Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 6-- 2/19/06

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 6-- 2/19/06

God bless her and make her healthy!

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 6-- 2/19/06

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 6-- 2/19/06

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 6-- 2/19/06

Don - continued hugs and prayers to all of you!!

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 6-- 2/19/06

Update: 2/21/06

We want to thank everyone for their best wishes and prayers. Just wanted to give everyone a quick update on Catherine's status.

Today marks the beginning of "day 4" in Catherine's road to recovery. The surgery on Saturday was day 1 where she had multiple procedures done and importantly her first chemotherapy treatment. Typically children spend 7-10 days in the hospital before being relased home and treated on an outpatient basis. The doctors need to see the elimination of the leukemia cells in the blood and depressed but stable immune function.

After 3 days of chemo, steroids, several different type of antibiotics (mostly preventative given the compromised immunity) medicine to help her kidneys and 1 unit of blood and 4 units of platelets, Catherine is improvng modestly. She has been fever free for 2 days, platelet count has risen to 50k from 10k (normal is 150-400) her white blood count shows no sign of infection.
She is still weak from her low low level of red blood cells and hemoglobin so she has been confined to her bed. The only time she leaves her bed is when my cousin carries her to the bathroom to collect a urine sample to make sure her kidneys are working properly.

The medicine, mostly the steroids, have caused the proverbial roid rage , mood swings which is normal for the first 29 days and voracious appetite. Catherine ate close to 10 mini muffins in one sitting. She even had icecream for dinner.

Hopefully by "day 8" the second bone aspiration will have improved enough to contnue the treatment on an outpatient basis for the remainder of the 29 day phase 1.

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

It sounds like she is on the road to recovery. I hope she continues to make a good, stready progress. She is in my prayers.

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

glad to hear that the surgery went well. she needs her strength so even though she is eating more than usually, it is great that she has an appetitte.

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

I hope she continues to get better everyday!

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

I am so sorry to hear this, for a 3 yr old child. many prayers to everyone involved.

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

What a horrible story, I am glad to hear she is getting better, albeit slowly, and hope for the best for her.

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

Sounds like she is doing better and hopefully starting her road to recovery. My prayers are with her.

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

Glad to hear she is showing signs of improvment As always

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

Thanks for keeping us posted on little Catherine's progress. I will continue to pray for her and that they are successful with their treatment. I can't wait to hear the news that she is home and behaving like a typical 3 year old little girl

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

Continuing to send all my thoughts and all my prayers to little Catherine and the entire family

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

for Catherine. I will keep her in my prayers and keep her in my novena. God bless her and your whole family

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

I hope this news it the beginning of a healthy and full recovery

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

I pray for he quick recovery...God Bless her.
She seems like such a brave little girl

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

I pray for permanent remission for her.

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

catherine is in my prayers I am glad she on the road to recovery to remission!

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

Again many prayers are being sent your way! Stay positive.

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

Catherine will be in my prayers

Re: I never thought I would do this --UPDATE PAGE 7-- 2/21/06

Continued prayers for your entire family!