Sunday, March 25, 2007

Great Results and a Good Book

Dr. Connelly called on Saturday with some preliminary results from the bone biopsies on Thursday. The cancerous cell percentage in her bone marrow before beginning chemotherapy was 85%. After this second dose of chemo, the doctors hoped the percentage of cancerous cells would be 25% or less, and it is--20%. Great news! They hope that by the 19th of April the percentage will be 5% or less, an indication that the cancer could be on its way to remission.

Kerri got a reference to a great book about childhood leukemia called "Childhood Leukemia A Guide for Families, Friends and Caregivers" by Nancy Keene. The book has a lot of great information that is helping us understand what is going on now and what will go on in the future. It could be a great resource for any of you wanting more information than we are providing here.

We want to express our gratitude for all of the amazing support, but worry that typed words may cheapen the deep-seeded appreciation. In spite of that, thank you all so much for the thoughts, prayers, hopes and other support. It has been awe-inspiring that we could be surrounded by so many excellent people.

I got my first experience with wearing a mask around the house as my Strep Throat came back this week.

6 comments:

J-Lo said...

Congratulations on the good news. We'll keep praying for low percentages.
I've had to wear those lovely masks a time or two at the hospital and it's amazing how quickly your core temperature can increase once you put one of those babies on. Not to mention the fact that to good Lord gave us lips and a nose for asthetics as much as function. No wonder Ryan is giving you the googley eye! Sorry to hear about the strep. Having a germ free house might do wonders for you, too.
Love tons,
Jenny

Grandpa and Grandma Costley said...

Cory and Kerri,

We had an outpouring of love and support for the two of you at our meetings yesterday. May you get some rest and some personal health in the week ahead!

Dad

joanne ludlow said...

Cory and Kerri-What good new for little Izzy and for you. When I struggled with my teenagers if anyone had said "You'll be grateful for what this is teaching you I would have bopped them on the head." Twenty years down the road I still have great anxiety thinking about those years but I also know I learned many things. Mostly, I learned how close my Father In Heaven was following the ordeal and blessing us. Even though you may feel very alone at times I promise he is there, caring for you and your little family and particularly little Izzy. These life experiences change us. Physically they make us a reck but spiritually we're never the same. You learn to thank God for every breath you have in this world, for every sunset and sunrise to enjoy. You're appreciation for the gift of raising one of God's children and realizing you don't get through it without his help brings you to bended knee in daily thankfulness and gratitute.
Hang IN. JoAnne LUdow

Steven Elder said...

Cory, Kerri, Izzy and family,
I just heard about Izzy yesterday. There are many in the Draper Crescent 6th ward who love and miss you very much. You all are in our prayers and thoughts.

Warm Regards,

Steve Elder

Leanne said...

Yea, I am so happy for all of you. I am so happy to see that you were out enjoying the weather. Everyone looks so happy. I think about you often and keep you in my thoughts. I only wish you the best of news. Just remember to enjoy life and not to focus on the disease. I hope to hear from you again. Sending only good wishes, Leanne

Purvi said...

Hi from Papua New Guinea! Looking good Cory; nice mask! Thanks for the updates; I'm checking the blog when I can and when I get back will talk more w/Aaron on how I can help through running the Chicago Marathon in Oct. Although I'm not sure you want me cooking for your family :) I have some friends who would love to. Take care. Izzy - stay strong, you are a princess!