, September 6, 2003 8:23 PM CDT

We are glad to be home from the hospital. Rachael had it rough for a couple of days. She scared us all. For a little while I did not know what was going to happen next. I did not know if she would turn around or what. I was so scared, cried and prayed alot. One day her pulse dropped pretty low, but the doctors think it was her medicine causing this. I know she was feeling bad, when she would not even walk to walk around anymore. She just wanted to be hugged and watch her videos. Grandpa put 100 miles on the stroller, with pushing Rachael around.

Rachael is very swollen from all the steriods that she is having to take. She eats all the time, but I guess it is a good thing for now. The doctors told us that she has Graft Verses Host Disease in her belly. It started on her skin, went into her liver and now the belly. She had lots of bad bowel movements. We have been going everyday to clinic since we have been out of the hospital, but they have given us a break for the weekend. HORRAY!!!

Friday night we attended the Kourageous Kids pictures reception at the James Center. What good pictures of all the kids. I could not help but cry. Rachael could not go because of her new immunesuppressent drug she is on. May be next year. Her picture is awesome. It was wonderful to see many of the parents and kids from clinic. Alot of them have came a long way.

My parents are so wonderful with all they do. I could not make it through this without there support. I means so much to have them there. I wish others would decide to be there. The children do need them and so do I.

Love,
Mom

Thursday, August 21, 2003 5:53 PM CDT

Sorry we have not written lately, but we have been to the BMT clinic everyday for two weeks. Rachael has developed Graft Verses Host Disease. It was on her skin, and liver which made her have yellow jaundice. We were being treated with IV steriods. And with her potassumium level down, she had to have IV's for that too. She now has developed GVHD in her belly. She goes alot, but with the steriods, she eats alot. Her medicine is not staying in her system long enough, so tommorow we get admitted to the hospital. I hope that it will be only for a few days.

I hope to keep you updated with what is going on. Prayer does work, it has done so much so far.

Love, Cheryl and Bobby

Friday, August 8, 2003 8:14 PM CDT

It is so nice to see Rachael playing with James and Ashley. She gets fussy at times, but in all a very happy child. I know that she has gone through so much. She has had her bone marrow biopsy (30 day ) and is still in remission and has converted to her donor blood type at 100 We are very happy at hearing this news. Her counts have been pretty good.

On Thursday, Rachael had her second bone marrow biopsy and we noticed a rash. She has been itching quite a bit in a few areas. We were sent back to see Dr. McCarty and we are now running more test. Possible of having Graft verses Host Disease, with liver problems. The doctors have put her on predisone and other medication. I hope that the medicine works. This all scares me to death. After reading about GVHD, its scary to know what could happen after all she has been through.

I know with all the prayers and support we are getting she will pull through this tough spot in the road.

Thank you for your support.

Love, Cheryl and Bobby

Saturday, July 12, 2003 9:02 PM CDT

We are so happy to be home. Rachael loves to play with James and Ashley, but gets tired so quickly. I know that she has missed them so much. She does have a little attitude at times. She will stomp her feet and lay on the floor and cry if she does not get her way. It is so cute, but still trying to get her to understand that we don't do this. This gets James to act up too. I know he wants the attention too since we are gone so much. Big hugs are given alot.

On Thursday, Rachael had her bone marrow biopsy done. The doctors believe that she may have converted to her donor already. It so soon, but she is doing fantastic. I just say a prayer that she will continue to do so well.

I have been having such a hard time sleeping since I have been home. A lot of things run through your mind, good and bad. I think of Rachael and what we have been through so far and what lays ahead. I thank God for all the support of my family and the prayers that he has answered. I know that he has a purpose for Rachael, Bobby and myself, we just don't know what it is yet. I will say that Miracles do happen with prayer. All the prayers we have received have really made a difference.

Bobby and myself are working on getting a support group for families of children with cancer started. I know that there are alot of families in the area and would like to get them together. We could use each other. We have meet so many families in clinic and have become close. Some of them have not had good results, and it breaks my heart so much. I say a prayer for these families everyday. The time we spend with our child is precious, we never know what will happen.

We are also working on getting two blood drives going. One is the Carson/Petersburg area and the other in Prince George. We hope to have one in August and one in September.
We had such a good turn out last time and would love to do it again. We really do know the importance of the blood, and having it on hand. At times Rachael got platelets 4 to 5 times a day. Once we have dates, I will put them here.

Thank you all for your prayers and support, they really do help. And please call us 861-8887 or visit. It mean a great deal to me to hear or see you. I guess I really need the company right now. Having a hard time right now, I guess with all the running and having a little time to relax it is all catching up with me.

Hope to see you all soon.

Love,
Cheryl and Bobby

Friday, June 27, 2003 5:35 PM CDT

WONDERFUL NEWS: RACHAEL WENT HOME ON JUNE 26, 2003

Boy, does it feel good to be home. Rachael has had such good counts we are home early. In fact we should of been home Friday, June 20th, but things did not work out that way. Rachael's line that was put in her leg came out and she had to have surgery again to replace it. The surgery was not done until Wednesday. They put in a port a cath, that is under the skin. The doctors did not want something to happen to her and no line so they keep her.

The staff at MCV Bone Marrow Transplant Unit are fantastic. The care she received was awesome, we could not ask for better. I know they enjoyed seeing her play and walk around the halls (when her counts were up). She keep us and the nurses busy.

Rachael had a few days where she did not feel like eating and slept alot, but all in all she did well. The doctors were very surprised to see her doing so well, so quickly.

We went to clinic today and her counts were very good, except for having to get magnesium. She has the weekend off and does not go back until Monday, June 30th.

We had a wonderful surprise the other day. Rachael's donor sent a letter with a pink teddy bear. I have written the donor a letter and it will be sent to her. We do not know where the donor is from or her name. We can meet her after one year. We hope to be able to meet the person who gave Rachael a 2nd chance at life and another Birthday.

We can't express the gratitude to all that has helped our family during this difficult time. Family have helped care for the other children and helped us get the house ready for her return (Big Job and and Job well done) and friends and family have came to the hospital and stayed with Rachael and have fixed us meals. You can only take so much hospital food or McDonalds. haha

Please feel free to call us or come visit. We would love to see you, since we can not take Rachael anywhere except to clinic for a while.

Love To All,

Cheryl, Bobby, Ashley, James and Rachael

Thursday, June 12, 2003 10:35 AM CDT

Good News:Rachael had her transplant on, June 3, 2003. So, she has another Birthday.

Right now she is doing pretty good. She has stopped drinking and not eating much. But with the I.V. fluids and medication she is doing well. Rachael did get a fever last night, but after tylenol she broke it and rested well.

We are hanging in there. Been very tired. The staff at MCV has been awesome to us and to Rachael. Could not ask for better.

Getting ready to go back up to the hospital now, rested for a little while. If you like please call up there or visit. The number to the room is 649-5356. I would love to hear from you.

Love, Cheryl

Saturday, May 24, 2003 9:20 PM CDT

Only two more days left. The hospital called and we now go in for Bone Marrow Transplant on Monday, June 26th at 2:00p.m. I still have to wash clothes and pack the suitcases. We are really scared now, but know this must be done. It's hard to beleive that the time is finally here.

Rachael has lost a whole lot of her hair lately, but is in good spirits. She had her Central Line replaced on Tuesday and is doing well. She is bruised and a little sore, but you would not know anything by looking at her except for the hair.

We hope that we have visitors up at the hospital. We sure will need the support and would love the company.

We will keep everyone updated throughout the transplant. Please come back here and visit often.

Love to all,

Cheryl, Bobby, Ashley, James and Rachael

Saturday, May 17, 2003 12:06 AM CDT

Its been so busy with getting Rachael ready for transplant. She has had lots of test to make sure she is not sick in any way. It was a little scary to have her CT, since they had to sedate her. But she did very well. On Monday we have an ultrasound to check her veins in her neck. The doctors want to see what veins are open, she will be having surgery on Wednesday. The transplant team decided to put 3 working lines in her.

Rachael's counts have been real good. Her platlets are up to 102 which is great for her. The hemoglobin is still a little low, up not bad. We still can not take her out because the white count is below .2, which means she can get sick easily. I which we could take her to church especially.

We met with the transplant team on Tuesday of this week. A lot of things were gone over and it is overwhelming. To have Rachael with us for a long while, we are taking other things away from her. It's hard to deal with, but we want her with us for a long while. Even transplant could take her away from us, there is a 25hance something could go wrong. We hope not.

Due to problems with scheduling surgery for the donor, tranplant has been moved again. Now we go in on May 27 when Rachael will have high doses of chemo. And on June 2 the actual transplant will take place. They expect us to be in the hospital until the first week of July. Then we will be going to the transplant clinic every day for a while. Long as Rachael will get better, we don't care what needs to be done.

I need to say a big thank you to our daugher, Ashley. She has been such a big help. Ashley, who is 15 helps with her brother, James and she helps take care of Rachael. You should see then together, you can really tell her siblings love her so much. Without Ashley I don't know what I would do sometimes. We don't tell her enough how much we love her and appreciate all she does. I am really going to miss her while I am up in transplant with Rachael.

Thank you also to my brother Allen and his girlfriend, Lori. They have really helped out around the house and with the children. We love you.

Sunday, May 4, 2003 7:39 PM CDT

What fantastic news. We have a confirmed donor. The donor is being worked up right now. The doctors hope to have us in transplant by the 19th of this month. We can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. It's dim but it's a light. I really like the odds of Rachaels survival at 95% instead of the 10%. It will be a long month to six weeks at MCV.

Right now, Rachael has just finished low doses of Chemotherapy. She is doing right well. It amazes me how well she does no matter what. Right now her counts are low, so no going out with her. We are glad that we took her to church last Sunday. That was the last time for quite a while. I know until after transplant.

The blood drive in honor of Rachael on April 26, was a success. Out of 62 people that attended, we got 50 units of blood. That's alot. The team from the Virginia Blood Service was great to work with. We are planning to do another drive in September. We would like to thank all of you that came out for the drive. Also a big thank you to Prince George Vol. Fire Department, Company 1 for allowing us to use the building. And thank you to Gregory Memorial Church Ladies for helping with refreshements.

Our church, Blandford United Methodist Church had a Chili Cook Off on April 27. All donations went to Rachael. I hear that it went well. I know the chili was fantasic, especially with all the good cooks at Blandford. Thank you all for your support.

We hope that everyone will sign our guestbook attached to this site. We would love to read your thoughts and prayers. It helps us get through all of this. And at times we don't know how we do it. We do pray alot and lean on each other.

We would like to say a special thank you to my parents, Jimmie and Shirley Franchok. Without their help, we don't know what we would do. Mom goes with me to clinic and dad helps alot with the 3 year old, James. We love you and thank you so much for everything.

Tuesday, April 8, 2003 8:17 PM CDT

On Dec. 16, 2002 our lives were turned up side down, our then 10 month old was diagnosed with Leukemia (AML). We did not know what her outcome at the time would be.

We have undergone so much since then, radiation and many rounds on chemotherapy. She had her first birthday on the floor and she learned to walk up there also. Luckily she is in remission and hope that she will stay that way. But to stay that way, she must have a Bone Marrow Transplant. Rachael has gotten 7 blood matches and 1 cord match so far. We hope one of them will be her donor. The doctors have told us that if we do not have transplant and the leukemia comes back that she will only have a 10% chance of survival, with transplant it goes up to 90-95%. We like that better.

Being in the hospital so much has been really hard on our 3 year old boy, James. He does not know what to do with himself sometimes. He really askes for his father and myself alot. And yes, we really miss him and his sister Ashley who is 15 years old. Without my parents and brothers and their families help we would go crazy. Also our church family help alot.

When we go to clinic Thursday, we should know more about transplant and her counts. I hope that they are finally up.

We will update this website while she is in transplant, so everyone knows her progress.

A Blood Drive has been set up in Rachael's honor. It is for April 26, at Prince George Vol. Fire Dept. Company 1, from 9am to 3pm. I hope for a good turn out, since we would like to replace what Rachael has used and will use during her illness.

Thank all people for their prayers and support. So far it has helped. I know we pray everyday for her continued improvement and remission.

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