My Granddaughter May Have Leukemia

Ranae - My thoughts will be with you and your family. Please keep us posted.

Oh Ranae I'm SS!!  *Hugs* We will most definetly keep you in our prayers!! You go take care of that grand baby, we will all be here for support and will keep the community going!! Take care and keep us up to date when you can!!

my thought are with you.

My heart and prayers go out to you angel. You take care of you and your grand-baby. We'll all be here when you return.
(((HUGS))) Tuck

I hope the best for your granddaughter.

Renea

If there is anything I can do for you - just let me know.

I'll do whatever I can

N

Wishing the best for your granddaughter and your whole family.  Be very careful and just concentrate on her getting better.  You're in my thoughts and prayers.  

Words seem so inadequate here.  I am so sorry to hear of this, but hope that she is in the best of hands.  We will be thinking of you and praying for you and yours in your absence.  Keep us posted as you can.

Ranae, we are all here for you ... be with your family, and no worries about the community ... we are your online family and will take care of the community here while you are with your family who needs you at this most difficult time.    C~

Ranae, I am very sorry to hear this. But I want to share a story with you. When my sister was 12, she started getting sick. She had horrible migraines and was vomiting. The doctors told my mother that it was probably a "teen" thing from lack of sleep and various other stupid reasons. When things didn't change and she started bruising for no reason at all, the doc finally drew her blood. She was immediately taken to a children's cancer center and diagnosed with Leukemia. She went into remission about a week later. She went through a few years of chemo, and was very lucky to never need a bone marrow transplant. She is now 24 years old, and was considered cured on her 18th birthday. Leukemia treatment has come a long way in recent years. As hard as it is, please try to stay positive. If your daughter doesnt like a doctor she is working with, demand another one. There are great doctors and facilities out there and if your granddaughter does have leukemia, there are many options available to treat it. I am so sorry that your family is going through this. If you want additional information, or if you have any questions, let me know. Again, I am so sorry your family is going through this.

My thoughts and prayers go out to your little angel and you entire family.  Be strong for yourself and those around you, they are going to need all the support they can get.  I certainly have been through Cancer with my son at the age of 15..he is now 28 and doing GREAT!!!  

You are in my prayers!

Moira

You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry this is happening to you.
Holly.

All of you, old and new friends alike, have soooo touched my heart.  The tremendous love and concern extended by my MedHelp family has brightened a difficult day.

I am sitting here in the recliner next to my 3-year-old granddaughter's hospital bed.  She is so tiny and has an i.v. infusing blood in her right arm and an oxygen sensor on her index finger of the same hand.  I am surprised at her relative calm and the manner in which she is adjusting so quickly to her new surroundings and the constant bustling of the nurses and hospital personnel.  She has learned words and used them by saying "my blood is done" and "it flushed" when talking about how the nurse flushed her i.v. line.  She is also learning how to eat left handed and does so with dexterity and graciousness.  How adaptable we are as a child and what an indomitable spirit that resides inside us.

The diagnosis is leukemia and it is felt to be A.L.L.- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.  With her hemoglobin critically low at 3.6 when she entered the hospital, Benadryl was given to premedicate for a possible reaction while the first unit of blood was started around 5:30 a.m.  Today is being reserved to stabilize her and the second unit of blood is infusing now.  Following this, she will be given platelets and, perhaps a third unit of blood.  Tomorrow, she will undergo a bone marrow biopsy and a lumbar puncture.  This will be the final confirmation before a treatment plan is recommended.  Right now, it appears she will be here for approximately a week and then will have to begin chemotherapy for the next two years.  As leukemia goes, this is the best kind to have and has a 90% success rate for remission and cure.

The hospital staff has been wonderfully informative and compassionate.  The doctors have delivered the news as tenderly as possible and stayed to answer each and every question.  A social worker has talked to the other 3 grandchildren, Kalista's siblings, and explained what is happening and encouraged them to ask questions at any time.  She also helped them decorate Kalista's room and hang mobiles from the ceiling.  A drum and guitar set on the Wii was brought in with a microphone and we each took turns playing the different parts of a rock band.  The closeness of a family at this time is remarkable and most heartfelt .. it truly is the greatest treasure in life.

With this event, both my daughter and son-in-law have reached out to their mothers and it truly is hardest to see your children hurt.  I look on and see Mikki hurting so .. and she looks on seeing Kalista hurting.  It is a unique bond we mothers have with our children .. a sacred bond that is truly to be cherished.

Thank you .. each of you .. for taking the time from your life to comfort me and my family and to share in our life altering event .. we are blessed by your caring and concern.

Ranae, I just now saw this posting.  I am so sorry your family and especially your granddaughter are having to go through this.  I am so glad it is the easiest to treat Leukemia.  The Lord certainly is certainly throwing a lot at you lately.  My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.

Hugs, Trudie

My thoughts and prays are with you and your family during this tough time. Please keep us updated. I will be praying for you and your family. Best wishes.

xoxo
Niki

you ,your family and your little granddaughter are in my thoughts and prayers ,.
i pray you get the strength to deal with this ,....

My heart goes out to you Ranae and your Family. Especially Kalista. Such a brave warrior. My thoughts and prayers are sent to all. So glad to know that the recovery rate is 90%. She's a fighter, she'll bounce back.

I'm back on MedHelp so I can keep checking on how your Granddaughter is doing. Sending you your hug....


Tuesday Hug of the Day -

True friendship is like sound health, the value of it is seldom known until it be lost. May your day be a brighter one.

HUgs Nancy

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family!!

I'm so sorry to hear about your grandbaby!  Please know that my prayers are with her and your whole family as you deal with this overwhelming situation.  Lots of prayers and love, Janet

Have shared everyone's well wishes and prayers with my daughter ,, and do so appreciate the support, encouragement and prayers.  Many, many thanks!

My sister had A.L.L also....! It is the best kind to have, so please try to keep your spirits up. It will be a long hard battle but you guys will make it through this.

Ah for the innocence, adaptability and optimism of childhood!!  My thoughts and prayers will stay with Kalista, you and your family. May God give you all the strength to help Kalista through this ordeal.  You can all do it and we are here praying for you.  
((hugs))

Ms. Ranae....many thoughts and prayers from me to you today my dear.  My words seem to have vacated the premises of my mind completely at this time, but I have sent some along to your email earlier today when my 'thinking' cap was in better function.  Know that you are loved and that all will be well again soon.  **Hugs**

Thanks for the update.  I am sorry your family that is already suffering, is going through this trial.  I am glad that it is the type of leukemia that is is, though.  Many prayers have already been offered on yours and on Kalista's behalf already.  I will continue.  Take care and get some rest yourself.

Ur family is in our prayers!! Stay strong God hears ur cry & he knows ur heart!! God bless ((((B.O.L.D.))))

My heart goes out to you and your family, I will say a prayer for you all when we go to lourdes.   Stay strong.

You all are absolutely amazing and I couldn't begin to feel alone with all of you here.  

Kalista is much more active tonight.  Her color has returned after 4 units of blood and 1 unit of platelets.  She is scheduled to undergo surgery tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. for a bone marrow biopsy (they expect to find cancer cells there), a spinal tap (they hope to not find cancer cells there), the insertion of a port in her chest to receive chemotherapy for the next 2 1/2 years and they will place 2 tsp of chemotherapy medication back into her spine in place of the spinal fluid they are removing - this will be her first chemotherapy.

We played dishes in her bed and I held a toy that she pulled the handle and we identified all kinds of farm animals and their sounds.  The hour and a half we spent was a special privilege and a cherished moment.

There are many treasured moments to be found at any given time in life; we have simply to look for them and take the time to appreciate them.  Kind of like the movie "It's A Wonderful Life!" with Jimmy Stewart.

  

I'm glad to hear there's a 90% chance of recovery and remission with her condition.  I'm hoping the best.  She has a really good attitude about this.

I am praying for Kalista and your entire family. Also for wisdom and expert care from all the medical staff helping her.
It is nice to hear she is already acting better and that you already know she has the most curable kind.Nancy

Ranae, you are so right ... it's the little things in life we must cherish the most.  You and Kalista have made some new memories ... memories the two of you will share for many many years to come.   Thank you for posting updates for us; we are thinking of you constantly and wish we could be there to give you a hug.  You give them to us all the time -- so I'm sending one big one your way today ..   ♥--HUGS -♥

C~

Just wanting you to know that you, Mikki, and Kalista will be in my prayers, especially today, as Kalista undergoes all her procedures.

Many many thanks my MedHelp family .. you truly are upholding all of us throughout this ordeal.  

Miss Kalista had a very restless night and was wide awake throughout the evening.  The adults, her dad, her mom and I, crashed and slept fitfully throughout the night, half awake/half asleep keeping and eye on her.  She talked to herself all night long and one time I sat and listened to her for about 20 minutes.  She spoke of loving her dad .. "I love you daddy" and her mom "I love you mommy" .. and of a little mouse that she talked quietly to and then kissed.  She talked of her grandma and of a variety of thoughts that struck her fancy.  I was amazed that anyone, let alone a sick child, could stay awake in the dark, quiet of the room.

This morning has brought a string of "melt downs" as she is exhausted and anything and everything can bring about tears and no win situations.  Hold me/don't touch me, cover me up/no, I don't want it.  She was given Lasix, which has stimulated her urine production and trying to get to the potty in time and then not making it left her a force to be reckoned with.  When she finally slept, of course it was time for her vitals and we've just finished the most recent tirade.

She is now lying in a clean bed and just finished crying because her TV show was ending.  It promises to be a long day from now till surgery at 2:00.  I must tell you, though, I treasured every little peep and word she uttered last night and was mesmerized by her thought processes and calm manner.  In the face of an uncertain illness and surgery, you tend to cherish these moments and find yourself savoring every word.

Will try to post later .. the hospital has had some Internet issues this morning.

Thanks again for the many thoughts and prayers .. they are most appreciated by all of us!

You and your precious family have touched my heart. As I write the tears are streaming down my checks. We often forget that there are so many children that are diagnosed with cancer each and every day. They are so innocent and accepting. They seem to adapt so much better than we adults. They face fearful processes with a dignity that we as adults can only hope to achieve. Your granddaughter is a shinning example of this. God Bless her.  

I am glad that the statistics are in her favor. Thank God for that. Grandmother's hold a special place in the hearts of Granddaughters. I'm sure your compassion, wisdom and love is a source of strength for her and her parents. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  

((Hugs)) to you all and may God Bless and keep you in his gracious hands, Tuck

You and your precious family have touched my heart. As I write the tears are streaming down my checks. We often forget that there are so many children that are diagnosed with cancer each and every day. They are so innocent and accepting. They seem to adapt so much better than we adults. They face fearful processes with a dignity that we as adults can only hope to achieve. Your granddaughter is a shinning example of this. God Bless her.  

I am glad that the statistics are in her favor. Thank God for that. Grandmother's hold a special place in the hearts of Granddaughters. I'm sure your compassion, wisdom and love is a source of strength for her and her parents. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  

((Hugs)) to you all and may God Bless and keep you in his gracious hands, Tuck

You and your precious family have touched my heart. As I write the tears are streaming down my checks. We often forget that there are so many children that are diagnosed with cancer each and every day. They are so innocent and accepting. They seem to adapt so much better than we adults. They face fearful processes with a dignity that we as adults can only hope to achieve. Your granddaughter is a shinning example of this. God Bless her.  

I am glad that the statistics are in her favor. Thank God for that. Grandmother's hold a special place in the hearts of Granddaughters. I'm sure your compassion, wisdom and love is a source of strength for her and her parents. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  

((Hugs)) to you all and may God Bless and keep you in his gracious hands, Tuck

Thank you, Tuck, you are most articulate and compassionate and I am thankful you have shared the wisdom of your thoughts and insight.  

An update ... Kalista's platelets are down to 38 and another transfusion of platelets is being done before going to surgery.  She entered the hospital with 9 (9,000) and they need to get her to 50 (50,000) minimum to do surgery.  With her previous transfusion they got it to 71 yesterday; the difference from 71 yesterday to 38 today is the acute and aggressive leukemia.

We are heading downstairs in less than an hour.  Kalista has slept most of the morning except for vitals and blood draws.  She is now in fairly good humor and has talked her dad into taking her to the playroom, i.v. pole and platelets in tow.  

Both parents, 3 siblings, a close friend of my daughters and her daughter, and both grandmas are here in this large and family friendly patient room.  Mikki's cousin and her son are traveling the 3 hours from Des Moines as our family is close knit and supportive.  

Being a children's hospital, it is set up to occupy the siblings with activities and they explained, using an anatomical doll, what the port will look and feel like for Kalista.  Just having the answers has put them at ease.  We will be off to surgery shortly.

Our thoughts will be with Kalista as she goes through her surgery and first chemo.  I pray she reacts well and has minimal side effects from the treatments.  God bless.

I just happened upon this post and it breaks my heart. Kalista sounds like a truly remarkable brave young girl.  How very special that your whole family has come together in support. I will keep all of you and especially little Kalista in my prayers.

I am so thankful that you are wise enough to savor the precious moments and have the perspective that you have.  You will not regret it.  Kalista is in my prayers and so is the whole family.  I am glad that she is in a Children's hospital.  What a blessing, as they are so good with the little ones.  Oh, thank YOU, Lord!  

Thank you, Ranae for the updates.  The Holy Spirit knows how we should pray, but humanly we sure like to know how, too.  I know you are drained, so take care of yourself, too.

Ranae,

Thinking of you all last night and this morning ----------

C~

Yes, what ChitChat said.  Praying that the surgery went well.  Trusting you to God's care as we are helpless....

Ranae,

You and your family are in my thoughts.  I know your strength and love will be much needed pillars of support for your granddaughter as she fights this.

Being a pillar of support to my daughter, son-in-law, Kalista and my other three grandchildren is a privilege, an honor and while I am crying inside, there is an inner strength that is present that is being supported and upheld by all of you.  I don't believe I'll ever be able to repay you for your thoughts and prayers, your friendship and the amazing spirits you have sent through your messages.  Although my heart is hurting, it is full with the love of family .. the one that is born to us and the special ones that are formed and given through caring hearts here on MedHelp.

Yesterday afternoon the separation of parent and child at the surgery door was traumatic for all.  Kalista was afraid, apprehensive and had to be pried from her parents arms.  My daughter flew through the waiting room in tears and down the hall.  I sent her a text and she told me where she was.  As I found her, we sat in silence with eyes full of tears, the sentiments of a mother's love and caring transcended through our spirits and no words were needed.  In this magical moment of sorrow and hope, unconditional love and support was shared without a word.

Kalista's surgery went well and after having to lie flat on her back for 2 hours to keep the pressure dressing on the site of her bone marrow biopsy and to keep her spine flat to avoid the potential headache that can accompany a spinal tap, she was up and wanted to be carried around the hall to the play room.  It warmed my heart when she said "Grandma carry me" and we walked around for a little while with her laying her head on my shoulder.  Moments to be treasured ...

This morning her hemoglobin has fallen to 7.3 and another unit of blood is transfusing.  Her platelet count is falling and has come from 121,000 after platelet transfusion pre-surgery to around 70,000 today.  The doctors will be sharing the stage of her leukemia and the treatment plan at 1:00 p.m.  

Kalista has no immunity right now.  There is a score that I can't remember the name of .. and hers is zero.  Any cough, sniffle, live plant, etc can be a critical danger right now.  It may mean I will be staying to take her siblings home and start the process of decontaminating and deep cleaning their home in preparation for her return .. about a week from now.

A website has been made for Kalista that helps keep everyone updated and there are pictures of our little princess.  Kalista's CaringBridge website name is kalistavesely and the web address is: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kalistavesely  You will be able to see her extremely pale color in the picture with her mom, the night of her admission as well as the gray/green color following her transfusions.  In looking just at Kalista, we did not notice the color difference, however, in the picture compared to her siblings, it is easy to see she is not well.

Again, thank you ALL for your care and support.  I am truly looking forward to the day that life returns to our "new normal" and I can rejoin you actively in the WL&D community.  Please take care of each other and KNOW that YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU SET YOUR MIND TO!!!!  JUST KEEP BELIEVING!!!

Oh sweetie!  I'm so sorry you're family is going through all this.  My prayers are with the doctors as well as your family and Kalista.  I pray that the doctors will be able to treat her and make her better!  You are a special grandma and wonderful support for your daughter right now!  I hope the Lord will bouy you up right now too!  Lots of hugs, Janet

My Heartfelt Prayers will be with your granddaughter and family at this time.. I will say another for strength for you.. I'm so very sorry this has befallen your family.. sincerely and warmly lesa

As a mother of four children (one is 3 years old), this brought tears to my eyes. I can't imagine the pain your family must be feeling, but please know even though we don't know each other, you have a shoulder anytime! My prayers are with every one of you.

*God PLEASE bless this little girl. Make her healthy again. She's so young and small and needs your miracle stowed upon her. Bless her family that they may continue to be strong for her. She needs them so much right now and it is so difficult for all of them. I pray that you will grant your mercy and let this sweet little girl overcome this disease. Please be by her side every step of the way and comfort her and her family and let them rest knowing that she is in good hands, the hands of the Lord. Amen*

I Said A Prayer For You
I said a prayer for you today
For you and those you love
I prayed you'd feel Gods presence
Feel His guidance from above
I asked Him to keep you safe and warm
To send an Angel to be with you
To make a path and light your way
In whatever you might do

I have put you in His loving care
I trust Him with all my heart
He's faithful in His promises
From you He will never part.



thinking of you

Ranae,

Thinking of you.  This morning I read Kalista's updated journal on her website.   Thankfully, the odds are in her favor and coming from a family of strength with a Mom and Grandma like YOU, she's going to beat this.  I hope you are taking care of yourself the best you can right now ... C~

Miss Kalista underwent her first chemotherapy last night.  Prior to that her iv's were removed since her new port will now provide permanent access for blood draws, blood and platelet transfusions and chemotherapy.  

Mikki gave her a shower last night and washed her hair and she looked and felt better as she rested in a freshly made bed.  When Kalista asked her mommy to put her hair in a pony tail, Mik said, "Sure Sweetie." and then the tears she had held in so long overflowed as she realized Kalista would soon be losing those curly locks from the chemo.

The doctors are hoping to get Kalista into remission within a month and the greatest risk at present is the fact she has no immunity and is susceptible to any infection.  A simple cold could bring about devastating effects.

Thanks again for everyone's thoughts and prayers; it is what is upholding us right now and we are most grateful.

Thanks, Ranae.  I devour each and every update.  I have been logging onto Kalista's website several times/day.  You are on our church prayer chain, just as I had promised you that first day when you gave me your permission.

Remember to take care of yourself, too.

Miss Twehner .. you are such a gift and we soooo appreciate the prayer chain and continued prayers on Kalista's behalf.  

Ranaesheart,

I discovered this message when I was on another board.  Is it possible for her to have a "quilt" or something new that is her's that she can take with her to all of her appointments and home with her from the hospital?  I've heard that it can help when they have something to hold onto when they are in the hospital and that since it goes home with her, it's more comforting.  

Still Praying and thinking of you all...(((HUGS)))

Ranae,  today I bet you spent with your other grandchildren ... this must be so so hard on them, too, now.  I am thinking of you and your entire family and want you to know.   C~

My 12 year old great nephew has leukemia.  Your granddaughter and your family are in our prayers. I sure hope she will be okay and they can take care of what she has.  God Bless

Wishing you and your family a Happy Easter and hoping Kalista can come home today or tomorrow...

C~

Good Luck to Kalista and may she and her family have a very Happy Easter. May God be with you always and forever. My  prayers will be with you all. Take Care much love and support.


Serena

Happy Easter to you and your family Ms. Ranae.  As I celebrated Christ's resurrection today with my family, I remembered Mikki's entry regarding Kalista's baptism being on Easter day as well, and I prayed that just as Jesus was resurrected, I envisioned Miss Kalista's blood counts and immunity resurrecting as well.  Many prayers and warm soothing hugs for you and the family today.  May healing be swift for Miss Kalista and may you feel the warm embrace that I am sending to you this day.  

Want to let EVERYONE know that all of our prayers have been gloriously answered this Easter.  Miss Kalista has left the hospital and, although she has a long road to recovery, we are thrilled with her progress thus far!!!  

Kalista's leukemic blood cells have come from 71% to 3% and her immunity level has come from 0 to 700!!!  500 is danger level .. zero is critical and no immunity .. 700 is amazing!  She's had approximately 5 chemo drugs and will lose her hair in the next 3-5 weeks.  Her transfusions will continue periodically and she'll be having chemo and wearing a mask in public to protect her.  

This Easter has given us cause to rejoice Christ's resurrection and triumph over the grave .. and for Miss Kalista's remarkable and prayerful rebound!  We are blessed from heaven above and from the friends, acquaintances and strangers who have reached out prayerfully and supportively.  Many, many thanks and please keep her in your continued prayers .. this is going to be a long, long process with many hurdles yet to overcome.  

What a wonderful way for me to end my day of Easter celebration, Ranae.  I have NOT been home today to check things out since logging onto Kalista's website before church this a.m.  

Thanks for the update HERE, as I won't need to log onto CaringBridge this evening.  What an incredible journey you personally and your entire family has embarked upon.  Thank the Lord that He's been through this before and is leading the way.  Wow.  What a Savior!

I will be praying for your strength, stamina and perseverance for the journey.

Ranae, what wonderful news.  It is just amazing what a difference in such a short time.  She will stay in my prayers.  

Hugs, Trudie

With guidance from adults and above, children have such a remarkable resilience and ability to heal ............what wonderful news!

C~