The Beginning
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Hello to all
from
Children's Hospital
Oakland, California
To it still difficult to grasp that we are actually here...hearing this news...living in this new world.
Kristin's official diagnosis is ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA precursor b. This is very treatable form of cancer. She is enrolled in a cutting edge program for treating A.L.L.. All of us here are very optimistic. She is under the care of amazing Doctors and the recipient of the miracles of modern medicine. It will be a very rough 2 years or so, but she will survive. Thus far, we have been on the fast track. This is an amazing institution and we are very, very fortunate to be here. Nothing short of kindness and compassion have been shown to us from the very beginning.
Upon our arrival on Monday, she has undergone a bone marrow biopsy, 2 lunbar punctures, echo cardiogram, chest x-ray, broviac cath. placement, and numerous pokes and prods. She received her first chemo treatment; injected into the spinal fluid, Wednesday night. The only effect it had on her was a headache. (and there is always a med for that)
Kristin is being so extremely brave. You would all be amazed. Keep all our your optimism, support, thought, and prayers coming. She loves them and it keeps her mind distracted. That being said, I did not think cell phones were allowed in school as I think she talked with just about everyone the last few days.
Kristin is very tired and sleeps a lot as is to be expected. She will lose her hair and looks forward to possibly being blonde. We all know about her hair issues!
About visiting, she can have visitors on the following conditions. You must be 110% healthy and that it is a good day for her. She cannot have latex balloons, mylar is okay, flowers are prohibited. She can receive letters and packages. The address here is:
Children's Hospital
747 52 St.
5 south
Oakland, California 94609 attention:Kristin Katich
Love and peace to you all. Please keep up your hope and faith for her as that is how our prayers are answered. We are 100% sure that they will be.
Leslie and Darren
Comments
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. This afternoon we placed Kristen's name in our church's prayer book. So far, four other friends are doing the same. Of course, it has been only 10 hours since we notified a number of people of your illness. Before you know it there will be people praying all over the world for your recovery.
Live Happy Special K!
The Ergers
You have all added so much joy to our lives during the time we have had the pleasure to be your friends, it seems so unfair that you have been challenged with
this burden but we know you have the strength to overcome all of the obstacles that face you now. We are here for you, you have our thoughts and prayers, we love you all and will be here for the long haul. Love Karen and Erika
Love,
Juliann
Sounds like you have had a very big day. I am hoping that you are in remission. Our prayers are with you and Mom and Dad. I missed you at Christmas, Know that I love you.
Grandpa Johney
Hi Kristin, its Lindsay, your froshie friend :D I hope you stay healthy, brave, and strong! I can't wait to see you again and i hope your chemo keeps going well.
Much love and i can't wait until i get to talk to you again!
P.S. Even though i dont know you super well, i cant beleive this si happening to you. You are one of the most amazing people ive ever met, you have sucha great sence of humor and a wonderful personality. I hope this message helps you and I hope you know I have been praying for you every night!
P.P.S Expect a package coming soon!!! <3
Your friend Linds
i do not know if you recieved my letter, but i hope it got to you. :) it has some silly things in it. (some inside crazy jokes)
well im glad that everything is goin well. stay strong girl, you got this. we havent hung out in a REALLY long time, but your an amazing person and a great friend. always thinkin and prayin for ya. cant wait to see you again!! much love. <3
Grandpa Johney here. I am so glad to hear that you will soon be going home. You are strong and I know that you soon will be better and running the marathon. I know that the Lord will bless you, Mom, and Dad. You are a special spirt and know that I love you lots.
Grandpa Johney
this is Kipp and i am writing on behalf of the Stod family. I know we haven't talked much but having you and your family be a part of our little ward is a huge deal. you brighten the room you stand in and we are greatful to have such a loving and awsome family be a part of our lives. We are thinking about you and hope for the best.
Love, Stodtmeister family
Coach Brittany and Jason Mixie
Our family has been praying for you and also our whole church youth group prays for you and your family every sunday! You are in our thoughts and prayers! Everyone at Galena misses seeing you with your friendly smile! We have faith in you and know that you will get threw these rough times!
We are thinking of you,
The Short family