UPDATE: On Thursday, 9/14/06 Naomi began Delayed Intensification Maintenance. For this 56-day portion of Naomi's chemotherapy she and I will stay near the hospital at the recommendation of her doctors. Unfortunately, today we had a rough start. Naomi and I stayed up last night until 2:30am and woke this morning at 6:30am. The goal or purpose was to exhaust her so that she would sleep through her spinal tap procedure. Normally she would go to the APU where an anesthetist would put her to sleep, but they had open appointments and considering her hypoglycemia, we couldn't go on the waiting list (which requires fasting until an opening comes available. Hypoglycemic patients require food intake every 4-6 hours). Naomi fought me and the nurses during the spinal tap procedure and ended up with some bruses on her shoulder from the nurse trying to immobilize her. She is scheduled in the APU for the next spinal tap but if her ANC numbers drop again, she will have to forfet the appointment again, thereby leaving us faced with the option of putting her on the waiting list or trying to immobilize her again.
This phase is broken into a series of 3 weeks. Naomi will receive chemotherapy once per week, and will receive steroids for the first 21 days. Week 4 is for recovery from the intensity of the drugs but is also the most dangerous week, 90% of patients end up being hospitalized during this week as the body taken off the steroids and makes the necessary adjustments. If she is hospitalized, cheomthropy will stop untill she recovers. During weeks 5 and 6, Naomi will need to get chemotherapy at the hosiptal everyday. Finally, during weeks 7 and 8 she will be off all medication and be allowed to return home.
PRAISE REPORT: Naomi had an echocardiogram of her heart on Tuesday and the report came back as normal and healthly!!!
PRAYER REQUESTS: Please keep us lifted up in your prayers. The family separation we must endure is hard on all of us.
Until later, may the Lord bless you,
Nina
Friday, September 15, 2006
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Camp Okizu
Naomi had a great Labor Day weekend! She, her brother and her parents went to Camp Okizu near Lake Oroville, CA. Here is Nina's account of the trip:
Camp Okizu was created by Larry Bell, who wanted to create a special place for children with cancer to go and experience camping. Mr. Bell took a $3.8 million loan and built a beautiful camp site on 500 acres of land. He pays for the $1.2 million in operating expenses per year to keep the camp going. Additionally, Mr. Bell does not charge any family to come to the camp. Mr Bell depends on donations and volunteers to act as counselors. On our weekend we had several Oncologists and Register Nurses available for medical assistance and to answer our questions.
We arrived on Friday and immediately started making friends. Jeremiah was taken off by a 5 year girl named Samantha, who was also the sibling of a Leukemia patient. Naomi made friend with two other Leukemia girls, both 3 years olds: Little Mimi and Ella (seen in the picture with Naomi).
Our days where full of activities. In the mornings, the parents met in support groups while the children where divided by age into small groups. Jermaine and I learned a lot about how to manage our sick child and our healthily child during Naomi's Chemotherapy.
After the sessions we had lunch/nap time. The afternoon was filled with a list of activities. On day one, we stayed in the craft room because it was too hot to be outside. On day two, Jeremiah and Jermaine went fishing and to archery while Naomi took a nap. After her nap, I made Ice Cream with a Red Ice Cream Ball that had to be shaken for 20 minutes. I tried rolling it on the ground to ease the pressure on my arms. That Ball got heavy!
After ice cream, we all went to the ropes course and got to fly through the trees. Naomi took two turns first with me, then with Jermaine. Jeremiah went twice by himself. On his 2nd trip through the trees, Jeremiah got daring and let go of the rope to fly more freely. After our flights Jeremiah and I climbed up some trees to reach a cat walk in the air. I made it across the first log, but Jeremiah gave up at about 20 feet above. We had fun dropping to the ground and swinging back and forth. After the ropes course, all four of us played flag football with other campers. Jermaine was on the opposite team as me and the kids, and he led his team to the first victory.
In the evening, we had smores on the first night and a party the second night during which the entire camp created a nice song by beating tubes. The party lasted until 10pm. During the party, we also played "Mafia" with 20 other campers. Jermaine and I where both "killed" early in the game. Our main purpose for going to camp Okizu was to check it out before we allowed Jeremiah to go to the Sibs Camp (camp for the siblings of cancer patients) on his own. Jeremiah is excited; he made a lot of friends and looks forward to going back.
For more information about Camp Okizu or to make a donation go to Camp Okizu
Photos of the trip:
The Cabins where the family stayed
Naomi having fun
Nina and Naomi making Ice Cream
Naomi eating home made Ice Cream
Naomi saying goodbye to her new friend, Ella
Camp Okizu was created by Larry Bell, who wanted to create a special place for children with cancer to go and experience camping. Mr. Bell took a $3.8 million loan and built a beautiful camp site on 500 acres of land. He pays for the $1.2 million in operating expenses per year to keep the camp going. Additionally, Mr. Bell does not charge any family to come to the camp. Mr Bell depends on donations and volunteers to act as counselors. On our weekend we had several Oncologists and Register Nurses available for medical assistance and to answer our questions.
We arrived on Friday and immediately started making friends. Jeremiah was taken off by a 5 year girl named Samantha, who was also the sibling of a Leukemia patient. Naomi made friend with two other Leukemia girls, both 3 years olds: Little Mimi and Ella (seen in the picture with Naomi).
Our days where full of activities. In the mornings, the parents met in support groups while the children where divided by age into small groups. Jermaine and I learned a lot about how to manage our sick child and our healthily child during Naomi's Chemotherapy.
After the sessions we had lunch/nap time. The afternoon was filled with a list of activities. On day one, we stayed in the craft room because it was too hot to be outside. On day two, Jeremiah and Jermaine went fishing and to archery while Naomi took a nap. After her nap, I made Ice Cream with a Red Ice Cream Ball that had to be shaken for 20 minutes. I tried rolling it on the ground to ease the pressure on my arms. That Ball got heavy!
After ice cream, we all went to the ropes course and got to fly through the trees. Naomi took two turns first with me, then with Jermaine. Jeremiah went twice by himself. On his 2nd trip through the trees, Jeremiah got daring and let go of the rope to fly more freely. After our flights Jeremiah and I climbed up some trees to reach a cat walk in the air. I made it across the first log, but Jeremiah gave up at about 20 feet above. We had fun dropping to the ground and swinging back and forth. After the ropes course, all four of us played flag football with other campers. Jermaine was on the opposite team as me and the kids, and he led his team to the first victory.
In the evening, we had smores on the first night and a party the second night during which the entire camp created a nice song by beating tubes. The party lasted until 10pm. During the party, we also played "Mafia" with 20 other campers. Jermaine and I where both "killed" early in the game. Our main purpose for going to camp Okizu was to check it out before we allowed Jeremiah to go to the Sibs Camp (camp for the siblings of cancer patients) on his own. Jeremiah is excited; he made a lot of friends and looks forward to going back.
For more information about Camp Okizu or to make a donation go to Camp Okizu
Photos of the trip:
The Cabins where the family stayed
Naomi having fun
Nina and Naomi making Ice Cream
Naomi eating home made Ice Cream
Naomi saying goodbye to her new friend, Ella
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Possible heart problem
Naomi was experiencing a bad cough and fever this week, so Nina took her to the emergency room. Naomi's pediatrician recommended a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia, and in the x-ray it appeared that Namoi's heart is enlarged, which could be a sign of heart damage. The chemotherapy drugs that Naomi has been taking could be responsible for the enlargement, but happily her pediatrician found that there were no other symptoms or signs of heart problems, such as water in the lungs, irregular heartbeat, etc. Naomi will be undergoing and Echo-Cardiogram on September 12 to rule out a heart problem. Please continue your prayers!
Friday, August 04, 2006
Naomi nearly goes into Anaphylactic Shock
Wednesday, 8/2/06, was very scary. During her normal weekly Cheomtheopy, Naomi recieved her 4th dose of 'PEG Asparaginase'. There was no reaction from the previous doses of this medication but on this occasion she began to go into anaphylactic shock, causing a code blue alert to be sent out in the hospital. Code blue is a high priority alert to the hospital staff announcing that someone is dangerously near death and all hands need to be readily available to assist.
Within seconds after the alert, Naomi's room started being filled with doctors, nurse practitioners, and other emergency medical professionals. During the episode, all of Naomi's soft tissue began to swell including her lips, throat and eyes, while all her organs began to shut down on their own to protect her body. The doctors quickly gave her benadryl, cortisone, prednisone steroid, and a epinephrine injection to stop the effects of the PEG Asparaginase. Naomi is still in the danger zone for the first 48 hours following this event. We spent the last 24 hours in the hospital and the next few day we will stay nearby in case of another violent allergic reaction.
The dilemma we are facing after this episode is that Naomi is scheduled to receive one more dose of PEG Asparaginase on August 23rd. This will be her last dose. We are told that we can either 1) refuse this dose, 2) pre-medicate her before she receives the PEG, or 3) switch to the L-Asparaginase, which is a different type of Asparaginase that is not approved by the FDA. We are unsure of which direction to take and the doctors are leaving it up to us to decide with little guidance at this time. We're still waiting to talk with Naomi's Attending physician Dr. Gary Dahl about his opinion on all this.
Please continue to pray for our precious little Naomi.
Within seconds after the alert, Naomi's room started being filled with doctors, nurse practitioners, and other emergency medical professionals. During the episode, all of Naomi's soft tissue began to swell including her lips, throat and eyes, while all her organs began to shut down on their own to protect her body. The doctors quickly gave her benadryl, cortisone, prednisone steroid, and a epinephrine injection to stop the effects of the PEG Asparaginase. Naomi is still in the danger zone for the first 48 hours following this event. We spent the last 24 hours in the hospital and the next few day we will stay nearby in case of another violent allergic reaction.
The dilemma we are facing after this episode is that Naomi is scheduled to receive one more dose of PEG Asparaginase on August 23rd. This will be her last dose. We are told that we can either 1) refuse this dose, 2) pre-medicate her before she receives the PEG, or 3) switch to the L-Asparaginase, which is a different type of Asparaginase that is not approved by the FDA. We are unsure of which direction to take and the doctors are leaving it up to us to decide with little guidance at this time. We're still waiting to talk with Naomi's Attending physician Dr. Gary Dahl about his opinion on all this.
Please continue to pray for our precious little Naomi.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Naomi goes to Chuck E. Cheese's Restaurant
Naomi and Jeremiah posing with Chuck E. Cheese and Helen Henny
Oh what a beautiful morning! This morning, Tuesday, August 1, 2006, Naomi had her wish to visit her favorite restaurant granted. Because of her illness (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia), Naomi can't be exposed to groups of children or be in environments which likely have high levels of germs, bacteria and viruses. Chuck E Cheese's Restaurant, which appeals especially to young children, would normally be off limits for obvious reasons. Before her diagnosis, Naomi's parents made a trip to the local Chuck E. Cheese's Restaurant every Monday as a family outing. Chuck E. Cheese's Restaurant became a favorite destination for Naomi, and she truly missed being able to go and enjoy herself. Nina, Naomi's mother, contacted the management at the local Modesto Chuck E. Cheese's Restaurant and explained Naomi's condition and situation. She was pleasantly surprised when the management at Chuck E. Cheese's Restaurant offered to open the restaurant early for Naomi's use! Their staff stayed late Monday night cleaning the facility, making sure that everything was hygenic and sterile, perfect for Naomi to visit and have a great time.
Naomi posing with Helen Henny
When we arrived this morning, we were greeted with great fanfare and joyous smiles by the entire staff, including characters Chuck E. Cheese and Helen Henny. Incredibly, the person playing Helen had actually flown in from Los Angeles specifically to make Naomi's visit extra special. Needless to say, Naomi was stunned and speechless, as were we all. Naomi took several photos with everyone, and both she and her brother Jeremiah were given cups filled with tokens for all of the games and rides. Over the course of the next three hours we all had a great time!
Naomi's favorite game was the Sponge Bob game, where the challenge was to land a token precisely on a square. After only a few attempts, Naomi landed on the square with the highest possible points and we all erupted with praise and applause! Her favorite ride was a roller coaster similator. This ride included videos of 4 famous rollercoasters from across the USA. Naomi threw her hands in the air and squealed with delight as she rode.
Naomi and Jeremiah on the rollercoaster simulator
Naomi and Helen Henny on the rollercoaster simulator
Jeremiah's favorite game was air hockey, where he not only beat Naomi, but also his mother and myself! It was rather humbling to be beaten by a 5 year old, but he's faster and stronger than you'd think! His favorite ride was a thrill ride simulator. It was more intense than the rollercoaster simulator, but similar in concept. Jeremiah insisted that we all take turns riding with him, including Chuck E. Cheese, who graciously fulfilled the 5 year old's request. Jeremiah giggled as we each feigned terror while on the ride.
Jeremiah and Chuck E. Cheese on the thrill ride simulator
Helen Henny trying to help Naomi beat Jeremiah in air hockey
Jeremiah beating his mother, Nina, in air hockey
Naomi preparing to race her aunt, Victoria, in water pistol game
In addition to being gracious, kind, considerate hosts, the Chuck E. Cheese's Restaurant staff also provided us with drinks, freshly baked pizza and salad. They danced and sang for us, and made sure we lacked for nothing. We extend our utmost thanks, gratitude and blessings to everyone involved in what Jeremiah proclaimed on behalf of his sister “the best day of our lives”.
Special thanks to:
Edwin Barahona, General Manager
Wendy Lopez, Manager
Loretta Bell-Read, Manager
Nichole Campos, Manager
Martin Olivera, Chuck E. Cheese character
Jennifer Chrisman, Helen Henny character
Breanna Owens
Jennifer Granados
Claudia Valencia
Melody Tambasan
Kelvin Almazan
Lareyna Baldez
Heather Silva
Natassia Baldez
Vince Archibeque
Marissa Montenegro
Anndreana Palmore
Jason Sain
Kevin Le
Cindy Corpuz
Jasmine Blacks-Wheeler
CEC Entertainment. Inc.
God bless you all!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Naomi goes to Preschool
After waiting for her ANC to go up, Naomi got her wish to visit her old Pre-School last Friday, 7/28/06. As soon as she walked in the door she was greeted with a cheerful welcome from all her old friends. Naomi was very happy to see all her old buddies: Katie, Hailey, Riley, Emily, Courtney and Joe, each of whom took turns playing their favorite games with her. She gave hugs to all her classmates and her favorite teacher Mrs. Scrugs before leaving. Several other teachers popped their heads into the class to say hello to the little celebrity of the hour. Naomi had been asking nearly everyday to go back to school and last Friday she got her wish. As we got back into the car, Naomi quickly asked to return to class again soon. Being the bargaining mom that I am, I told her that if she eats all of her green foods for three dinners she can go back. She won the bargain last night.
Nina
Nina
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Naomi’s ANC is up!
GOOD NEWS! Naomi’s ANC is 2196!! Her ANC was as low as 200 less than 2 weeks ago. Thank you for your continued prayers!
We are having another garage sale Aug. 4th and 5th, this will be our last this year. If the heat is over 100, though, we WON'T be having it! lol
We are having another garage sale Aug. 4th and 5th, this will be our last this year. If the heat is over 100, though, we WON'T be having it! lol
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Please pray for Naomi and her friend Dayssi
Naomi has made a very good friend in the person of Dayssi, another little girl with the same form of Leukemia as Naomi. Dayssi is 2 years old and has been diagnosed with pneumonia. Pnemonia is a dangerous illness for a person in normal health. For a child with leukemia, it is especially dangerous. Dayssi has been in the hospital for 4 days. Naomi has been coughing for the past 2 days. Please pray that Dayssi recovers quickly and that Naomi doesn't also get pneumonia. You can also visit Dayssi's weblog: Dayssi
Thank you!
Thank you!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Naomi eats "Green Food"
I got a phone call this evening from Nina, Naomi's mom. Naomi wouldn't eat her dinner (she's been very resistant especially to eating healthy foods lately), and Nina, my mom, Jermaine and Jeremiah were hoping that I could influence her to eat.
A little background: last week when I visited Naomi, Nina told me that she refused to eat green foods. Naomi usually has to wear a mask in public to avoid exposure to germs and viruses, and she's aware of why. So I told her that eating green foods would help her body to "fight the germs". I told her in elaborate, animated detail how her body would benefit from green foods and become stronger and stronger, thereby more able to fight the germs. She believed me and started eating some salad. I cheered her on joyously.
Naomi remembered my "green food" narrative when I saw her on the 4th of July, and proudly showed me that she will eat green food.
Tonight, Nina was trying to get Naomi to eat some broccoli and zucchini and she wouldn't eat it at all. She just kept crying. So they called me. I very gently asked Naomi to remind me of what I told her about green foods. She said in a tiny voice: "they fight the germs". I told her "yes they do!" and asked her to at least try to eat one piece of green food. She did. I then played fanfare music on the piano in celebration of her trying. That started things rolling! Naomi proceeded to eat several pieces of broccoli and even tried the zucchini, each time followed by more fanfare! As she started slowing down, I made up short little songs to encourage her to finish her plate. Jeremiah then contributed his own song improvisations, which were just adorable. In sum, Naomi listened to our serenading, and ate her dinner, her "green foods" in particular! Now, that's cause for celebration! : )
Victoria
A little background: last week when I visited Naomi, Nina told me that she refused to eat green foods. Naomi usually has to wear a mask in public to avoid exposure to germs and viruses, and she's aware of why. So I told her that eating green foods would help her body to "fight the germs". I told her in elaborate, animated detail how her body would benefit from green foods and become stronger and stronger, thereby more able to fight the germs. She believed me and started eating some salad. I cheered her on joyously.
Naomi remembered my "green food" narrative when I saw her on the 4th of July, and proudly showed me that she will eat green food.
Tonight, Nina was trying to get Naomi to eat some broccoli and zucchini and she wouldn't eat it at all. She just kept crying. So they called me. I very gently asked Naomi to remind me of what I told her about green foods. She said in a tiny voice: "they fight the germs". I told her "yes they do!" and asked her to at least try to eat one piece of green food. She did. I then played fanfare music on the piano in celebration of her trying. That started things rolling! Naomi proceeded to eat several pieces of broccoli and even tried the zucchini, each time followed by more fanfare! As she started slowing down, I made up short little songs to encourage her to finish her plate. Jeremiah then contributed his own song improvisations, which were just adorable. In sum, Naomi listened to our serenading, and ate her dinner, her "green foods" in particular! Now, that's cause for celebration! : )
Victoria
Naomi update 7/12/06
Friends and Family:
Naomi's appointment this week was not great. Her white counts (Neutrophils) have dropped for the 3rd week. They should be at least 750 for her to receive her treatment. This week it is down to 200, and she therefore is dangerously vulnerable to illness. Her doctor said if counts are not up by next week they will be doing another bone marrow test to determine what is going on. Hopefully the Leukemia has not returned. Nina said it very scary because she shows no signs of being sickly. They gave them no idea as to how to raise the levels.
I am sort of drained at the moment. I just received the news and I am just prayerful. We appreciate your interceding for us.
Lita
Naomi's appointment this week was not great. Her white counts (Neutrophils) have dropped for the 3rd week. They should be at least 750 for her to receive her treatment. This week it is down to 200, and she therefore is dangerously vulnerable to illness. Her doctor said if counts are not up by next week they will be doing another bone marrow test to determine what is going on. Hopefully the Leukemia has not returned. Nina said it very scary because she shows no signs of being sickly. They gave them no idea as to how to raise the levels.
I am sort of drained at the moment. I just received the news and I am just prayerful. We appreciate your interceding for us.
Lita
Monday, July 10, 2006
Naomi update 7/10/06
Hello friends and family:
Naomi went to Ronald McDonald on Tuesday for treatment on Wednesday, however she could not get treatment because her blood levels were too low-"Neutrophils". They sent her home. They will be returning on Tuesday this week for treatment Wednesday with hopes that she will be able to receive the treatment as scheduled.
The difficulty right now is to get her to eat good foods. Her eating is sporadic. They are going to start juicing.
Thanks for the meals, gifts, eMails, phone calls and prayers.
Blessings for a wonderful day. You are the best!
Lita
FYI, Naomi is not laying around sick. She's fighting with her brother and playing,etc.
Naomi went to Ronald McDonald on Tuesday for treatment on Wednesday, however she could not get treatment because her blood levels were too low-"Neutrophils". They sent her home. They will be returning on Tuesday this week for treatment Wednesday with hopes that she will be able to receive the treatment as scheduled.
The difficulty right now is to get her to eat good foods. Her eating is sporadic. They are going to start juicing.
Thanks for the meals, gifts, eMails, phone calls and prayers.
Blessings for a wonderful day. You are the best!
Lita
FYI, Naomi is not laying around sick. She's fighting with her brother and playing,etc.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Naomi update 7/3/06
Hello Friends and Family:
Wanted to update you on the sale. It went well. Nina's mom was here for the weekend and so we hand plenty of help. Friday was much better than Saturday, but Praise God for ALL of it.
Naomi is playing along and doing well. Nina and Jermaine have a good grip on the procedures for the Hypoglycemia and Naomi is responding well. She did not cry anymore with the finger prick. Please keep praying for her little body.
Thanks so much.
Lita
Wanted to update you on the sale. It went well. Nina's mom was here for the weekend and so we hand plenty of help. Friday was much better than Saturday, but Praise God for ALL of it.
Naomi is playing along and doing well. Nina and Jermaine have a good grip on the procedures for the Hypoglycemia and Naomi is responding well. She did not cry anymore with the finger prick. Please keep praying for her little body.
Thanks so much.
Lita
Friday, June 30, 2006
Naomi quote
As said to Grandmother Shirley after almost having a major tantrum (worsened by the chemotherapy drugs):
"Smiling is good for your blood. Frowning is bad for your blood."
Wise 3 year old!
"Smiling is good for your blood. Frowning is bad for your blood."
Wise 3 year old!
Update 6/30/06
Hello folks,
Naomi is home after much poking and prodding. She's smiling. We need extra hands to help Nina with the Yard Sale she has been trying to have. It's been hard to plan with her erratic schedule. "All her plans are subject to change without notice". She is planning to have yard sale to clean out her garage from reorganizing the kids rooms and the house and to give them some extra funds to work with. The sale is tomorrow, Saturday, July 1 from 7AM til 2PM. If anyone can help we would greatly appreciate it.
The doctors are testing Naomi for a rare disease that may cause the hypoglycemia she's currently experiencing, but this will also determine if it is also caused by the Chemo. Pray also for Jeremiah, this will be a long process for him. Jermaine does spend a lot of time with him and Nina is doing her best to meet everyone's needs.
We appreciate any help you can give.
Thanks much.
Lita
Naomi is home after much poking and prodding. She's smiling. We need extra hands to help Nina with the Yard Sale she has been trying to have. It's been hard to plan with her erratic schedule. "All her plans are subject to change without notice". She is planning to have yard sale to clean out her garage from reorganizing the kids rooms and the house and to give them some extra funds to work with. The sale is tomorrow, Saturday, July 1 from 7AM til 2PM. If anyone can help we would greatly appreciate it.
The doctors are testing Naomi for a rare disease that may cause the hypoglycemia she's currently experiencing, but this will also determine if it is also caused by the Chemo. Pray also for Jeremiah, this will be a long process for him. Jermaine does spend a lot of time with him and Nina is doing her best to meet everyone's needs.
We appreciate any help you can give.
Thanks much.
Lita
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Naomi update 6/27/06
Prayer partners:
Naomi made it to Stanford, Praise God. She is Hypglycemic and Nina and Jermaine (J&N) were trained on how to finger prick Naomi twice a day. It may have been brought on by Chemo, they really can't say. She was admitted when they arrived and they released her Monday pm. She also has a Urine Infection and is being treated for that.They stayed at Ronald McDonald House overnight and she was schedule to have Chemo treatment on Tuesday.
On Tuesday AM, Nina checked her glucose and it was really low again and Naomi was readmitted to the hospital, however the hospital was full so they are in a room at the clinic awaiting a room. She is on IV's and had her treatment this AM. They also said she was anemic and they have begun a blood transfusion that will take 1:45minutes. Pray that the Lord's Almighty hand would protect her organs and her mind. Also that her second phase would stablize. Nina really needs your prayers for God to give her the PEACE that surpasses ALL understanding according to His will in Christ Jesus.
Your prayers mean more than we can say. Thank you, thank you.
Lita
May the Lord bless your day with a smile.
Naomi made it to Stanford, Praise God. She is Hypglycemic and Nina and Jermaine (J&N) were trained on how to finger prick Naomi twice a day. It may have been brought on by Chemo, they really can't say. She was admitted when they arrived and they released her Monday pm. She also has a Urine Infection and is being treated for that.They stayed at Ronald McDonald House overnight and she was schedule to have Chemo treatment on Tuesday.
On Tuesday AM, Nina checked her glucose and it was really low again and Naomi was readmitted to the hospital, however the hospital was full so they are in a room at the clinic awaiting a room. She is on IV's and had her treatment this AM. They also said she was anemic and they have begun a blood transfusion that will take 1:45minutes. Pray that the Lord's Almighty hand would protect her organs and her mind. Also that her second phase would stablize. Nina really needs your prayers for God to give her the PEACE that surpasses ALL understanding according to His will in Christ Jesus.
Your prayers mean more than we can say. Thank you, thank you.
Lita
May the Lord bless your day with a smile.
Monday, June 26, 2006
More tough times for Naomi
Hey all:
Naomi's treatment appeared to go well on Tuesday. They ran an MRI before treatment in hope to determine why she had problems walking and having back pain after the last spinal tap with the Chemo. The MRI was negative and labs were good so they proceeded with treatment and kept her overnight in the hospital for observation. She was released to go home the next day and she was walking.
However, just today, Sunday she awakened at 4am needing to go potty and she couldn't, she was complaining of pain and later that AM began to have dry heaves. By 11AM Nina had her at the ER per Stanfords instructions. They ran labs and it showed she had a bad urine infection, normal is 0-5 and hers was 195. Her hemoglobins showed that she was anemic. Her glucose was low at the time. They had her on IVs. Unfortunately the staff did not direct them as what to do, so Nina sent Jermaine out to get a milk shake to raise her glucose levels...it appeared to work. By 3pm Sunday, Stanford ordered her to be Ambulanced back to Stanford. Nina phoned us, Bree and I went to the hospital. The nurses ran routine checks to assure that Naomi was ready for transport. It is 7:15pm, she had a slight temp of 99.2, her bp was good, but her glucose levels were CRITICALLY HIGH! This was frightening. Even the nurse couldn't contain the look on her face (she was a mom with a 2 year old, nice lady) They wanted to run CBC, but they didn't. I don't know why. She did get transported, in good spirits, she's such a sweet little trooper.
Preliminary thoughts are, (without Oncologist report) is that there is an infection and that she will be in the hospital for the week. She is suppose to have her treatment on Wednesday anyway. So please pray for the doctors good judgment, knowledge, wisdom and guidance as to the treatment and determine why the 2nd phase of her treatment is not going well.
Nina and Jermaine really need you continued prayers, it really is a day by day thing. It's been a bumpy road. Nina especially is tired, can't sleep, needs to get soooooo much paperwork done, but can't get it done if she's not home for more than a few days. She's STRESSED badly. "Paperwork isn't anything anyone else can do."
Properties haven't sold, no offers. Jermaine goes back to work July 2. Jeremiah is with us and will be between our home and Nina's mom will come down and stay over there place with him also.
Thanks for all your support in prayer. Hang in there with us through this journey and see how God's Almighty hand will carry us and answer your prayers and ours.
Blessings,
Lita (Naomi's grandmother)
Naomi's treatment appeared to go well on Tuesday. They ran an MRI before treatment in hope to determine why she had problems walking and having back pain after the last spinal tap with the Chemo. The MRI was negative and labs were good so they proceeded with treatment and kept her overnight in the hospital for observation. She was released to go home the next day and she was walking.
However, just today, Sunday she awakened at 4am needing to go potty and she couldn't, she was complaining of pain and later that AM began to have dry heaves. By 11AM Nina had her at the ER per Stanfords instructions. They ran labs and it showed she had a bad urine infection, normal is 0-5 and hers was 195. Her hemoglobins showed that she was anemic. Her glucose was low at the time. They had her on IVs. Unfortunately the staff did not direct them as what to do, so Nina sent Jermaine out to get a milk shake to raise her glucose levels...it appeared to work. By 3pm Sunday, Stanford ordered her to be Ambulanced back to Stanford. Nina phoned us, Bree and I went to the hospital. The nurses ran routine checks to assure that Naomi was ready for transport. It is 7:15pm, she had a slight temp of 99.2, her bp was good, but her glucose levels were CRITICALLY HIGH! This was frightening. Even the nurse couldn't contain the look on her face (she was a mom with a 2 year old, nice lady) They wanted to run CBC, but they didn't. I don't know why. She did get transported, in good spirits, she's such a sweet little trooper.
Preliminary thoughts are, (without Oncologist report) is that there is an infection and that she will be in the hospital for the week. She is suppose to have her treatment on Wednesday anyway. So please pray for the doctors good judgment, knowledge, wisdom and guidance as to the treatment and determine why the 2nd phase of her treatment is not going well.
Nina and Jermaine really need you continued prayers, it really is a day by day thing. It's been a bumpy road. Nina especially is tired, can't sleep, needs to get soooooo much paperwork done, but can't get it done if she's not home for more than a few days. She's STRESSED badly. "Paperwork isn't anything anyone else can do."
Properties haven't sold, no offers. Jermaine goes back to work July 2. Jeremiah is with us and will be between our home and Nina's mom will come down and stay over there place with him also.
Thanks for all your support in prayer. Hang in there with us through this journey and see how God's Almighty hand will carry us and answer your prayers and ours.
Blessings,
Lita (Naomi's grandmother)
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Mall walking with Naomi
Today, after having endured a long day of various complications regarding Naomi’s chemotherapy treatment, Nina (Naomi’s mom) invited me to come have dinner with them and one of my other sisters near the hospital. We went and had giant burritos at a bustling shop in San Mateo, and then drove back to the Stanford Mall for night window shopping. Because of the chemotherapy drugs, Naomi can’t be exposed to direct sunshine for an extended period of time. Nina thought it would be good for Naomi to walk around in the warm night air, viewing the beautiful shops since it was such a beautiful night. We walked around for nearly an hour, ooh-ing and ah-ing at the beautiful jewelry in the Tiffany’s window, at the lovely dresses and shoes displayed in various shops, from Louis Vuitton to William Sonoma to BCBG. What was hilarious, is that Naomi was quite partial to a particular pair of pink Prada sun glasses. Her taste is refined already! It was lovely to watch her running around the outdoor mall, with a huge smile on her face, pointing to the windows and declaring what she wanted to see each of us adults wear with which accessories. She was so happy to be outside! Despite a rough start, in the end, Naomi had a very good day! : )
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Naomi on 6/13/06
Naomi in her new pink dress. Notice the lovely pink fingernails too!
Naomi actually had a tough day today. She underwent another spinal tap procedure, and was given a chemotherapy medication which affects her mood. So between the residual pain from the spinal tap, and the chemo drugs, she was very irritable today, but we all did everything we could to make her feel better, and finally elicited some beautiful smiles! : )
Unfortunately, later in the day, Naomi was still experiencing a great deal of pain as a result of the spinal tap, and had to be rushed back to Stanford. Please pray for her pain to be alleviated.
Monday, June 05, 2006
More good news!
Naomi came through her PORT Line insertion surgery with no complications! This will make the administering of her chemotherapy medications much less taxing on her little body.
At her last blood test, Naomi's doctors declared her officially in remission! Her blood is nearly equivalent to that of a normal, healthy child! Here are the stats (that, unfortunately I can't explain):
WBC: up to 2.7
Hemoglobin: 10.4
Platelets: 153
And best of all:
NEUT/ANC: 2,236 (she was at 153.2 weeks ago)
Thank you all for your prayers
At her last blood test, Naomi's doctors declared her officially in remission! Her blood is nearly equivalent to that of a normal, healthy child! Here are the stats (that, unfortunately I can't explain):
WBC: up to 2.7
Hemoglobin: 10.4
Platelets: 153
And best of all:
NEUT/ANC: 2,236 (she was at 153.2 weeks ago)
Thank you all for your prayers
Thank you for your Prayers
This is a message from Naomi's parents, Nina and Jermaine:
God is good and he has heard and is answering the prayers we have sent up for Naomi. Naomi's healing journey will take the following path:
Phase 1: Induction: 4 weeks of intensive chemotherapy intended to remove all visible signs of leukemia
Phase 2: First Consolidation: 19 weeks of chemotherapy, followed by Second Consolidation (which lasts) 47 to 55 weeks) of chemotherapy, intended to remove hidden leukemia
Phase 3: Maintenance: 43 to 50 weeks of chemotherapy intended to prevent leukemia from coming back
(Total duration of Chemotherapy is approximately 2.5 years)
We are thankful that Naomi has completed Phase 1 and will start Phase 2 on June 7th, 2006. For this phase she will have to go to Stanford once a week for all her Chemo appointments.
FAMILY NEEDS:
For those who are able:
1. We will need help with meals and household duties.
2. Jeremiah is growing very fast and we need Boys Summer clothes size 10 to 12 and summer shoes size 3. Naomi need summer dresses (4T), shoes (9) and hats; she wants to feel pretty even without her hair.
3. Jeremiah and Naomi can not share a room any longer, therefore we will need
a. Bedroom Furniture, Dressers, bookshelves and small desks
b. Electrical and carpenter help to move phone lines and set up a new wall
c. Decorators and painters to help us decorate the kids rooms (Jeremiah loves Sponge-Bob, Naomi loves Dora and the Disney Princesses)
4. Please continue to pray for
a. Naomi’s healing, and the strengthening of her organs so they will not fail her during this long Chemotherapy.
b. The sale of our other two properties.
c. Our Marriage, because of the tremendous stress we are under.
d. Nina for depression
e. Jermaine for strength
f. Jeremiah for patience and understanding
g. Housing for our weekly visits to Palo Alto
Again, thank you for your many prayers and to those who have helped us financially. We pray that Good will protect and bless all of you.
The Purdy Family
God is good and he has heard and is answering the prayers we have sent up for Naomi. Naomi's healing journey will take the following path:
Phase 1: Induction: 4 weeks of intensive chemotherapy intended to remove all visible signs of leukemia
Phase 2: First Consolidation: 19 weeks of chemotherapy, followed by Second Consolidation (which lasts) 47 to 55 weeks) of chemotherapy, intended to remove hidden leukemia
Phase 3: Maintenance: 43 to 50 weeks of chemotherapy intended to prevent leukemia from coming back
(Total duration of Chemotherapy is approximately 2.5 years)
We are thankful that Naomi has completed Phase 1 and will start Phase 2 on June 7th, 2006. For this phase she will have to go to Stanford once a week for all her Chemo appointments.
FAMILY NEEDS:
For those who are able:
1. We will need help with meals and household duties.
2. Jeremiah is growing very fast and we need Boys Summer clothes size 10 to 12 and summer shoes size 3. Naomi need summer dresses (4T), shoes (9) and hats; she wants to feel pretty even without her hair.
3. Jeremiah and Naomi can not share a room any longer, therefore we will need
a. Bedroom Furniture, Dressers, bookshelves and small desks
b. Electrical and carpenter help to move phone lines and set up a new wall
c. Decorators and painters to help us decorate the kids rooms (Jeremiah loves Sponge-Bob, Naomi loves Dora and the Disney Princesses)
4. Please continue to pray for
a. Naomi’s healing, and the strengthening of her organs so they will not fail her during this long Chemotherapy.
b. The sale of our other two properties.
c. Our Marriage, because of the tremendous stress we are under.
d. Nina for depression
e. Jermaine for strength
f. Jeremiah for patience and understanding
g. Housing for our weekly visits to Palo Alto
Again, thank you for your many prayers and to those who have helped us financially. We pray that Good will protect and bless all of you.
The Purdy Family
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
