Friday, March 30, 2007

Message from Marty, late Thursday night (3/29)



Our doctors met with us this evening to let us know that based on extensive pathology tests and several other workups, they are now officially 99.9% certain that Vava’s diagnosis is indeed Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, however they are going to do some additional pathology tests tomorrow (Friday, 3/30) to try to attain 100% certainty. We also have another imaging study slated for tomorrow to look for any signs of disease in other parts of her body. Tests have confirmed that there is no cancer in her bone marrow, which is a huge relief. We expect that Vava’s chemotherapy will begin tomorrow and that we will be in the hospital through next week or so. The initial treatment overview they have given us is a 4-course chemotherapy regimen over the course of 16 weeks, followed by radiation therapy. Here we go.

Our floor is still in lockdown due to a recent virus outbreak, but Vava was once again allowed to make a brief trip out of the ward to see her aunties (who gave her a fabulous, huge teddy bear… sorry, pics are in the camera which went home for the night), and her dear friend Ani (who happened to stop by while V was out and about), who gave her lots of hugs and kisses which really cheered V up.

We expect the visitation ban (for all healthy visitors) to be lifted soon… once we can have visits, we will need to figure out how to somehow schedule/coordinate so that we can balance quality time with everyone who wants to come (and Vava wants to see you!!), with enough rest/quiet time for V.

Vava is holding up well and seems to be preparing herself well mentally for the weeks to come. If any kid can soldier through this, our Vava can!

Your support means so much to us. Please keep us close in your thoughts!

Best,

Marty

4 comments:

Joan said...

Dear Marty and Ki,

I am in Mexico with Gary studying Spanish here in San Miguel and just learned of Vava's health challenges. I am so glad that she and you are surrounded by an abundance of family and friends and loving support. I just want to sent mine and Gary's along with the others. We will be thinking of Vava and you both and sending our prayers and thoughts.

Con mucho amor,

Your Cousin Martha and Gary

Joan said...

Dear Vava,

This is your cousin Martha emailing you from the heart of Mexico. I just received the email from Mary and wanted to respond pronto to send you lots of love and caring thoughts. Plus a big hug or abrazo as they say here. I am so glad you are surrounded by so much love of family and friends--I think it really helps us get better. Sounds like you've go a lot of great friends.

I will keep up with you via your blog, and be thinking of you!!

Much love,

Cousin Martha

Joan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Joan said...

Vava,

Fred and I just want you to know that you are being thought of way down here in Redding, California. You will be in our prayers. Your Uncle Don is also sending love and prayers (he isn't computer literate, so I'm speaking for him).

Love, Cousin Ann