Wednesday, December 3, 2008

So maybe the day wasn't so crappy after all .....( If you haven't aready,you might want to read the post below.Then you'll be up to speed)

Five weeks ago today,Zoey was diagnosed with AML M7.At diagnosis she had 68% blasts or in other words,68% of her cells were immature cells and thus meant she had Leukemia running rampant in her body.Fast forward to a few hours ago:Mark called Zoey's oncologist because I was too whimpy or just too down right scared to call myself.Actually,to be honest,I stayed relatively calm while awaiting the results.Truly knowing no matter what the emotion that I let take hold of me,nothing would change what was to be.So Mark called me around 12:45 and my heart did do a little skip when I saw his number come up, as I knew why he was calling.He spoke to Dr.Gannon and the news ..... no blasts in the marrow.How's that for fabulous news?Totally offsets the events of this morning,to say the least.Her doctor was pleased and we were,well,beyond pleased.He did use the "R" word.Now, I am not talking about the "R" word I hate, that people use to describe others with intellectual disabilities,I am instead talking,remission.That word now becomes a new "R" word to me as I just am not ready to speak it out loud.That word both thrills me and terrifies me, so we take today for what it was, which was really great news. We go forward as planned and do all in our power to kick this thing for good.Or help Zoey kick this thing for good.I will remain cautiously optimistic,as we have been burned by unbridled optimism before and we know this particular journey is still so new and things can change on a dime.Remember,we still have 4 or 5 other rounds to see Zoey come out unscathed by.That will certainly require faithful prayers, with a little luck thrown in for good measure.At the same time, I intend to rejoice as these miraculous milestones occur.For they are miracles.Zoey is a miracle and for today .... my tiny warrior is doing really spectacular.We will embrace our extra days given to us before a new Monday arrives.We are thankful and grateful for this latest news.Thankful and grateful are not words that actually do justice in this moment.When I come up with an adequate description on how I am feeling,I'll let you know.For now,in this moment, I feel peace.

24 comments:

~KC: said...

WONDERFUL news!!!. ZOEY GRACE, I know you CAN do this, you will overcome this challenge. Many Blessing to you ~
Sending prayers of strength and loving and healing energy your way every day :).

Unknown said...

That's the best news I have heard in a VERY long time...yeah...my heart sings with joy! She is a blessed little one loved by so many! I am so happy for you all!

heidi marie said...

such amazing news. i'd say that is the best christmas gift one could have! i'm just so happy for you. i will continue to pray for little zoey's continued good health!!

Carey said...

wow, that's great news! what a fighter!

reading your posts are like dejavu ... we were turned down a couple of times before making counts for round 2. ours had to be at least 1,000 though. she was on a study protocol so it was a precise science. and the tape thing, ugh! we had all kinds of crazy rashes/sores from that tape. you'll find what works for her, and then just insist on it. there are a couple of different dressing change kits, so ask them to try the other one (i don't know what you've tried so far). the one we ended up using always was not the "standard" hickman dressing, so every week when we changed it we had to remind whoever was there what she used. also make sure they use adhesive remover or foam, or even alcohol pads to soak it up really well before trying to remove it.

good luck, and hey christmas in the hospital isn't all that bad, you get lots of surprises, ... just make sure none of your kids barf on santa!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, wow, wow, Heather. Such great news. She's a totally tough cookie and so are you. My heart is singing. You and your family are inspirations to us all. Thinking of you with love and constant prayers, Christi Harman

JUST A MOM said...

TEARS of JOY! How's that for something to be Thankful for this Holiday Season!!!! God is so GOOD!

Alison
(Tate's mommy)

Mommy to those Special Ks said...

WOOOHOOOO! She got into remission WAY faster than Kennedy! That's SO awesome!!! Praying she stays there FOREVER! Welcome to the Remission club!

Jeanette said...

There's a new "r" word, REJOICE. When I read today's post a scripture came to mind...

Psalm 118:24 "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Pam said...

Oh Heather you just made my day!!

Zoey? YOU GO GIRL!!!

You are always in our thoughts and prayers.

((HUGS))

Jackson's Blog said...

Great news Heather! I am so happy for Zoey and you all to have this incredible news. Will continue to keep your family in our prayers..

Mara said...

That is wonderful ! We are still praying for you! Stay strong.

Christina said...

WOW! That is amazing and I hope that good news continues! I know Zoey still has quite a journey ahead of her, but news like that has to make it a bit lighter a load to carry.

Way to go Zoey!!! :) We will still be praying and thinking of you everyday!

Claudia said...

Wow, Heather, that is good news. Seems like all the prayers did a good job! Looking forward to reading more about.

Love,
Claudia!

Anonymous said...

your post gave me chills! Such great news for the little one. Enjoy your week. I think Christmas has come early at the Needhams.
Kathleen

Kele said...

What'd I tell you ?!?!?!
10 years baby!!
Just listen to me girl, seriously, when in doubt..just listen to me!! I knows what I be talkin' 'bout!!!
ZOEY IS KICKIN' LUEK's BUTT!!
LOVE YOU!! I have butterflies in my tummy, I am so frickin' high from this news!!

Dawson said...

We praise God for this wonderful news!!! GO ZOEY

Shari said...

I am so excited! I will continue to pray!

Cheri said...

YES, YES, YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So glad to have read that! So, so glad!!!!

Our nursing staff over here have fallen in love with Zoey as well! When I read the news from our hospital room out loud to Toby both he and the nurse were thrilled! Yesterday Toby was showing our blog to the nurse and he pointed out Zoey and shared her story....that's what you do with future daughter-in-laws! :)

Cheri said...

...share their stories that is :)

just jean said...

How can we still be so amazed at the strength and resiliency of this little dynamo? We should know by now that she is a child destined to do many important things and affect many people! Hurray for O blasts!

Di said...

That is fantastic news. I realize you are guarding about getting too excited, but it is great news. I still keep Zoey in my thoughts and prayers.

Dianna

Anonymous said...

Fantastic news!! Zero blasts!! We can't expect anything less from Princess Zoey. She is simply amazing!! Enjoy your time home and know that prayers are still coming everyday!! I have tears right now I am so happy for Zoey and your family! oxoxox

Catty Wampus said...

Hello; I found you through Kele; I have put Zoey on my blog and am hoping that you will receive the miracle she deserves. Such a happy smile; I related to Kele that I have a friend who has a daughter with Down's who is now in her mid 30's and she is very independent; owns her own home and has a job; she is so much fun to be with. She has her own style and is very sweet. It is not easy being a parent of a special needs child as I know myself. But there are so many rewards there. These kids retain a sense of wonder with the world that I envy. They love openly and without shame or reservation. They see the sun and not the dark. They are genuine. Wish we all had more of that. I will keep you in my heart; I'll be waiting and watching; with the hope in my soul that you win the battle; you go Zoey!!!! Merrie

Aunt Kim said...

the power of prayer at work again! congrats and enjoy these precious days at home.

Presley's Aunt Kim