On Monday May 12, Olivia received a bone marrow test to rule out Leukemia. On Tuesday we found out that our little girl has Pre B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. I will borrow a definition from Wikipedia for help in explaining what that is:
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), is a form of leukemia, or cancer of the white blood cells.
Malignant, immature white blood cells continuously multiply and are overproduced in the bone marrow. ALL causes damage and death by crowding out normal cells in the bone marrow, and by spreading (metastasizing) to other organs. ALL is most common in childhood and young adulthood with a peak incidence at 4-5 years of age, and another peak in old age. The overall cure rate in children is 85%....
On Wednesday Olivia had a surgical procedure to place a "port" so that she can receive IV Chemotherapy treatments. Over the next 2 years Olivia will receive multiple forms of Chemo to help her fight this disease.
The doctor also tested her spinal fluid for Leukemia cells and luckily found none. Olivia started Chemo on Wednesday and is already feeling better. She has been able to walk without pain and even has enjoyed riding a tricycle around the floor.
We have all been receiving tons of support from friends and family and appreciate every bit of it. Even when Livi is feeling down and doesn't seem responsive to visitors, she always smiles when talking about the many people who have come to visit...and write in her princess diary. (We are having visitors all take a moment to add a line to an on going story about "Princess Petunia".)
10 comments:
Livi,
We are so glad that you are starting to feel better and that you can even ride the bike around the hospital! We are so happy for you that you have such a wonderful and smart doctor that can help you feel better.
You are very brave and we love you very much! Have fun with Papa and Angie and give Aaron a big hug.
We love you, Aunt Gretchen, Uncle Ryan, Evan, Chandler, and Ethan
Seeing you with that smile on your face just makes our hearts melt. We are so HAPPY that you are feeling better and had a good day today. We love you so much and are so proud of you!!!
Love always,
Uncle Sam, Aunt Nikki, Counsins Josh and Cody
I'm so glad you started this blog! What a great way to keep updated, cause we know how busy you are! We continue to keep you guys in our prayers! Love the pictures!
We are also so glad you started the blog. We are so interested to hear updates on Livi's progress and seeing pictures of her is wonderful. I think Livi is so lucky to have such brave parents. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Jessica, Mike, Benson, Grace and Sabrina Richards
Rach and Livi,
I just found out about what is happening in your lives! So happy that you have found some answers and you are starting to feel better!! We will pray for you and for your family Rach! Keep being brave!
Bill & Rachel,
This blog is a great idea; it's so neat to see the pictures of Olivia and to be updated on her progress.
Olivia, Grandma Susie and Papa T. are so proud of you! You are so brave! Stay strong, you're going to feel much better real soon!
Hugs and Kisses,
Gramdma Susie
Hi Livi, Everyone asks about you everyday so I am very glad to find out about this blog spot so we can all stay updated!! We pray for you and your family everyday and you are always in our thoughts. We love you and hope you are feeling better and better. We know you will be ALL better soon!! Give your mom a hug for me, K? Love, Aunt Voni
We just wanted to leave you a little note. We are friend's with the Lovell family our here in SLC and our little boy was diagnosed with the exact same thing on April 19th. He is 5. We are so glad you have a strong support group and are FINALLY figuring out what is going on with your little girl. If you ever want to talk to someone that is going through the same thing or just want to vent, let us know...the Lovell's have our blog and email/phone number if you want. You guy's will do great!
Heidi
Hi Livi!
We were so sad to hear that you got sick, but it is good to know that you are feeling a little better! Josie misses you so much - she always wants to know when you are moving back to California! We're sending up lots of prayers for you and we think about you all the time.
Have mommy check the mailbox in a few days - Josie is sending you something special to help you feel better!
You are a very strong and brave girl and we love and miss you!
Tamara (& Scott), Josie, Isaac and Owen
Livi,
We were sorry to hear that you weren't feeling well, but we are so happy that you are finally starting to feel better. You are such a strong, amazing little girl. You are so much fun! Kate even remembers you from last time we were there and talks about you. Of course when she does she always says "Livi, Aaron", never one without the other. I'm sure Aaron has missed you so much! Hang in there sweetheart and give your mommy and daddy a hug, they only want the best for you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Sean, Liz & Kate
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