We were able to bring Katelyn home on Tuesday! We have thoroughly been enjoying our time at home with our little family. It's wonderful having all 4 of us together, outside of the hospital. Katelyn is absolutely loving it! She is obsessed with car rides, shopping, stairs, and being outside in general. She is having a wonderful time. We all are. She had a doctors appointment yesterday to have labs drawn and have her stitches removed. Unfortunately her ANC is still under 500, which means she is still very immune comprimised, so we have to continue to be extra careful. I am very thankful that we still have a week at home. It has been so wonderful, I can't imagine going back just yet. Only one more round and we are finished! We hope that by June she will have her hickman taken out, and we can get back to living life! Her birthday is July 8th, so be ready for a big celebration! Before the age of 2, Kate has already proven to be the strongest person I've ever known, and I am so proud of her!
Love to all! I'll update again when we're back at the hospital. I don't have internet at home.
Love,
Krystal
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Photos of Kate & Kiera!
Kiera Elizabeth Devermann
Our Sleeping Angels
I just met you but I already love you!
Kate & Kiera meet for the first time.
Our New Addition!No News is Good News... For the most part.
Since Katelyn's fevers and rash we have had an array of consultations and visits from Dermatology Specialists, Infectious Disease Specialists, as well as our array of Oncology Doctors. We still haven't heard anything on the Echo, but the skin biopsy came back negative for any sort of abnormalities. The doctor's cut a small, pen tip sized hole from her left arm to test one of the bumps she had. Unfortunately the CT scan showed two abnormal nodules on her left lung. One of them is 2mm and the other is 4mm. We hope that the two nodules resolve themselves or are treated by the antibiotics. Much to our dismay, as we were very hesitant to do the first CT, we will have to re-do the CT in 2-3 weeks to see if the nodules are still there. If they are still present we will have to talk about what to do. They are not normal, and not supposed to be there, so we will have to consult doctors as to whether or not they need to go in and get them. Unfortunately they are not on the edge of her lung, they are right in the middle. If we do need to go in and get them to see what they are, it will be a very serious surgery. We hope, an pray that those two little blemishes dissapear and are never seen again. So far, with the lack of abnormalities in her tests, the doctors are calling it either a fever of an unknown origin, or some sort of virus. It was a really tough week and a half for us. I am very thankful that she no longer has fevers or bumps. Thank you for all the prayers!
Kate and Kiera are incredible. Katelyn is such a doting, loving big sister. The second I walk into her room in the morning she is all smiles calling for Kiera. She just loves her. She gives her kisses galore and wants to see what she's doing all the time. It is adorable. Kiera eats, sleeps, poops & pees. That's about it. She makes the funniest faces... she makes me smile a lot. Todd has spent the last 2 weeks sleeping at the hospital with Kate, and Kiera & I have been going home & cuddling up in our mega bed. I can't wait for Todd & Kate to come cuddle up with us at home. Thankfully, Kiera sleeps incredibly well at night. I'm sure it's because she sleeps right next to me all night. During the day she wants to nurse all the time, and then she wants me to hold her. It's wonderful bonding time, but it is difficult because I want to spend time with Kate too. I'm sure we'll find some sort of routine and make it work sooner than later. Katelyn is getting so big. She is growing and changing and learing. She is incredible. She's putting 2 and 3 word sentences together and it's incredible. It's also a little disturbing! I was leaving the hospital the other day and asked her for a kiss and she said "No Kisses!". Of course I was suprised, and I really dislike the "N" word, but it is still amazing seeing her put those things together. She is incredibly smart and we couldn't be more amazed & inspired by her.
Thank You to everyone for your continued prayers and support. We couldn't be more grateful. Thank You!
Love,
Krystal
Kate and Kiera are incredible. Katelyn is such a doting, loving big sister. The second I walk into her room in the morning she is all smiles calling for Kiera. She just loves her. She gives her kisses galore and wants to see what she's doing all the time. It is adorable. Kiera eats, sleeps, poops & pees. That's about it. She makes the funniest faces... she makes me smile a lot. Todd has spent the last 2 weeks sleeping at the hospital with Kate, and Kiera & I have been going home & cuddling up in our mega bed. I can't wait for Todd & Kate to come cuddle up with us at home. Thankfully, Kiera sleeps incredibly well at night. I'm sure it's because she sleeps right next to me all night. During the day she wants to nurse all the time, and then she wants me to hold her. It's wonderful bonding time, but it is difficult because I want to spend time with Kate too. I'm sure we'll find some sort of routine and make it work sooner than later. Katelyn is getting so big. She is growing and changing and learing. She is incredible. She's putting 2 and 3 word sentences together and it's incredible. It's also a little disturbing! I was leaving the hospital the other day and asked her for a kiss and she said "No Kisses!". Of course I was suprised, and I really dislike the "N" word, but it is still amazing seeing her put those things together. She is incredibly smart and we couldn't be more amazed & inspired by her.
Thank You to everyone for your continued prayers and support. We couldn't be more grateful. Thank You!
Love,
Krystal
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
No News
Kate did well during the procedures yesterday. The hard part was her being unable to eat all day. Poor girl was starving. It is hearbreaking when your child is hungry and you can't give them anything to eat or drink. She kept telling us she was hungry and she wanted food, always accompanied with a "please" and tears. It is heartbreaking. She came out of the anestesia well and had dinner waiting for her in the room. During her procedures we were very upset with how we were treated by her treating anestesiologist. Our doctors told us that one of us would be able to be present for the procedures, including the CT. The anestesiologist didn't want to talk to us about risks or give us her opinion on the procedure, she was very rude to us. Once Katelyn was asleep she kicked both of us out, although we were told that Todd could stand behind the glass and watch after her. At that point we were frusterated. Once Kate was rolled out of the room we went to the PACU, where the Echo and skin biopsy were to be performed... the anestesiologist, again with a rude demeanor, told Todd her couldn't go in the room. Every persone we spoke with prior to the procedures told us we would be present during the procedures. That was part of the reason we agreed to do them. As soon as the anestesiologist closed the door behind her, we went looking for someone to complain to. The way we were treated was ridiculous & unprofessional & our caregivers should have been better informed on policy and not made promises that they couldn't keep. Although we were confident that everything would go well, we had anticipated Todd being able to be present to support Katelyn. It was a rough afternoon. Thankfully, Kate did well and they got all the tests they needed.
Now we wait for results. When, we don't know. Usually one thing will come back at a time. As soon as we have some more info I will update again.
On a positive note, prayers are working! It has been over 24 hours since Kate's last fever! Yay! We are so thankful that she is feeling better and hope that she will soon be back to the halls and will be able to be out and about!
She is such a strong and incredible child. I am so thankful for everything about her. She has this way of brightening up a room, and anyone who comes in contact with her feels her energy and can't help but be happy. She is coming into the terrible two's though. I know the fevers, hospital, lack of decent food, and lack of stimulation aren't making it any easier. I don't blame her for being upset and fed up. I think we're all getting there. We just can't wait to get out of here. It will be such a blessing to get back to life. I want a vacation. I think both Todd and I are due for some R&R with our little family. Maybe we'll try and take a trip this summer to relax and celebrate our little family.
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers & support. Please continue to pray for our little Kate.
Love,
Krystal
Now we wait for results. When, we don't know. Usually one thing will come back at a time. As soon as we have some more info I will update again.
On a positive note, prayers are working! It has been over 24 hours since Kate's last fever! Yay! We are so thankful that she is feeling better and hope that she will soon be back to the halls and will be able to be out and about!
She is such a strong and incredible child. I am so thankful for everything about her. She has this way of brightening up a room, and anyone who comes in contact with her feels her energy and can't help but be happy. She is coming into the terrible two's though. I know the fevers, hospital, lack of decent food, and lack of stimulation aren't making it any easier. I don't blame her for being upset and fed up. I think we're all getting there. We just can't wait to get out of here. It will be such a blessing to get back to life. I want a vacation. I think both Todd and I are due for some R&R with our little family. Maybe we'll try and take a trip this summer to relax and celebrate our little family.
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers & support. Please continue to pray for our little Kate.
Love,
Krystal
Monday, March 16, 2009
A Big Day for Kate
Today is a big day for Kate. Despite the intense amount of prayers coming her way, she hasn't been able to beat the fevers. Although they are less frequent, they are sill coming with a vengeance. She will play for hours and be happy and have a great day, then when she settles down and is ready to rest her body decides to attack whatever it is that's making her sick and she gets a high fever. We hoped to have some results from both stool & a nasal test by today, but the tests aren't ready and Kate is getting more bumps on her body. The doctors think that doing a CT, a second Echo and a skin biopsy (Todd keeps calling it a hole punch), is our best chance of finding out what is wrong. Todd and I are very leary about doing the CT, as there are many side effects, and Katelyn is allergic to one of the dye's that they inject. She can get pre-medicated for the dye, but it just makes us uncomfortable. Her ANC is starting to rise, which is wonderful. We wonder if, as her ANC comes up, her body may be able to help fight whatever it is that is making her sick. It is so hard to make these decisions. We are uncomfortable doing the CT, but if we wait to see what her body can do to help we risk whatever it is getting worse. All we can do is pray at this point that Kate have strength, andd that the doctors have expertise and skill and that these tests run smoothly and are effective in finding the culprit making Kate sick. Please keep praying for our little Kate.
Kiera is great, she is such a wonderful little baby. She is very easy. Todd and I are very lucky to have such even tempered, happy children. Kiera eats, sleeps and just hangs out. She hardly cries and is just a joy to each of us. We had a Doc. appointment this afternoon and Kiera is doing wonderfully. She has gained 6oz in the last 3 days (which is twice what the Doc had hoped), her jonice is going away, and she looks wonderful. We couldn't be happier with her. Kate adores her. Every morning, when Kiera and I get to the hospital, Kate gets a giant smile on her face and says "kiwa!" She wants to hold her first thing, and just loves her to pieces. SHe is a proud big sister. I'm not sure she likes sharing the nurses attention, but she is adjusting. Todd and I are so proud of our little ones. Kate is so strong, and incredible. We couldn't be more proud of her.
Thanks to all for the congratulations and prayers. We can certainly use the prayers. I'll update soon & hope to upload pics from my camera so you all can see our little angels!
Love,
Krystal
Kiera is great, she is such a wonderful little baby. She is very easy. Todd and I are very lucky to have such even tempered, happy children. Kiera eats, sleeps and just hangs out. She hardly cries and is just a joy to each of us. We had a Doc. appointment this afternoon and Kiera is doing wonderfully. She has gained 6oz in the last 3 days (which is twice what the Doc had hoped), her jonice is going away, and she looks wonderful. We couldn't be happier with her. Kate adores her. Every morning, when Kiera and I get to the hospital, Kate gets a giant smile on her face and says "kiwa!" She wants to hold her first thing, and just loves her to pieces. SHe is a proud big sister. I'm not sure she likes sharing the nurses attention, but she is adjusting. Todd and I are so proud of our little ones. Kate is so strong, and incredible. We couldn't be more proud of her.
Thanks to all for the congratulations and prayers. We can certainly use the prayers. I'll update soon & hope to upload pics from my camera so you all can see our little angels!
Love,
Krystal
Friday, March 13, 2009
Kate and Kiera!
It's a GIRL!
Wow, what an amazing miracle our little Kiera Elizabeth Devermann is! She was born Monday, March 9th at 9:37am. She weighed 8lbs and is 20.5" long. She has a full head of dark brown hair and is absolutely stunning! I will post pictures and give all the good details tomorrow!
Katelyn has been really sick. Monday she had a fever of 103.5 and hasn't been able to fight it off. Blood cultures revealed that she had strep (not sure how or exactly why) in her blood and the antibiotics that she is getting isn't killing it off. Her fevers come back every 3-5 hours and she feels miserable. Today 5 or 6 red bumps appeared on her skin, and because she is having some complications, dermatology came down to look at them. They decided not to biopsy today and want to just watch and see what happens. She had an echo today because her respirations are more frequent than normal. If her fevers don't get under control this weekend we will do another ekg as well as a CT on Monday. Please pray that Katelyn be able to fight the fevers and possible infections off. It has been a very difficult week. Todd has been at the hospital a lot, taking care of Katelyn, and I have been with Kiera. Tonight was my first time seeing Kate this week, and Kate's first encounter with her little sister... Kate loves Kiera, and it is adorable seeing her interact with the baby.... I'll tell you all about it. Please pray for our Katelyn.
Thanks & Love,
Krystal
Wow, what an amazing miracle our little Kiera Elizabeth Devermann is! She was born Monday, March 9th at 9:37am. She weighed 8lbs and is 20.5" long. She has a full head of dark brown hair and is absolutely stunning! I will post pictures and give all the good details tomorrow!
Katelyn has been really sick. Monday she had a fever of 103.5 and hasn't been able to fight it off. Blood cultures revealed that she had strep (not sure how or exactly why) in her blood and the antibiotics that she is getting isn't killing it off. Her fevers come back every 3-5 hours and she feels miserable. Today 5 or 6 red bumps appeared on her skin, and because she is having some complications, dermatology came down to look at them. They decided not to biopsy today and want to just watch and see what happens. She had an echo today because her respirations are more frequent than normal. If her fevers don't get under control this weekend we will do another ekg as well as a CT on Monday. Please pray that Katelyn be able to fight the fevers and possible infections off. It has been a very difficult week. Todd has been at the hospital a lot, taking care of Katelyn, and I have been with Kiera. Tonight was my first time seeing Kate this week, and Kate's first encounter with her little sister... Kate loves Kiera, and it is adorable seeing her interact with the baby.... I'll tell you all about it. Please pray for our Katelyn.
Thanks & Love,
Krystal
Friday, March 6, 2009
3 Days Left!
Only 3 days until our new little addition will make his or her grand entrance! It's actually less than three days! Monday morning at 9:30am, we will know if this little bundle of joy that has been growing in may enormous belly is a boy or a girl! I cannot wait to find out! There is nothing in this world I want more than to have healthy children. I don't care if this baby is a boy, a girl, blond hair, black hair, bald, a screamer, or easy... I just pray that he or she is healthy. This little one, along with Katelyn, have so much love in their life already, I know that whatever the case may be, her or she, will be incredible, and will be loved unconditionally.
It's amazing how life lessons occur. In my short (almost) 25 years of life, I've been dealt a lot of hands. From as early as I can remember I've had to make important decisions, decisions that no child, much less person, should ever have to make. Through these life lessons and experiences I have grown and matured and learned to take care of myself and my loved ones. I don't understand the things that happen to us, to our family, and especially to our children, but I do know that through these experiences, even the horrible ones, we learn about ourselves, and we learn how to take care of the ones we love. As a big sister, I've helped my sisters grow and mature and hope that I have an effect on their life's path. As a mother, I can only hope that I not let my children down, or myself for that matter. I have greater hopes and expectations than I had for myself, but I know that no matter what, my children will live wonderful lives. I am very thankful for my life as it is. I wouldn't change my children or my husband, or the relationships we have for anything in the world. I am very grateful to be a mother. It is the most amazing thing in the world. I never thought that I could love someone as much as I love Katelyn, and the new baby. I never thought that I could have the strength to fight for my childs life. It is the most difficult think a person can do, but now, I believe that any person can do it. The strength that we, as parents, draw from our children is indescribable. When you hear or see people supporting their children as they fight to live, and fight to live a long life, it is almost unbarable to watch, even as an outsider. I was that outsider at one point, and I never thought I could be that fighter, watching, hoping, and praying that my child live. It's amazing what life can throw at you. One day I have a healthy, beautiful 15 month old daughter who loves the park, loves the pool, wants to eat grapes every second of the day, and is hilarious; I have an amazing husband whom I love more and more every day; and I am blessed to be carrying another incredible life inside of me. Then, out of nowhere, life throws a horrible curve ball, and although I still have my amazing husband, and a blessing inside of me, I also have fear and confusion about my ever incredible daughter. When we found out that Katelyn had Leukemia, and that her leukemia was incredibly rare and difficult to treat (if at all treatable), it was the worst thing I could have ever heard. No person should have that fear for their child. She deserves nothing but the best, nothing but the finest things in life. To have cancer? To possibly lose her young life? These things don't make sence. Those things shouldn't happen to children. I've watched my baby fight for her life, and do it unknowingly. The strength and energy that Katelyn has had these last 19 weeks is awe inspiring. It's unreal. If ever I have the courage and strength that my 20 month old daughter has displayed in her short life, I will forever be indebted to her; as she is my inspiration. What strength I have posessed through these last 5 months, I also owe to her. Without her smile and incredible personality, I would have broken. I can't believe that I have been able to do this. I don't know how I've done it. I know that Katelyn's strength has driven Todd and I through this. I know that without God, an without His love and the strength He gives to us through Him, we wouln't be able to do this. Without the prayers, love, and support of our family and friends, we wouldn't have been able to get through this. Although I will never understand the many lessons life has thrown my way, I am grateful to be here, I am grateful for the things that I've learned, and for the strength that I've drawn from those difficult times. Mostly, I am grateful for my family.
With only 1 more round of chemotherapy left, I pray that this be it. I pray that Katelyn stay strong and healthy, and that she be forever free of cancer. I will pray everyday that God keep His healing touch on my baby, and that through Him she stay healthy and live a long, happy, healthy life.
It's amazing how life lessons occur. In my short (almost) 25 years of life, I've been dealt a lot of hands. From as early as I can remember I've had to make important decisions, decisions that no child, much less person, should ever have to make. Through these life lessons and experiences I have grown and matured and learned to take care of myself and my loved ones. I don't understand the things that happen to us, to our family, and especially to our children, but I do know that through these experiences, even the horrible ones, we learn about ourselves, and we learn how to take care of the ones we love. As a big sister, I've helped my sisters grow and mature and hope that I have an effect on their life's path. As a mother, I can only hope that I not let my children down, or myself for that matter. I have greater hopes and expectations than I had for myself, but I know that no matter what, my children will live wonderful lives. I am very thankful for my life as it is. I wouldn't change my children or my husband, or the relationships we have for anything in the world. I am very grateful to be a mother. It is the most amazing thing in the world. I never thought that I could love someone as much as I love Katelyn, and the new baby. I never thought that I could have the strength to fight for my childs life. It is the most difficult think a person can do, but now, I believe that any person can do it. The strength that we, as parents, draw from our children is indescribable. When you hear or see people supporting their children as they fight to live, and fight to live a long life, it is almost unbarable to watch, even as an outsider. I was that outsider at one point, and I never thought I could be that fighter, watching, hoping, and praying that my child live. It's amazing what life can throw at you. One day I have a healthy, beautiful 15 month old daughter who loves the park, loves the pool, wants to eat grapes every second of the day, and is hilarious; I have an amazing husband whom I love more and more every day; and I am blessed to be carrying another incredible life inside of me. Then, out of nowhere, life throws a horrible curve ball, and although I still have my amazing husband, and a blessing inside of me, I also have fear and confusion about my ever incredible daughter. When we found out that Katelyn had Leukemia, and that her leukemia was incredibly rare and difficult to treat (if at all treatable), it was the worst thing I could have ever heard. No person should have that fear for their child. She deserves nothing but the best, nothing but the finest things in life. To have cancer? To possibly lose her young life? These things don't make sence. Those things shouldn't happen to children. I've watched my baby fight for her life, and do it unknowingly. The strength and energy that Katelyn has had these last 19 weeks is awe inspiring. It's unreal. If ever I have the courage and strength that my 20 month old daughter has displayed in her short life, I will forever be indebted to her; as she is my inspiration. What strength I have posessed through these last 5 months, I also owe to her. Without her smile and incredible personality, I would have broken. I can't believe that I have been able to do this. I don't know how I've done it. I know that Katelyn's strength has driven Todd and I through this. I know that without God, an without His love and the strength He gives to us through Him, we wouln't be able to do this. Without the prayers, love, and support of our family and friends, we wouldn't have been able to get through this. Although I will never understand the many lessons life has thrown my way, I am grateful to be here, I am grateful for the things that I've learned, and for the strength that I've drawn from those difficult times. Mostly, I am grateful for my family.
With only 1 more round of chemotherapy left, I pray that this be it. I pray that Katelyn stay strong and healthy, and that she be forever free of cancer. I will pray everyday that God keep His healing touch on my baby, and that through Him she stay healthy and live a long, happy, healthy life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
