Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Non-Hodgkin Diagnosis and Treatment Details

We met with Dr. Connelly again today--her oncologist on the team of doctors that are treating her. He has tentatively diagnosed Izzy with T-cell Leukemia. The switch to Leukemia from Lymphoma came today after some blood work and signs that much of her bone marrow could be involved in the cancer. Izzy will be going through roughly 7 tests over the next two days to confirm that diagnosis and determine the stage of the cancer. So at the 30,000 foot level, we are working to nail down her type of cancer in the next few days and then start treatment by the end of this week. Dr. Connelly again confirmed that her type of cancer is one of the more common types they treat and has cure rates in the 80th percentile. She was admitted to the hospital today to get her ready for tests during which she will be under general anesthesia.

We also got some general treatment information today. She will be receiving chemotherapy through a central line--a catheter in one of the large veins in her chest that they will be putting in tomorrow. The chemotherapy will involve both in-patient and out-patient treatments. For the in-patient treatments, she will be in the hospital 3 to 4 days after chemo to monitor how her body reacts and then released. The treatments will be through the central line and several spinal taps.

One of the short-term effects of the chemotherapy will be loss of hair. I'll be shaving my head in her honor once that starts, and we'll be sure to post bald picks as I'm sure you'll want to see my and Izzy's dashing looks with no hair. She may also suffer from some fatigue and nausea in the short-term. There are two possible long-term effects: a weakened heart and infertility. Dr. Connely says that modern treatments rarely cause the heart damage, but that there is still a good chance of infertility when she grows up.

One of the main things that we all wanted to know was where we should take her to be treated. Kerri and I both are feeling really good about the decision to have her treated here at the University of Michigan. We have heard great things about the Mott Children's Hospital here from current patients and knowledgeable outsiders. The Mott Children's Hospital is part of the Children's Oncology Group that is a national organization to which many of the best hospitals belong and participate in. This means that she will be receiving the same treatment as if she were at St. Jude's as it is a member of the COG. Another important reason for choosing Michigan is that during Izzy's treatment, she and we will need a great support network; and we feel that we have that and more here. We also feel that we don't want to totally upend her world by moving her to a hotel room somewhere to attend another hospital.

Please feel our love and gratitude for all of the support.

34 comments:

bswanster said...

I'm loving the blog; it is so helpful to stay up-to-date. Big luvs and prayers for you all.

I'm excited to see the bald pics:)

Miranda said...

Just wanted to let you guys know we love you and have you in our thoughts and prayers! Hang in there Izzy...big squnches!

David said...

We love you izzy.

Auntie Amber said...

Kerri, Cory, and Izzy,
Just wanted you to know that we are all praying for your family and especially for little Izzy at this time. Krista even fasted for her yesterday. I can't even imagine the feelings that you are having right now, but know that we love you and are thinking about you constantly. We sure miss seeing you guys. We are sending lots of hugs your way!! Who knows maybe I'll shave my head!! Why not! Love you guys,

Megan Maynor said...

Thanks for sharing all the updates with us. I'm sure you're exhuasted and a bit overwhelmed. But it also must feel good to see the plan is coming together. We're here for you and thinking of you all the time.--Megan, Jeremy and Maynor Gang.

SWKofoed said...

We are craving information on sweet little Izzy in Idaho, so thanks for the website. You are in our thoughts and prayers constantly and we can't wait to see you again...Love ya.

Sara said...

We are all sending our love and hoping that a plan of action can come together soon. We, too, are very excited to see the cue ball pictures of Cory and Izzy. :)
Love, The Ingmires

Jonathan said...

We love you and are praying for you. We're here for you for anything you need, anything at all.

Cindy said...

It sounds like we are all going through the refiner's fire. Aren't we lucky we have the gospel to help us keep it in perspective. Izzy is lucky to have such great parents to help her through this. We'll keep you all in our prayers.

Cousin Cindy

Carol and Tyler said...

Izzy!! Can't wait until you are my kitty cat. Look at this crazy cat...http://www.arras.net/weblog/cat16.jpg

"I want to love you and hold you and squeeze you...forever!!"

Love,

Coco and TyTy

Doreen said...

Thank you for the info. We put Izzy's name in the temple and we have all fasted and prayed MUCH. We hope there will be a time soon when all of you can come home and visit. We miss you.

Love, the Wheelers

KKofoed said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Sonja and the kids called me many times yesterday wondering if I had heard anything. Thanks for the updates. Izzy is an amazing child. We are praying for a full and complete recovery.

Karvel

joanne ludlow said...

Kerri and Cory and little Izzy-We are thinking of you and hope to send a big package of fun from Jessica and Dan and our family while in the hospital and out. Keven our Emily's husband is specializing in Oncology in Pharmacy School. He graduates in May. He is very helpful in giving you information and says he will do whatever he can to explain any of the drugs she will be taking and how best to understand them. He says young people Izzy's age are so resiliant and special they do better in recovery than older kids. Keven said to call them anytime-303-399-3928. Sometimes it just helps to have a personal friend who can spend more time educationing you as to what to expect. He will take the time for you and answer any of your questions so that you can appear and be knowledgeable and not just emotional. It helps a lot and he said he will research anything for you. He's up on the latest. Also, he says you couldn't be in a better hospital. It has one of the best reputations around. JOAnne LUdlow

Megan and Jeremy said...

This is a great idea you guys. Thanks for letting the ward know about your blog. We are praying for Izzy! Please let us know if you need anything =]
Shakespears

J-Lo said...

I love the kitty picture for which Tyler gave the link (how's that for not ending a sentence with a preposition, dad?:) We are thinking about you...still and will be for days, weeks, and months to come.
Love tons,
Jenny

Steve-o said...

Just wanted to let you guys know that you are in our prayers every morning and night, and if you need anything--babysitting, food, more shaved heads, anything--just let us know.

Steve Collis

Veronica said...

love you all!
Thank you for keeping us posted

Jill said...

This is such a great idea! Thanks for taking the time to keep us all informed. We're praying for Izzy and the whole family. Call us if you need anything!!
Mitchell family

HeatherH said...

Just wanted to let you guys know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We know how tough those 'super' kids are. Thank goodness we have the gospel and a Heavenly Father that loves us. Stay tough Izzy....we love you guys!

Brian and Heather

Elizabeth said...

Wonderful idea with the blog. Your family is in our prayers every day! We are willing to help with anything your family may need!
The Elders

HW said...

We are praying for Izzy daily and would love to have Lauren and Ryan over for play dates while Izzy is at the doctor if that helps. Thanks for keeping your ward family in the loop.

-Heather and the rest of the Wimmers

Unknown said...

Stay strong Izzy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Cory, if there's anything you or your family need, please let me know.

Best wishes,
Brian

Purvi said...

Cory, I will keep you and your family in my prayers and wish Izzy a speedy recovery. (She is Superman!) Please let me know if you need anything.

-Purvi

Unknown said...

Izzy, you need to get better soon as we will be expecting your attendance at section events! People keep bugging us to get superman out again!

Cory and Kerri, keep strong during this tough time - I will certainly be thinking of you and my prayers are with you all!

Unknown said...

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs for Izzy!

Amy said...

Mike and I are keeping your family and Izzy in our prayers. Please let us know if there is anything at all that you need--we would love to help out! Izzy is a very special girl, thanks for keeping us posted on her progress.
<3 the Blauers

Unknown said...

Thanks for this wonderful blog! Izzy's picture is adorable. We're here for you.... let us know how we can help! You are all in our thoughts. -- The Widmer's

Curt and Naomi said...

You are such a courageous and beautiful family. You are in my prayers morning, noon, and nighttime. Please let me know if I can help in any and all possible ways. With love, Naomi Cardon

Holly Limbert said...

Kerri and Cory,
I agree that you made the right choice to have Izzy's treatments here at Mott. I work at the Main Hospital and am so proud to be part of U of M Hospitals. It is absolutely world-class and it's right here in our backyard! People come from all over Michigan and northwest Ohio for oncology treatment at U of M. Also, since I work full-time at the Hospital, please let me know if there's anything you need or anything I can bring you from home, B-school, etc. while you're at Mott. I'm not terribly familiar with Mott as far as directions and such, but it's right across the Courtyard so please keep me in mind! My pager # at work is 30940. You're all in our prayers. Holly Limbert (and Tim and Carter)

Unknown said...

Izzy - wishing you a speedy recovery! Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Cory and Kerri - please let your Idaho friends know if there is anything at all we can help you with.

Best wishes to all of you.

Ryan and Zoe

Wood fam said...

Just wanted you to know how much we care for you guys. We are thinking and praying for you daily. Thanks for the update.

monniaux family said...

thanks for this blog, it s a great idea !
you are in our heart and prayers
aurelie

Unknown said...

Kerri and Cory,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Let us know if you need any help.

Hugs to Izzy.
(Mahesh) Sundaram family

Auntie Amber said...
This comment has been removed by the author.