Rapid Early Response

Today, we received the results from the bone marrow test that was done on Wednesday. The results show that Kaitlyn is in Rapid Early Response (RER). Which basically means that it's too early to say that she is in Remission, but that there are no evident leukemic cells in her bone marrow. This is excellent news!!

Dr. Keuker gave us a Garden Analogy. Basically, he likened the body to a garden. The different types of vegetables are the different types of blood cells in the body and the leukemic cells are the weeds that grow in the garden. Without care, the weeds get out of control and inhibit the vegetables from growing. So, you need to use weed killer to get rid of the weeds (or the chemo to get rid of the leukemic cells). Well, the weed killer not only kills the weeds, but also the vegetables and you are left with dirt. Basically a clean slate to grow a new garden or in Kaitlyn's case, now she has to grow new, healthy blood cells. So, although she is considered a "Rapid Responder" and that is great news, now we have to watch and make sure that the cells that grow back are healthy vegetables and not weeds. And that is why it is too early to say that she is in Remission. Until they start to see healthy cells regenerate, they won't know if she is in remission or not. Another bone marrow test will be done in 2 weeks and that will be the "real" test to determine whether or not she is in remission. But, statistically speaking, children who are considered "Rapid Responders" typically have a higher cure rate and less chance of relapse. So, we are focusing on the positive and today we are celebrating as I hope you are too as you are reading this :-) All of you are a part in her recovery. Your support keeps Mike and I strong so that we can continue to be there for Kaitlyn. Much appreciation.

With that being said, Kaitlyn's fever is still up and down so we are still not sure when we will be able to go home from the hospital. The doctor keeps telling us that we can expect the fever to remain until her white blood cells regenerate. Right now they are coming back slowly, so it is a wait and see kind of thing. As much as I want to be home, I almost feel safer here because there is so much more support from trained professionals. At home, it's just Mike and I and we are just scared parents who want the best for their little girl. It would be nice to have a full night of sleep though :-)

One Day at a Time, she will beat this thing, I am sure of it.

Keep praying, our prayers are working!!!