Vanity - Bone Marrow Transplant Recipient

self ^ | 7/4/2003 | muffaletaman

[muffaletaman]

Our daughter, Lani Marie (age 11, birthday 10/4/91), was admitted yesterday to Texas Children's Hospital for a Bone Marrow Transplant.

Last August she was diagnosed with CML Leukemia. This is very rare in children - less than 100 pediatric cases occur each year in the U.S.

While the new genetic drug Gleevec has controlled her CML Leukemia, it is not a cure. The only chance for a cure is the transplant. Her oldest sister Jennifer was a perfect 6/6 match as a donor, and we have hopes ->Of Course<- that the procedure will be successful.

She will be in the hospital for 5 weeks or so. More details below...

WHILE LANI MARIE IS IN THE HOSPITAL this coming month, her mother Lani O. Koskie, will be staying in the hospital with her full time, to take care of her.

If you wouldn't mind writing Lani Marie (and/or my wife) a little note or sending a card of support and comfort, I would be very appreciative!

NOTE - due to conditions of sterility required on the BMT Unit floor, no flowers, food gifts should be sent.

If you don't know my daughter or wife personally - as some of you receiving this do not - just mention that you are aware of them through FreeRepublic.

The Address at the Hospital is:

LANI MARIE KOSKIE (or Lani O. Koskie)

c/o BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT UNIT - ROOM 39

TEXAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL - 8WT

6621 FANNIN STREET

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77030 U.S.A.

=== More details for those who are interested ===

Lani Marie was admitted yesterday 7/3/2003. She will have 4 days of chemotherapy, followed by 4 days of Total Body Irradiation twice a day, to kill all her existing bone marrow.

On Friday 7/11 she will receive the BMT infusion, which Jennifer will donate that day in a surgical procedure. Jennifer may be sore a couple of days, but other than that there should be no side-effects for her.

The following week to ten days Lani Marie will most likely be in the greatest degree of discomfort from the chemo and radiation, then her recovery will begin.

When a certain measure of her blood antibodies reaches a count of 500, she will be able to be released from the hospital but will still have to visit three times a week for close monitoring for probably a couple of months.

If everything continues OK, those visits will be decreased over the course of the next year little by little to twice a month and eventually monthly and then 1/4ly.

She will be completely vulnerable to infection until her new blood starts to form and her antibodies come back in her new blood. As part of this process her current blood type will switch from O+ to B+, which is her sisters (and mothers) blood type.

Also, after one year, she will have to redo all her childhood immunizations.

She will not be able to go to school this fall (no crowds, or sick kids with runny noses, or strangers allowed till she is healthy), so we will homeschool at least the first semester, if not this entire year possibly.

This is an anxious time for us as parents of course, but every single person at TCH has been wonderful. The head of the BMT unit, while having to inform us of the possible complications, also says that given the overall situation, the profile of her case and prospects look good for a full recovery.

Please, if you don't want to send a card to her or my wife, don't feel obligated in any way. Many of her aunts, uncles and cousins will be sending cards. This was just something extra I wanted to do to give her stay an added boost of the positive - and a card in the hand (which will be mounted on the walls and windows of her room I am sure) is much better than an email on a screen.

THANKS for your time in reading this. If there is anyone you would like to forward this to, feel free to do so.

Sincerely,

Earl T. Koskie Jr.

[billbears]

My prayers lifted up for both your daughters and your entire family right now for strength, comfort, and healing. Added to the Daily Prayer Thread

[Allegra]

Prayers and a card coming for Lani Marie. May God bless and comfort all of you during this trial and may He heal Lani Marie so that she can live a happy, productive life.

[muffaletaman]

To E V E R Y O N E who has seen this and replied, and to all those whose name I didn't see beyond the ellipsis in the "TO:" line, THANKS so much for your kind wishes and prayers!

Some of you, like andyandmikesmom, know from personal experience what we are beginning.

TSR - your comment brought a smile. If you are not already a Texan - (one of the good ones, 'cause we have our misguided ones and rotten eggs just like everyplace else does) - then I nominate you as an honorary one.

We all need to remember to count our blessings every day, and to appreciate every good minute of life - to not take them, or our friends and families, for granted.

Thank you all, very much...

Muffaletaman

PS - Those of you who had a long mailing list, please forward this to your list... TNX, MFFLTMN

[Alamo-Girl]

I join in agreement praying for her full healing and recovery and for blessings for her and all who love her! Hugs!!!

[alnick]

Lanie Marie, Jennifer, and your entire family are in my prayers.

[trussell]

Please see post 23. Sorry if you were already pinged to it, but I dont want you to miss out.

Please post your replies to Muffaletaman.

[muffaletaman]

Our three daughters (we also have three sons...)

---- 3SISTERS ----

Allison on the left, Jennifer center, and Lani Marie on the right

[trussell]

Lets try this again. Guess I need another cup of coffee!! ;-D

Please see post 23. Sorry if you were already pinged to it, but I dont want you to miss out.

Please post your replies to Muffaletaman.

[trussell]

Beautiful girls muffaletaman!! Keep the faith, God will watch over Lani and Jennifer.

[volchef]

Your daughter is so beautiful. She will most certainly be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you and your family during this difficult time in your lives.

[RnMomof7]

I will send a card..and I will pray for your daughter.

.Prayer Bump

[RnMomof7]

Thanks for the flag

[unspun]

Blessings, in our singular Savior's name.

[barker]

Read this thread this morning when I was first pinged to it. I couldn't reply at the time and am having trouble right now. Hard to type through tears.

muffaletaman, you have beautiful daughters. Am praying very hard for strength for all of you. Lani will make it through this.

andyandmikesmom, I have two sons, Matt and Andy. I don't think I am strong enough to survive if I lost one of them. Am praying for strength for you too.

[potlatch]

Thanks for the ping. I'll say many prayers for your daughter and mail a card as soon as possible. Take heart, WE are gathered together here in prayer for your family.

[backhoe]

Earl, I'm pulling for you, your wife, Allison, Jennifer, and of course Lani Marie. Inside each human being is a vast reservoir of strength- you don't even know it's there until you need it, but it is, and it will sustain you. My kindest wishes to each member of your family.

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Thank you for this post. Prayers and a card are going out now. I know two (adults) now being treated for Leukemia. one is nearing their own BMT this coming week. (Prayers for him are welcome also - Braxton is his name). How we long for healing of all sick ones - especially this precious child!!!! And for God's strength and comfort and presence around all family members, doctors, nurses, and friends.

God be with you and your beloveds!!!

[potlatch]

Prayers needed for 11 year old Lani.

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Thanks for the prayer ping.

[Great Dane]

Of course this is appropiate, may I suggest you print this thread out, and give it to Lani and her mom when they are out of isolation, I am sure they will appriciate it.

Prayers for the whole family.

Have three daughters on the marrow donor list, they have never been called, but they are there should anyone need it.

Lani is lucky in her sister being a perfect match.