Update: 8am
Still no word on the FISH. Her blast count is up to 39% which is very discouraging. She had a good night. She's off the amio drip and holding a steady heart rhythm and pressure. She's been opening her eyes this morning but not making eye contact and she doesn't respond to us at all nor has she moved. Her breathing seems to be doing pretty good. Her bilirubin is 29.3. White count is 36.1. She tested positive again for C. Diff which can cause the high white counts, but usually wouldn't cause the blast cells. We're painfully awaiting the results.
Update: 9:50am
This is a very sad day for all of us. The FISH is positive for leukemia. Not only are the blast cells mutated but many of the other cells are as well. The only option right now is to stop her immunosuppresion drugs and see if her good cells will fight the bad cells. Otherwise the decision would be to stop life support.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
From Mike: Day +42 (Day 36 in ICU)
Posted by Mike at 8:01 AM
Labels: amiodarone, bilirubin, C. Diff
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
86 Comments:
We're painfully awaiting the results.
Mike
Like you said above, we are all doing that, and hoping that some new tests will show a more positive result. You are all in our thoughts and prayers daily. Hang in there.
Love
Grandpa Tony & Nancy
Oh Mike and all of you
I am also sitting here, almost with my breath held, hoping so incredibly hard that these FISH results will be good.
love and light
Annie
i hope that FISH test comes back negative, i really hope and pray she beats this. think good thoughts. Hang in there buddy, your doing a amazing job by keeping everyone so informed so often.
Jeremy Shultz
mike,
Thinking of you all...give Dawn my love..
Valerie
Waiting with you and praying for you all. -Felicia
I am coming from the LLS board where we all have been keeping you in our prayers and hearts, and hoping you will get well! Stay determined and we are believing in you, nicole
Mike,
I have been following Dawns post for four months now. I got goosebumps up & down my arm when I read your psot today. Dawn is such a fighter I hope things go better. Dawn has been such an inspiration to me as I have been undergoing my own treatment with AML. Mike you have been an unbeleiveable support system for her, I hope you also have a strong supprt system for yourself as it can be a very tough battle as well fo rthe caregiver. Stay strong my thoughts are with you both & I am hoping for the best.
Sandi
The mission captain for my Team in Training group sent us this blog. We're sending both of you thoughts and prayers from Washington, DC. You have inspired me to join the bone marrow registry. Wishing you love, hope, and all that you need at this time. You are an inspiration to us all.
I am speechless at this latest update. Continuing to send you healing thoughts and strength. Hoping that the good cells will over take the bad cells.
sigh...Mike, my heart goes out to you and Dawn's family. I'm still praying; it's the only thing I know that above all else, works. I just know that Jesus can and does heal people, even in 2009.
Thinking of you, Dawn and your families daily. Stay strong.
Donna Gatch
you guys are in my thoughts. i'm so sorry. still praying for you all.
love
maria
I don't know what to say after reading the lastest post. The news must be devastating to all of the family. I have literally been sitting here for 50 minutes trying to ind something to say that will make this all better, but I can't. I'm too angry this had to happen to such a young beautiful person. I pray her body fights the leukemia cells and Dawn can get back to recovery. We will continue to pray for Dawn up here and Philly and my family will continue in Florida. Dawn is an inspiration to all, those who have cancer and those who do not with her courage she showed while going though all of this.
Mike, Dawn, Christy & Streve,
My heart is so heavy for you and all that you are going through, i continue to pray for God to strengthen you and the Angels to take guard around you. We love you - family from North Dakota
I couldn't sleep. I was up until after 2 a.m. praying for Dawn. It seemed to be important. I don't plan to give up and you can't either. God is still on the throne. The Word of God says that satan comes to rob, kill and destroy but Jesus came to give us life and that more abundantly. I choose Jesus and I trust Him. He says ask and keep on asking so I am. Hang in there the battle isn't over yet.Family from Houston
I am so sorry to hear the latest news. It's Dawn who I know. But it's you, Mike, that I can relate to in your updates, as I am in the early stages of experiencing something similar. Dawn is fighting with every ounce of strength she's got, plus the thousands more sent her way from all over. I hope that you can feel it flowing for you too.
Hugs & tears,
~Kari
Praying for you all. Please let Dawn know that she has won the hearts of people she will probably never meet. Thank you for sharing her courageous battle with us all.
Friend from the Southwest
This is hard news to hear. Our prayers have been unceasing... and will continue. Can't imagine the pain you are ALL experiencing this morning. We're sharing just a bit of it with you.
We pray God's greatest blessings upon you all as you walk this path.
Doug Dean, Faith United Methodist Church, Oregon, OH
Mike, Dawn, Steve, Christy, Will,
You are in our thoughts constantly and our continual prayers. May you each know the hope of God and his incomparably great power.
You are each an inspiration to us.
Living Faith
There are no words to ease your pain right now. What can we all say to comfort you? Dawn is still in our hearts and in our prayers. I'm one of her nurses and I can tell you, I have not given up--I have not lost faith--We are here for you all and love Dawn. Keep fighting!
Words can't even express how sorry I am to hear this. I've been reading the blog religiously and consistently thinking about all of you. I wish I could do something to help. I hope that Dawn's body continues to fight, and that there is some good news coming soon. All of my thoughts are with you guys.
~
Footprints
One night I had a dream--
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord and across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints,
one belonged to me and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in my life.
This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you would walk with me all the way,
but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
"I don't understand why in times when I needed you most, you should leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child,
I love you and I would never, never leave you
during your times of trial and suffering.
"When you saw only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
...Mary Stevenson
Dawn keep up the fight and HE will continue to carry you.
Mike and the Nelson family, may the light of the Lord shine peace on all of you now.
So much love & so much hope is being sent your way. Dawn is a fighter with such a strong support system to keep her afloat. There is hope. We love you all. Keeping you in our constant & brimming prayers.
What devastating news. I am so sorry and continue to pray for dawn.
You don't know me, but I have been a blog follower through Adrian's Army and have read your story for the last few months now. I am so sad to hear of this news today. I am praying for sweet Dawn, and for the entire family. May you surround her with your love at this difficult time.
All my love and prayers are with you...Love you both.
Jessica from P.C.
I am saddened to hear this latest news. I am thinking of Dawn and praying for her and am thinking of you and of her family. Keep fighting.
Brian Fahey
A Prayer for Comfort
Father in heaven,
Even though my heart is heavy with grief, I want to praise Your holy name. You are an awesome God. You spoke and the world was created. I give You all glory and honor for who You are. I worship You alone.
I thank You that you know my pain and sorrow. Your Word says “as a mother comforts her child, You comfort us.” I ask that You be my comfort today. Help me to sense Your presence and Your peace.
Help me to reach out and comfort others as You Father, have comforted me.
In Jesus name, amen.
Strength & Blessings for Dawn, Mike and Dawn's parents:
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you:
I have called you by your name, you are mine.
Should you pass through the sea, I will be there with you;
or through rivers, they will not swallow you up.
Should you walk through fire, you will not be scorched
and the flames will not burn you...
Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
—Isaiah 43
Oh my heart HURTS!
I am so incredibly sad.
love and light
Annie
Oh you guys! :-( How horribly, terribly unfair for EVERYONE. Oh this hurts. Wishing I could just wave a magic wand and take away all this pain and hurt from you guys. I am thinking of you all and sending you all the love and positive healing vibes in the world and just hoping beyond all hope that the good cells can overcome the bad. HUGS and love to you all. ♥
Merideth
Mike,
Don't give up. The news is devastating but God does work miracles. My son is one. I have seen God's work in him. He was on deaths door when he was born and by all rights I should have miscarried. There was no umbilical cord connected and ALL his insides (except his heart, lungs and kidneys) were literally outside of his body with no covering at all.
I know that God guided the Drs. hands and gave him strength and us strength and had a reason for him to be here today as he is with Dawn. Miracles happen. Keep praying and believing.
i am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
kristi
Mike and Dawn
I have been thinking of you two daily and praying for the best . Dawn is such an amazing fighter and Mike you are a good man to be by her side .
I am very sorry for the FISH results this morning . I will keep you both in my prayers . God bless both of you .
Simon
Mike, Steve, Will, Dawn & Mr.&Mrs Nelson,
i've been sitting here for a good 3 hours, just sending you guys all my love, energy, prayers, thoughts...anything i can think of, basically.
i know i've never met you, but i consider all of you to be a part of my extended family. Dawn is SUCH a fighter, and i know you all are so proud of her for continuing this battle. I wish i could take this pain away from you, but all i can do i hope that the good cells will win this time. know that everyone that steve & I know here in hawaii is doing the same. stay strong, and keep fighting.
as always, sending ALL my love,
maria
Omgosh. Guys, I am so sorry to hear that your test results came back positive. Lets hope the good cells can fight off the bad cells..
With lots of love, you're in my prayers.
Love<3
Jessica
I am sure that God is holding all of you in the palm of his hands. I will continue to pray for all of you.
Tannis
My heart bleeds for you and the Nelson family. I haven't known Dawn long but her friendship has been precious to me from the very first day we met. Know that we- me, Lauren and the rest of the Girls- are here for you too when you need us. Much love, always,
Shane
I hope you find strength in this difficult time. I recently lost a friend to CML, and what good I found in all of this were all of the loving friends and family that surrounds her, the relationships that have been formed, and all of the lives you have touched with this blog and through Dawn's trials. You have encouraged so many to become donors! Either way, God blesses us; He cures us, or He takes us home. You and Dawn's family are in my prayers.
Dawn, Mike, Will, and Mr. and Mrs. Nelson,
There really are no words for something like this. My family and I are still keeping you in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts. We know God will accept Dawn into Heaven with open arms. A girl like Dawn is one in a million. She is such a fighter, and truly is one of the strongest people I know. You all are. Her story is truly an inspiration to everyone.
With all our love,
Erica and Family.
Mike & Fam,
I haven’t seen Dawn since college, but my memories working side by side recollect a fighter, a go-getter, someone who raised the bar… Not the qualities you’d expect from her small stature – but completely what set her apart! I always admired the fact that she was always first to accept the challenges and didn’t leave till the job was done! As she continues to fight the fight, I know she’s going at it with all that she has and is an inspiration to many – including me! Praying for God’s continued strength and comfort in the days ahead! Much love to you guys!! Keep looking up because that’s where it all is!!
Jason Radimer
I don't know what to say, but please know that Pat and I will be in prayer for Dawn and all of you.
Jenny and Pat B.
Dear Ones,
This is the hardest update to read. No words can describe the hollow feeling in my heart. Yet, you are there to bear the pain... As with many other comments, I too wish that the pain would miraculously disappear. Praying and sending love to all of you.
Dear Ones,
This is the hardest update to read. No words can describe the hollow feeling in my heart. Yet, you are there to bear the pain... As with many other comments, I too wish that the pain would miraculously disappear. Praying and sending love to all of you.
I am praying for God to give Dawn and the rest of you the strength you need to get through this. So many people are all praying. Let those good cells fight off the bad stuff and get Dawn through this critical time.
Mary from LLS board
Hi,Mike and Dawn. My heart is heavy on learning the news today and words can not express the feelings that we share.I AM PRAYING FOR DAWN TO WAKE UP AND SPEND SOME QUALITY TIME WITH YOU ALL, BABY KEEP ON FIGHTING and when you can fight no more. God will carry you home and you will suffer no more..I pray He is not ready for you yet and the transplant will kick the bad ones out.I am sure you are beloved by all and your story has helped countless others.May he touch you all with his comforting hands including the team of doctors and nurses who have taken care of you, and i know they have done all humanly possible for you during the whole time. We love you very much and grieve as all of you do..Grandma Green
I was so scared to check the update fearing this may be the news. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I can't begin to imagine the pain in that news. I am praying hard. As a fellow CML'er I am reminded how horrible this disease is. Fight Dawn Fight! You have been such an inspriation.
I'm at a loss for words. We're so proud of Dawn, of her family, and of you Mike for how bravely you've all been fighting. No one deserves this and it's so terribly unfair. Our love goes out to you in this most trying of times.
Mike, Dawn & Family -
I am in tears reading the last update. This is my first time to post, but I have been following Dawn's blog since I came across it in September when I was diagnosed with CML at the age of 25. Reading Dawn's blog and witnessing how courageous, strong and positive she as well as you all have been through this has given me more strength than I could even tell you. I check on you all daily. Dawn is definitely in my thoughts and prayers as well as Mike & her family. (((hugs)))
~Tracie
David wrote this in the Psalms, "Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Our God is the God of salvation; And to God the Lord belong escapes from death. Hold fast to Him.
You have my prayers.
~Margaret
I posted a few days ago, but felt compelled to post again. I don't think that I have any words to make this all go back to normal and to make you all feel better. My heart is breaking for you. I will continue to pray for you all. All of us on LLS's boards are really pulling for you. Stay strong; stay brave.
Sending lots of love and hope.
Alexandra
CML dx 1/11/2007
Joing others in sending heart felt prayers and wishes for Dawn and all her beloveds.
kathleen in Denver
I am so ssad to hear this news, but and hopeful that Dawn will beat this. Dawn and all of her loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers.
~Shannon
sorry for the latest news. i hope there will be another solutions and dawn will get strength from all prayers coming from everyone here.
nora
To Mike and all of Dawn's Family:
I don't even know what to say, other than you are all in my thoughts. This is such a sad, difficult time. Dawn is such a fighter!
Go Dawn Go!
Hugs,
Beth
Mike and Dawn,
I write this with such a sad heart. I have checked the blog daily and have said prayers after each reading. I know you did not get the news you were hoping for today but know that with all of the love and support around you Dawn will come through this latest hurdle. Please know that I am sending good thoughts and many prayers your way.
Gay
It's a tough day, but we can still hope and pray. You and Dawn are continuously in my thoughts and prayers.
Patrick
Mike,
You dont know me but Pastor Steve and Christy do its victoria Euler. Its so sad what you guys and Dawn escpecially, are going through! I felt for you all a lot today and I'm really praying that everything pulls through for Dawn and the family! Just keep having faith and hope which I know you want lack but like i said I'm going to really pray tonight and have one of my friends from school pray for you guys bc if I ask her to pray for me it usually works!
Well Love ya guys!
Tell dawn to keep smiling even though it may hurt just smile on the inside!
Love Victoria Euler!
All of us on the LLS CML discussion board are so sorry to hear Dawn's latest news. We're thinking of her and praying for her family in this sad time.
Peace to you,
Maggie Chotas
i haven't left a comment on here yet.
i've been checking up on it here and there.
but i only met dawn once or twice, she's a really sweet young woman, and i'm praying for her, i know alot of people are.
especially for christy, whose been there through just about all of this.
my love to dawn and all of the family.
-liz
I don't know you or Dawn. I accidentally found this blog googling a medical condition a couple months ago, I've been praying for Dawn ever since --- checking daily for the updates.
Mike, you've given Dawn the best gift anyone could give --- a big, caring heart. Take comfort however tolling it may be.
May God grant you and Dawn's family the courage and strength in the coming days. Remember, with faith there is hope.
Mother of 26 & 23
yr. olds in Texas
Many of us here at MUSC are praying for Dawn. We welcome miracles here!! Thank you for letting us journey with Dawn through her courageous fight and witness her beautiful spirit as she walks this difficult road.
God bless, comfort, and keep all of you.
MUSC employee
I am saddened by the news that you two have been given yet another hurdle to overcome. Dawn's strength and fight are an inspiration to those of us who know her, but you should know, Mike, that your strength is equally inspiring. You are both fortunate to have each other and I, like the others who have commented, am praying for you both.
With all my heart,
Henbo
Mike, Mr, and Mrs. Nelson,
I just found out what has been going on today and I haven't been able to stop the tears from flowing for over an hour now. I haven't seen Dawn in years but she was one of my closest friends at Asbury. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, I met you a few times and Mike, I have never met you but I heard a lot about you. Dawn and I lost touch in the past couple of years and I am so sorry that I have not been there for her. My husband and I are praying for her and for all of you. Dawn always knew how to fight for what she wanted and she was never a quitter. She did not give up easily and I know she's not going to give up now either. I am thinking about her and praying for her. I wish that there was more that I could do.
Love,
Liz James (Morningstar)
We are praying for you Dawn, Mike, Mrs. and Chaplain Nelson, Steve, and Will. Take heart, have hope. This is not the end. God is with you, even during this dark hour. You are in our hearts and in our prayers. We send you our love and support, and our hope. God Bless you, and angels continue to surround and comfort you. Elizabeth and the Houcks and Azevedos from California and Virginia
I'm still sitting here praying for a miracle. come on dawn fight!
-Tara
Mike and Christy- So sorry to hear about the fish results. I will continue to pray for Dawn and you guys. You have been such an awesome support system for her since I met you guys. Keep the faith.
My best hopes are with Dawn, you and Family. She's going to rally and kick those little guys butts. Keep giving the strength. I love you guys. -thomas messervy.
Mike and Nelson Family,
With a sad heart I say that the coming days will be hard and I hope that you know that if there is anything at all we (Shane or I) can do we will be there.
Mike know that you are my hero and that you have gone above and beyond what most anyone in your situation would have done. I personally look up to you as a person and Dawn's man. You have been such a rock and amazing. She couldn't have picked a better person to be with.
I have loved every minute I've spent with you guys over the last year plus. I hope that you know how much both of you have inspired me personally.
The first day I met Dawn it was like seeing a friend I hadn't talked to in a few years. Getting to know her she was often quiet and sometimes reserved but always ready for an adventure. She's been the type of friend you always hope for.
I hope that you all find peace and understanding in this situation, and are not jaded by cynisism that this disease creates.
LaLauren ;)
Mike and Dawn,
It is certainly a small world how I am connected to you both. That only makes the recent update that much more difficult to see. Please know that my wife and I are praying for you both. May the blessings flow.
Tommy Mitchell
You probably have no idea how much love surrounds all of you right now. I hope you can feel a little bit of the love and prayers being sent your way and up to God. Dawn, Mike, Steve, Christy, Steve, Will....we are constantly praying.
The Devols
I'm so very sorry.
Just wanted to say this sucks! I've been thinking about you guys all day. I know what a terrible time you guys will go through in the upcomming days having gone through it with my mother and all i can say is believe in strength and lean on your loved ones. I hope for the best and will pray for you all.
Love, Tiphanie
P.S. Dawn get better so you can see how many supporters you have and how many people care for you!
Hey Mike, this is Sarah. I was one of the nurses that took care of Donna a few weeks ago. I catch up on the blog every once in awhile and you guys are always in my prayers.
You and your family are an amazement to me. Your love and support for your beloved inspire me beyond words. I know this is a rough time, but I truly hope there is light at the end of this for you and yours. Stay strong.
Hello. I am an x-ray tech at the main hospital and I had the pleasure of performing some of Dawn's x-rays while she was here in the main hospital. Since then I have been reading this blog and praying for Dawn everyday.
Dawn is one incredible women and her strength is inspireing. And Mike and Dawn's family are such wonderful people for useing this blog to not only keep us all informed about Dawn but also informed about the constant need for blood and bone marrow donors. Dawn's story is helping so many other people in so many ways. I pray and think about you all daily.
Lots of love from the x-ray techs at MUSC,
Alison
Every night I wish on a star for Dawn. I will continue to do so, with love and prayers for peace for you all.
aloha,
Peter, Maria's dad
You are all in our thoughts and constant prayers. Know that you are loved.
Church of the Cross, Toledo
Mike,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I have followed this blog for some weeks now and I am in awe of the strength that Dawn and you each possess. I will be running the Disney marathon this weekend with LLS's TEAM in Training. Dawn's strength, determination, and courage will help me endure the marathon. May God bless you and your families.
Jenn in Ocean Isle Beach, NC
This is for the folks that have not yet had the priviledge of meeting & getting to know Dawn, Mike & her wonderful parents.. I am a RN that had the honor of taking care & Dawn & getting to know her family...She is one of the sweetest, kindest, caring patients we have ever taken care of..she always greets us with a big smile, high five & something witty! Taking care of her for me was never a job but a pleasure.. I would smile when I would see the assignment & she was mine for the day..it was hard to leave her room b/c sometimes I would forget she was sick on the days she felt pretty good b/c of the great conversations we would have... I cherish the time we spent together & the hours we picked on Mike & he was unaware:) I especially loved the hour she spent with me going through the pics of her & Mike traveling..patients like Dawn make it a pleasure & honor to care for them daily..She has such a fabulous sense of humor & I can't wait for the day I get to see that again....Dawn..we miss you beyond words on 5 west & we want you back there with us..we are grateful for the great work that the DDICU has done with you..it is patients like Dawn that give us the strength daily to do what we do..Dawn fight like hell..I know you have the strenght & courage..I am with you & your family daily...Mike..we always looked forward to thursdays for your arrival..I miss our days together & especially Christy's hugs!
Love,
Valerie & the 5 West Crew
Mike and family,
I am so saddened to hear this news. Dawn is such a valiant fighter and Mike, you have been such a kind, supportive, knowledgable care giver. You have been the best. I am thinking of all of you and pray for peace for all of you. Mary Lou
Mike and the Nelsons,
I can't tell you how deeply saddened I am by all the suffering Dawn has gone through. She has shown her true character through it all with her incredible strength and courage to fight with all her might. She could not have done this without you by her side every step of the way.
Dawn has always been very precious to me. I wish I could be by her side now to hold her hand but I am, everyday, praying for her. And my thoughts are always with you all.
Harriet
Hoping no news is good news....
-Tara
Mike,
Continuing to pray for Dawn. As I looked at your pictures I could see how wonderful and special you and Dawn are. She has been thru so so much. My good friend is being laid to rest today. He had osteogenic carcinoma. I wish someone would do more to find cures! Its just not fair what Dawn is going thru. Stay determinied, nicole
www.caringbridge.org/visit/welovebev
Dear Dawn, Mike & family,
Ever since I started reading your blog, your smile, your beauty, and your spirit shined out and touched my heart. You have been through so much and yet, you have remained steadfast in your goal to beat this disease and with quiet grace you have picked up the mantle for us all. You opened your life to us and allowed so many to see, hear and try to understand the toll that this fight has taken on your body. You have fought an invisible enemy with only your willpower and your spirit to defend you against it's relentless attacks. Your family will carry you now Dawn. Their loving and tender care will bring you comfort, take away your pain, and ease your suffering. I know they only want to hug you so and feel your arms around them once again.
You have made a difference in this world Dawn. You have brought so much awareness and have enlightened so many as to just what kind of courage and fortitude it takes to take a run at this thing called cancer. From what I read I hope you are a music lover. I wanted to send you some music so your spirit could sing and dance again. After reading so much that everyone has written about you, it seemed that this song fit you perfectly. It is a song by Sara Groves, called "Add To the Beauty."
I hope to make a dance with this music and it will be dedicated to you Dawn and the beauty that you have added to this world and will continue to add once you get better. God bless you Dawn. You and your family are ever in my thoughts and prayers.
Dawn, Mike, and the Nelson Family
I am a friend of Steve's that lives in Hawaii. I have been praying for everyone of you and am continuing to do so. All of my thoughts and prayers are with you guys daily. Dawn you are a true fighter and are a huge encouragement by your fight. Thanks Mike and everyone else who updates the blog as much as it has been. Love and Hope. Aloha.
Nick
Post a Comment