Hi everyone :)
It's Keen (Lauren's sister). Lauren asked that I write tonight's update on her behalf.
Over the weekend, Lauren developed persistent cold-like symptoms including a fever. When things weren't getting better, my parents called her doctor who eventually asked that Lauren be brought to the hospital for a few days. So, she is currently a temporary resident of the oncology ward at the Christiana Hospital.
Once there, Lauren's doctors determined that her white blood cell count was extremely low (around 400 when it should be 3500), making it difficult for her to combat disease. They chose to keep her in the hospital for a few days while she recovers so she will be safe from excessive amounts of dangerous bacteria. In fact, the doctors were so concerned about the threat of spreading bacteria, that they chose to move Lauren's roommate to a new location, much to her roommate's dismay (apparently she threw a sizable fit).
While I haven't had the opportunity to visit Lauren yet, it sounds as if her stay at the hospital has been pretty smooth, all things considered. My dad stayed with her overnight Saturday to Sunday. Then today, my mom went to stay with her for a while. Her room is rather arctic, but Lauren has not had much of a problem with the climate yet. Today, they gave her cold soup for dinner by mistake, and cake when she requested pudding. Mistakes of this grandeur would not have been tolerated back in the day when she played the wealthy woman and I played her servant "Phlegm," but Lauren was very understanding of the hospital staff. Dan went to stay the night with her tonight. We're hopeful that she'll be healthy and back at home with us by Tuesday.
As always, the thoughts and prayers of Lauren's family, friends, relatives, and extended community are greatly appreciated. The feedback Lauren receives on this journal means the world to her, and to our family. She is always encouraged by the thoughts of her loved ones and their interest in her progress. The undying support and love is only making her that much stronger. A million thank yous for your endless compassion.
God bless and all my love,
Keen :)
xoxo
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7 comments:
Hey Lauren, it's Jenny. I got the link from Lauren K. Good luck with this little bit of trouble but I'm sure you'll be fine. If you ever need anything just remember that I'm just a few minutes from Delaware and could be right there. You, me, and Lauren need to hang out when you're feeling up to it!
Okay! I have finally figured out how to do this and I now proudly have a google account! Keen's writing is absolutely amazing! You should have her post for you more often! I'm sad to hear you are in the hospital :(
The baby bunnies are getting so cute! There are only three now, but they are getting big and fat (3" long) and they are getting their fur which is so soft. They haven't opened their eyes yet, though. Amy took a picture last night of one of the babies in her hand, so I'll have her send it to you!
You positive spirit and sense of humor are amazing! Lauren, you are an inspiration to everyone!
Lots of love!
Hi Lauren,
Aunt Joanne in Alaska again. Wow. Sounds like the chemo treatment really zapped your immune system. For what it is worth I'm going to share what I have learned about that from some friends who are/were cancer survivors. SG (lung and brain cancer) used holistic supplements like Noni Juice to boost his immune system during chemo and radiation. He drank the stuff daily. He's 68 yrs old now. He is still here and had been diagnosed before Peter Jennings.
Another friend of mine, DC successfully battled cancer from 1989 to 2006. By the way, DC was a redhead. In 1989 at age 57, DC's doctor told him he had the fastest growing cancer you can get with a large tumor in his chest. When his doctor told him to get his affairs in order, DC, a steel contractor, went to his shop and oiled his crane. Ha. After the initial shock of being diagnosed, he decided it was his body and he was going to take control. He had a friend who told him about a cancer doctor in Greece. DC flew to Greece. The doctor put him on a diet of small amounts of fish, chicken and larger servings of legumes, vegetables, fruits (except citrus)and brown rice. He was advised not to eat anything processed, smoked, pickled or acidic to include refraining from citrus and anything with vinegar. Then about a year later DC's Greek doctor died. What a bummer. DC did eventually resort to some chemotherapy, but continued to eat healthy and seek out herbalist's remedies to boost his immune system and was physically active when possible. DC also sought out cancer survivors through the internet to get ideas from them and listened closely to his body. He survived for 17 years, to age 74. Amazing, since his fast growing cancer was expected to take his life in 3 to 6 months in 1989. Hope this information helps.
You are a brave and couragous woman. We are stepping up the prayers for you.
We have a bunch of our friends praying for you. Hope they get you on your feet again really soon. With your wonderful family, Dan, and terrific friends there for you, you can beat this. Hope you are up and on your feet really soon.
Hey Keen, good input for Lauren. Nothing like a sister. Thanks.
Love ya,
Dear Lauren,
Congrats on graduating. Glad to hear that you have been doing alot and feeling pretty good except you hit a bump in the road over the weekend but knowing you that will not keep you down to long you will be out and about in no time. We will keep you in our prayers.
Love,
Bill & Joyce O'Connell
Hi Lauren,
It's cousin Pat Dillon's wife, Kerin. We've met a handful of times at O'Connell things. Anyways, it sounds like you are in great hands down there at Christiana...those drugs are NASTY though...my Dad did the CHOP combo when he was sick with a diffuse large T cell lymphoma...similar to your disease but much rarer. As you already know and I learned from watching my Dad as he lived with his disease, the most important thing in this equation is your attitude and it sounds like yours is THE BEST!!! Keep smiling and know that the whole Dillon gang is cheering for you! By the way, I have a young friend, one of the medical students I taught this past year, who also had a B cell lymphoma. She is an amazing girl and with both your permissions...I'll put you in touch with her. She is one of my heroes!! So are you.
xoxo
kerin
Lauren,
I know we haven't officially met, and yet, between Kathleen, your parents, and your blog, I feel as if I know you. Your dad and my mom (Pat Farren) have know each other professionally and personally for years. Kathleen has been our babysitter for the past 2 years and she has always spoken so warmly and so highly of you. (A true sister bond of mutual love, admiration and respect.) Your strength, your optimism, your humor, your convictions and your genuineness in your blog have moved me beyond words.
I want you to know that our family is keeping you and your family in our daily thoughts and prayers.
You have always been an inspiration to many for the person you are and for the way you live your life. Your family, friends and your accomplishments are a testimont to that.
I don't understand why you have been given the diagnosis of NHL, but I believe your faith and your love and appreciation of life will give you the strength to overcome this disease and to make the world a better place in the process.
You have touched the hearts of my whole family and I thank you for that. You have inspired me with your story of courage and hope and I believe that attitude along with your amazing support system is what will make you lifelong survivor of NHL.
With love
John, Kim Katherine & Jack Alberta
Hello my love! I'm sorry you were feeling so poorly. Glad to hear that you are home now. And apparently people you have never even met are thinking about you and praying for you. That must feel pretty fabulous.
Thank you Keen for such a beautifully written entry! I laughed because I'm pretty sure we played a game like that when we were little and called Jamie "Sir James" and pretended to be his servants. Yeah we were pretty cool kids.
Love you! Boston is waiting for you when you're ready! :)
~Kristen
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