Day + 90 (Total # days in hospital= 99)

SATURDAY- 12/27/08:
Dianna had her Central Line removed and had a Port installed in her chest.
The surgeon went in on her left side, but could not get the line in, so he moved to her right side to install her Port.
She is VERY sore. :-(
But this is a step toward Dianna going home.
SUNDAY- 12/28/08:
Dianna was awake EVERY hour last night asking for pain medication. :-(
So- this morning the doctor increased her dose of pain medication.
Today was mostly a day of rest for Dianna.
MONDAY:
Last night was not good!
The line to her port came out! :-(
The nurses said this never happens with a NEW Port! :-(
Poor Dianna!
They had to give her the pain medication orally, then had to insert a new line.
Normally, this would not hurt much at all, BUT this is a new fresh wound and still very tender to the touch. :-(
Dianna was very brave and the nurses were able to insert another NEW line to her port.
Blood work- 12/29/08:
white blood cells: 2.9, red blood cells: 3.49, HGB: 10.4, platelets: 17, ABS Neut #: 1.769
TUESDAY:
Last night was MUCH better!
Dianna only asked for pain medication once during the night.
Today, Dianna went down to the cafeteria with us for lunch. :-)
She ate and was able to keep the food down. :-)
She is STILL having trouble keeping down her pills. :-(
I am being to think that not keeping down the medications/pills is a mental thing.
Blood work- 12/30/08:
white blood cells: 3.0, red blood cells: 2.89, HGB: 8.7, platelets: 12, ABS Neut #: 2.070

Day + 86 (Total days in hospital= 95)

Dianna & Family- CHRISTMAS DAY 2008!

Madison, Nic, Dianna, Kaelynn, Derek, Ryan, Courtney, Pawpa, Granny

Madison, Nicolaus, Dianna, Kaelynn, Derek, Ryan and Courtney

THE BOXER BOYS! Nicolaus, Derek (Cousin) & Ryan :-)

The Twins-- Kaelynn & Courtney

Madison (Cousin) & Dianna

Santa & Dianna

THURSDAY- CHRISTMAS: Dianna had a nice Christmas! (Even with being in the hospital.) Santa woke her up this morning and gave her some presents. :-) Next her family arrived and we had Christmas in the Transplant Offices. Family present today- Mommy, Daddy Bret, Pawpa Mike, Granny Connie, Aunt Mickie, Cousins- Derek & Madison, Brothers- Ryan & Nicolaus and Sisters- Courtney & Kaelynn. Dianna was laughing and really enjoyed having everyone here with her! She also joined the family down stairs in the cafeteria for lunch (she did not eat). Finally- the nurse changing her dressing on her Central Line in her thigh found that one of the stitches had come out. :-(

FRIDAY: This morning the doctor decided that he would have Dianna's Central Line removed and have a Port placed in her chest. (This is another step toward Dianna getting OUT of the hospital!!!) :-) YEA! She will not be happy tomorrow when she realizes that she is going to have another surgery! :-(

Pray that all goes smoothly with Dianna's surgery tomorrow!

Day + 81 (Total # days in hospital= 90)

*Dianna with Nicolaus, Kaelynn, Ryan and Courtney...Dianna had a good weekend. :-)
Sunday- Dianna went for a ride around the hospital to see the Christmas decorations.
The doctors reduced the steroids again. :-)
Her blood pressure has been much better.
The doctors were able to reduce some of her blood pressure medications! :-)
The BK Virus in her kidneys/bladder has shown a reduction...
The doctors believe that this is due to Dianna's body is beginning to fight the virus. :-)

Day + 78 (Total days in hospital= 87)

During this past weekend Dianna had several issues with high blood pressure and her kidneys were not working well due to all the extra medications. :-(
Blood work- 12/13/08:
white blood cells: 7.7, red blood cells: 3.46, HGB: 10.8, Platelets: 18, ABS Neut.#: 3.46
Blood work- 12/14/08:
white blood cells: 5.8, red blood cells: 3.03, HGB: 9.3, Platelets: 104
Monday:
Dr. Lenarsky reduced the amount of steroids and Prograf.
Dianna received a Platelet and red cell transfusion.
Blood work- 12/15/08:
white blood cells: 5.1, red blood cells: 2.66, HGB: 8.2, Platelets: 23
Tuesday:
Dianna's blood pressure was much better! Also her kidney function! :-)
Dianna received a Platelet transfusion.
Blood work- 12/16/08:
white blood cells: 9.9, red blood cells: 4.06, HGB: 12.2, Platelets: 61, ABS Neut.#: 8.910
Wednesday:
Dianna's blood pressure continues to do better!! :-)
Dianna received a Platelet transfusion.
Blood work- 12/17/08:
white blood cells: 6.6, red blood cells: 3.26, HGB: 9.8, Platelets: 20, ABS Neut,#: 5.412
Thursday:
The doctor's reduced the amount of blood pressure medication. Yea!
Her kidneys are also doing better- she did not have any blood in her urine today. :-)
Blood work- 12/18/08:
white blood work: 5.9, red blood cells: 2.77, HGB: 8.3, Platelets: 121, ABS Neut.#: 4.543

Day + 72 (Total days in hospital= 81)

This week has been just like a roller coaster.
Dianna will one minute feel good/OK, then the next minute feel bad/terrible.
It seems at this time the main issue is her high blood pressure-
due to the use of Steroids and Prograf (anti rejection drug).
The doctors are beginning to reduce the Steroids again-
Also trying to find the right/best combination of medications for Dianna's blood pressure.
Dianna did have a little GVH (graft vs. host) on her skin last week.
BUT- the GVH seems to have cleared. :-)
The doctors said all the tests that they have run for infections have come back clear/good. :-)
The virus that she had- BK Virus (in her bladder/kidneys) is still there, but they feel that her immune system is begging to work.
The doctors said that she probably had this virus before transplant-
Her immune system was able to take care of it till the transplant wiped out her immune system.
The doctors are HOPING that HER immune system will again take care of the virus!
**MORE WAITING!!!**
Blood work 12/11/08:
white blood cells: 5.8, red blood cells: 2.49, HGB: 7.6, platelets: 14, ABS Neut.#: 3.712
(Dianna had a red blood & platelet transfusion this evening)
Blood work 12/12/08:
white blood cells: 5.8, red blood cells: 4.05, HGB: 13.0, platelets: 78, ABS Neut.#: 3.770

Day + 68 (Total # of days in hospital= 77)

SATURDAY:
Dianna's stomach was hurting very bad, even with the pump with pain medication. :-(
Dr. Goldman said Dianna could go down stairs to see Santa...
but she did not want to go because her stomach was hurting too bad. :-(
She could not keep anything down (even her meds.).
Blood work- 12/06/08:
white blood cells: 3.1, red blood cells: 4.26, HGB: 13.4, platelets: 7, ABS Neut. # 2.077
SUNDAY:
Again, Dianna having stomach pain. :-(
Dr. Goldman ordered an increase in he pain medication and a platelet transfusion.
Dianna began to feel better this evening, BUT...
she began to see things. :-(
Late night- Dianna began to have diarrhea. :-(
Blood work- 12/07/08:
white blood cells: 2.3, red blood cells: 4.08, HGB: 12.5, platelets: 6, ABS Neut. #: 1.081
MONDAY:
Dianna's diarrhea finally stopped this morning.
Dr. Goldman ordered IV meds., but this was still not enough medication for her blood pressure.
Thank goodness today Dianna is able to keep down the medication given by mouth!
*She was about to have to go back to PICU! :-(
She was given her regular blood pressure medication plus a little extra and her blood pressure finally came back down. :-)
Dr. Goldman spoke with the "blood pressure specialist" Dr. Quan, and he OK'd the IV blood pressure medication to be given here on the Transplant floor, on an as needed basis. :-)
I hope that she will NOT need it again.
Blood work- 12/08/08:
white blood cells: 1.6, red blood cells: 3.88, HGB: 11.9, platelets: 106, ABS Neut. #: 0.880

Day + 65 (Total # of days in hospital= 74)

Dianna is still having pain in her stomach. :-(
YESTERDAY:
The doctor ordered a pump for her pain medication.
She gets medication every hour and if she feels she needs more-
she can push a button for extra meds once an hour.
All the tests have not come back yet...
They did find one infection, but it was minor and only needed an antibiotic.
TODAY:
Dianna did receive a red blood transfusion-
It was ordered this morning, but did not arrive till the evening. :-(
**There is a shortage of blood and platelets here!**
Because the transfusion was started late in the day- this caused Dianna's blood pressure to go up! :-(
So then she had to receive extra medication tonight-
I hope that it comes back down!

Day + 63 (Total days in hospital= 72)

Dianna is back on the Transplant Floor! Yea! :-)
She was moved yesterday afternoon from the PICU to the Transplant Floor.
Dianna is in a NEW room- Room #1211
And has a NEW phone # 972-566-6743
She was having stomach pain last night. :-(
Still hurting this morning-
The doctor is running several tests to be sure she does not have an infection, virus, etc...
I am praying it is something minor.

Day + 60 (Total # of days in hospital= 69)

SUNDAY:
Dianna is STILL in the PICU. :-(
It has been 10 days in the PICU this time.
She is still having the problems with high blood pressure.
Dianna is on an IV drip and oral medications.
The doctors have tired several different oral medications-
but when they begin to reduce the IV medication her blood pressure goes way up. :-(
She can not leave the PICU until she is off the IV drip for blood pressure. :-(

Day + 56 (Total # of days in the hospital= 65)

WEDNESDAY:
Sorry it has been so long for an update-
we are STILL in the PICU!
Dianna is still having problems with high blood pressure.
The doctors have tried several different types of blood pressure medications.
I hope they find the right combination for Dianna- soon.
And they have switched Dianna from "Cyclosporine" to "Tacrolimus" (Prograt).
We will see if this might help???

"HAPPY THANKSGIVING!"

Day + 52 (Total # of days in hospital= 61)

Thursday: Teresa & Emma (FA) Clifton stopped by for a visit.

Thursday: Ms. Dent, Ms. Tierney & Ms. R (Dianna's Teachers) stopped by for a visit. :-)

Blood work for 11/20/08-

white blood cells: 3.7, red blood cells: 4.04, HGB: 12.7, platelets: 55, ABS neut: 3.108
THURSDAY:

Dianna had a good day, but her blood pressure was high all day.

Then- about 7:45pm Dianna's blood pressure went so high that she began to have a seizure. :-(

She had another as they were getting ready to transfer her to PICU. :-(

They rushed her in because she began having problems breathing! :-(

Dianna was put on a breathing machine for about an hour till her breathing was back to normal.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY:

The doctors are trying to find the best combination of blood pressure medication for Dianna.

The other medications that she is on are causing the high blood pressure.

(steroids, cyclosporine, probenecid & cidifovir)

Dianna is NOT happy with being in the PICU.

She keeps crying-- "Mommy, I want to go home!" :-(

Day + 46 (Total # of days in hospital= 55)

Blood work for 11/14/08-
white blood cells: 3.5, red blood cells: 3.31, HGB: 10.0, platelets: 61, ABS neut: 2.625
FRIDAY:
The steroids seemed to help with fever.
This morning Dianna had to take the Probencid again before the Cidofovir.
Dianna is sick at her stomach all day. :-(
The afternoon Dianna began to bleed at the sight where the Central Line was removed from her chest.
During the evening it got heavier- the bleeding was so heavy that her bed and gown had to be changed twice.
The doctor said that if the bleeding did not stop that she would need to go back to surgery to reclose the wound.
But, thankfully it finally stopped bleeding!
SATURDAY:
Today was a much better day...
Dianna was able to eat and keep it down today. :-)
She also got up to walk around the nurse's station.
But, her blood pressure did get very high today (because she is back on the steroids again). :-(
SUNDAY:
Again another good day...
Dianna was able to eat and walk. :-)
She is still having the high blood pressure. :-(
Tomorrow Dianna must begin taking the Probenecid and Cidofovir again.
**Pray that she does not get sick at her stomach AGAIN.**

Day + 43 (Total # of days in hospital= 52)

Blood work from 11/12/08-
white blood cells: 3.4, red blood cells: 3.57, HGB: 10.6, platelets: 23, ABS neut: 2.720
Blood work from 11/13/08-
white blood cells: 3.3, red blood cells: 3.40, HGB: 10.3, platelets: 101, ABS neut: 2.178
TUESDAY:
Dianna ran a fever all day- so all she wanted to do was sleep. :-(
WEDNESDAY:
Dianna is still running a fever. :-(
Dianna received a platelet transfusion.
Dianna has two virus- BK Virus and Adenoviral (ADV).
Dr. Goldman wants to start her on "Cidofovir" (it treats viral infections- she must take by IV 3 times a week for 3 weeks).
Before taking the Cidofovir (CDV)- Dianna must take "Probenecid" to help prevent renal failure (by mouth- 3 hours before and 1 & 8 hours after CDV).
Also extra IV hydration at 3 times, beginning 1 hour before and till 1 hour after completion.
THURSDAY:
Dianna is STILL running a fever! :-(
Last night she was not able to keep anything down-
The doctors have switched her back to IV medications again. :-(

Day + 40 (Total # of Days in hospital= 49)

MONDAY:
Last night still having a fever. :-(
First thing this morning Dianna was off to "Day Surgery" again! :-(
Dr. Goldman wanted to remove her "Central Line" ASAP-
he said it had an infection in it and the reason for the fever.
Her surgeon was able to work her in this morning.
Dr. Herman removed the Central Line in her chest and inserted a temporary line in her thigh.
Once the infection is gone- she might have a "Port" inserted into her chest.

Day + 39

Blood work for 11/07/08-
white blood cells: 5.1, red blood cells: 3.08, HGB: 8.9, platelets: 169, ABS neut: 4.488
Blood work for 11/09/08-
white blood cells: 5.6, red blood cells: 2.55, HGB: 7.3, platelets: 43, ABS neut: 4.816
FRIDAY:
Dianna woke up grumpy. But the doctor said she can now have mac & cheese.
(She said that is still not real food.)
Dianna had a fair day till around 6:00pm when she began to get a fever.
It got up to 103'.
We had to wake up several times during the night to check her fever.
SATURDAY:
Dianna woke up grumpy again.
She had a low temperature most of the day, but when it got dark her fever began to go back up. :-(
The nurse gave her some medication and she went to sleep for a couple of hours, then woke up.
She could not sleep, so we watched TV till midnight.
Dianna woke up again around 4:ooam- fever and chills. :-(
SUNDAY:
Dianna woke up in a GOOD mood. YEA! :-)
Dr. Goldman came in today and said she could eat anything she wanted on the hospital menu. YEA! :-)
The kidney specialist does not have all the tests results yet.
Later- the nurse told me that the doctor had received more tests.
Tomorrow- he might have Dianna's "Central Line" replaced or removed for a while.
It looks like this is where the infection is coming from...two positive cultures. :-(
I will UPDATE tomorrow (Monday)-

Day + 36

Blood work for 11/06/08:

White blood cells: 5.9, Red blood cells: 3.48, HGB: 9.9, Platelets: 41, ABS Neut. #: 5.251

TUESDAY:

This morning Dr. Lenarsky said that Dianna could now try "soft foods" but NO milk products.

This still does not make Dianna happy, because many of the foods that she likes have milk products.

WEDNESDAY:

Last night Dianna began to get a fever.

The doctors started her on a couple of antibotics and Tylenol.

Today, it got up to 104' around 1:30PM.

She was given more Tylenol and it started to come back down.

Finally, about 7:00PM it was down to 99'.

Dianna slept most all day today till 7PM, then had a hard time going back to sleep at bed time.

Finally went to sleep around 12:00AM.

THURSDAY:

Dianna did not want to wake up this morning after going to sleep so late.

At least she does not have a fever today. :-)

But all the extra medication has been hard on her kidneys again. :-(

The Kidney Specialist came by to see her and ordered more tests today...

Day + 33

Blood Work for 10/31/08-
White blood cells: 2.5, Red blood cells: 2.59, HGB: 7.3, Platelets: 123, ABS Neut. #: 2.150
Blood Work for 11/03/08-
White blood cells: 3.1, Red blood cells: 3.01, HGB: 8.5, Platelets: 68, ABS Neut #: 2.449
FRIDAY:
Dianna is still having blood in her BM.

First thing this morning at 9:00am, Dianna had a GI Scan.
They put a little chemo. in her blood then put her into the machine to see if they could see where the blood loss was coming from.

She was in this machine for two hours.

(They did not find any signs of bleeding.)
Next, Dianna was sent to have a Colonoscopy and an Upper GI Endoscopy.

She did NOT like this at all. :-(
(They did not find any signs of bleeding, but did take Biopsy to rule out a virus.)

After returning to Dianna's hospital room at 4:15pm-

Dianna rested for several hours.
Finally at 9:00pm-

Dianna was ready to get up and "Trick or Treat" with the nurses...
Everyone had a good time! :-)
SATURDAY:
The doctor came in and said today no tests.
Dianna gets a day of rest. :-)

But still no food...he is wanting to let her gut rest.
Dianna is not happy- she says that she is starving! :-(
She has not been able to eat since Wednesday afternoon.
Finally, last afternoon her IV food arrived.
Still Dianna is not happy, "she wants real food".
SUNDAY:
Dianna is having pain passing the blood clots and her blood pressure was high again.
(The doctors had taken her off the medications by mouth and back to IV)

MONDAY:
Back to oral medications for Dianna
(The IV medications seem to be the reason her blood pressure was so high-???)
Today- her sugar level and blood pressure was much better!
She is still not able to have solid food, just clear liquids for now.
We hope her gut heals soon!

Day + 29

This morning at 2:30am, Dianna went back to the Pediatric ICU...
She started to have blood in her stool Wednesday around dinner.
It just got worse during the evening.
About 1:30am, Dianna got up to potty then began passing a lot of blood and got sick at her stomach.
As the nurse and I tried to get her back in to her bed- she almost passed out- she went totally limp! :-(
Her doctor order a Platelet Transfusion and Blood Transfusion; then wanted her moved to the PICU.
He wanted to be sure the bleeding was under control and no other complications.
Thankfully- after the transfusions, Dianna did not have any more bleeding. (so far today)
Dianna was able to return to her room on the Transplant Floor today around 12:30pm.
Dianna is NOT happy because the doctors do not want her to eat till tomorrow- Friday around noon.
They want to be sure her gut is healed, if that is were the bleeding came from.
The Doctors do not believe that this was caused by Graft vs. Host Disease, but just more side effects from the chemo, steroids & cyclosporine.

Day + 27

Blood work for 10/28/08-
white blood cells: 4.6, red blood cells: 3.79, HGB: 11.2, platelets: 236, ABS Neut. #: 3.910
Today- Dianna did have a Platelet Transfusion (the reason her platelets look so good).
This morning Dianna had an MRI. (no report yet)
She may have another EEG. (?)
Her sugar levels are still high, so she is still needing to be checked about 5 times a day and usually 2 to 3 times requires an insulin shot. :-(
Dianna's blood pressure is still high- still on medication for it. :-(
The past three days- her magnesium level has been low, so this means yet another medication that Dianna must take. :-(
Good News- Yesterday, Dianna was able to have her catheter removed. :-)
Dianna is beginning to switch from IV medications to Oral medications.
The doctors are reducing her steroids; so hopefully the problems that Dianna's having will also begin to be reduced.
Today, her doctor reported that Dianna is now en grafted with her brother's cells.
Now her body should begin making it's own cells and platelets. :-)

Day + 24

Sorry that I have not updated we had a few bad days...
TUESDAY: Doctors decided to insert a catheter- to help Dianna get some sleep (she is up every 30 minutes to potty)
She woke up once during the night crying from a blood clot in the catheter. :-(
WEDNESDAY: Dianna is getting more sleep, but still having a lot of problems with blood clots.
Still waking up in pain during the night- screaming and crying. :-(
THURSDAY: The catheter came out.
I helped Dianna take a shower and she almost passed out & got sick at her stomach.
Finally, got her back in bed.
Next, the nurses came in to put in a new catheter-
Just as they got the catheter in Dianna began to have a SEIZURE!!!
I was calling her name, but NO RESPONSE!
Other nurse came in the room & the doctors were called.
She had two more- one with Dr. Lenarsky in the room.
They decided to more her to the Ped. ICU for testing and to be watched over night.
Dianna had a CT Scan and lots of blood work and many doctors checking her.
FRIDAY: Dianna was doing much better this morning- so the doctors decided to more her back to the Transplant Floor.
Still more testing to be sure Dianna is OK.
Dianna had an EEG.
**SEE PICTURE- ABOVE**
She is still having pain from the catheter due to blood clots and bladder spasms- I hope that she will be able to have it removed soon!
SATURDAY: Dianna seems to feel better today. :-)
She is still having the pain, but her urine does not have as much blood in it today. :-)
I hope this means that her bladder is beginning to heal!

Day + 19

Blood work for 10/17/08-
white blood cells: 4.4, red blood cells: 3.10, HGB: 9.2, Platelets: 6, ABS Neut #: 4.136

Blood work for 10/18/08-
white blood cells: 6.6, red blood cells: 2.63, HGB: 7.8, Platelets: 77, ABS Neut #: 5.742

Blood work for 10/19/08-
white blood cells: 8.6, red blood cells: 4.06, HGB: 11.9, Platelets: 7, ABS Neut #: 7.912

Friday:
The doctors wanted to try something different- to help her kidneys & with her high sugar.
Dr. Sher (Pediatric Endocrinology)- wanted to try replacing 1/2 of all the fluids output in her urine.
She thought that it might help with Dianna getting up to potty every hour to hour & a half.
This was in addition to all the other fluids she was receiving.
Dianna received a Platelet transfusion today.

Saturday:
It did NOT work...
Dianna was up every 30 minutes to potty!
ALL NIGHT!!!
And it continued through the day.
She is exhausted! :-(
*So am I! :-(

Sunday:
Still more of the same...
Dianna's getting up every 30 minutes to potty!
Just about the time Dianna gets back into bed and falls asleep, then she wakes up again to go potty.
Poor Baby! I feel so bad for her.
Dianna is so tired that she is not wanting to eat or drink.
Dianna received a Platelet transfusion today.

Pray that the doctors are able to resolve this issue SOON!

Day + 15

Pictures:

Dianna going for her walk around the nurse's station

and

Dianna & Mom

and

Dianna, Mom & "Cody"

(below pictures- post about today...)

Blood work for 10/16/08-

White blood cells: 4.1, Red blood cells: 3.36, HGB: 10.2, Platelets: 82, ABS Neut #: 3.690



**Dianna's White blood count is in the "normal range"!**

YEA!!!

Her doctors are very pleased with this.

She did have a Platelet Transfusion yesterday- that is why her platelets seem so good.



Today Dr. Lenarsky removed her TPN (IV Food & Insulin).

So now we must watch what & how much she eats.

Dianna's sugar levels are still very high due to the medications she is taking-

so she had to begin the finger pokes and Insulin Shots again. :-(

Day + 14

Dianna's Labs-
White blood count: 3.8, Red blood count: 3.74, HGB: 11.2, Platelets: 9, ABS Neut. #: 3.344

Today- when the Dr. Lenarsky came in he said that her White blood count is up to where Nurses & Visitors do not have to wear masks in her room now. YEA!
Also, the Sonogram on her liver yesterday did not show any signs of damage. YEA! YEA!
He feels that the negative test results from the liver are due to all the medications.
He has reduced some medications and will closely watch the next few tests.

The Kidney Specialist also was here today- He is still closely monitoring her kidneys.
He feels things are going OK, but she is still needing to use the rest room about every hour- even during the night :-(

Dianna seems to feel much better today!
She has not complained about her stomach hurting. :-)

Day + 13

**Monday-- Melanie Nichols- brought Dianna an autographed picture of Cody Linley "Jake Ryan- Hannah Montana's Boyfriend on her show" & He is currently on "Dancing with the Stars"**

Dianna was sooo excited!!! :-)

Thanks Melanie!

Monday, 10/13/08- Labs: red blood count: 2.60, white blood counts: 1.3, HGB: 7.3, platelets: 6, ABS Neut. #: 1.066

Tuesday, 10/14/08- Labs: red blood counts: 4.05, white blood counts: 2.2, HGB: 12.4, platelets: 90, ABS Neut. #: 2.064

As you can see Dianna received a Platelet Transfusion and a Blood Transfusion on Monday afternoon...

Today, the doctors were worried about an issue with her liver, so they ordered an Ultrasound on her liver. (I have not heard any news yet)

Dianna had a good day today- Her mouth is much better and her stomach does not hurt as much. :-)

Dianna has started doing school work! :-)

Day + 12

**THANKS to Teresa Clifton, for helping me set up Dianna's NEW Blog.**
(This way we are not limited to the number of pictures on Dianna's site.)

Yesterday- Sunday, was about the same for Dianna.
Not much different, but the sores in her mouth are beginning to heal. :-)
She still seems to be having a lot of pain from the sores in her stomach.

Day 9 + 10

(Day 9) & (Day 10)

Dianna's Labs- Friday, 10/10/08:
white blood count: 2.0, red blood count: 3.42, HGB: 9.8, platelets: 5, Neut #: 1.460

Friday (Day 9)-

The doctors are very pleased with Dianna's blood counts. :-)
You can see that she is beginning to make her own white blood cells!!!
(This is the start of building back her immune system.)
It is great to hear good news!
Today, he said that Dianna would not need to have her sugar checked or insulin shots.
YEA!
No more pokes in the fingers and back of her arm. :-)

Dianna is still having problems with kidneys and high blood pressure, but it is due to the steriods that she is taking.
She is still on medications to help with her kidneys and high blood pressure.

Saturday (Day 10)-

Today is about the same as Friday...
Dianna is still having the problems with her kidneys and high blood pressure, but the doctors are still pleased with how she is doing.

I am just praying that her body continues to heal itself and Nicolaus' stem cells continue to grow.

Day 8

Today, began about the same...

Dianna is still on medication to help control her high blood pressure & high sugar.
Also, the doctors believe that the sores in her mouth are also in her stomach.
(The reason she has been complaining of stomach pains for the past week.)
The pain medication seems to help with this most of the time.

TODAY-
Dianna wanted to shave off the rest of her hair.
It has been coming out and was beginning to really bother her.

SO...
The Guys deceided to join Dianna in shaving their heads, as a show of support!
It was great!!!
Today was the first day Dianna has laughed in two weeks! :-)
Everyone had a GREAT TIME!
They had a pool to determine who had the best looking head and Dianna was the judge.
She picked Ryan as the winner. :-)

Thanks to the guys for making Dianna laugh!!!!!!

(click to see larger)


**Bret Foster (Daddy Bret), Doug Foster (Uncle Doug), Ryan Foster (Big Brother "step-brother") & Pat Kempf (CEO of Moroch & Friend of Bret)**

Day +6

Dianna labs- 10/05/08:
white blood count: 0.2, red blood count: 2.47, HGB: 8.0, platelets: 8, Neut #: 0.100

The past few days have been about the same...
Dianna is still having problems with her kidneys, high blood pressure and high sugar.
The medications she is on seems to be helping.

Sunday- She received a platelet transfusion.

Monday- She received a blood transusion.
Also, she has started to loss her hair. :-(

Tuesday- She began to get a sore in her mouth from the chemo.

Day +2

The past two nights Dianna has had a problem with her blood pressure and sugar levels being very high.
She has had to begin medication for high blood pressure and insulin.
Also, her kidneys are having problems keeping up with all the medications.
She is not happy with all the pokes testing her sugar levels and giving insulin.
Today her blood pressure went so high that she said she was seeing double. :-(
Her doctor called in a Kidney Specialist- hoping he can help with her kidneys and the high blood pressure.
He ordered an Ultra Sound for her... we are still waiting on the results.

Day 0 - Transplant Day!!!

(click photo to see it larger)

This morning Dianna was given more medication to help prevent problems with the transplant.
She had a reaction to one of the medications it caused a fever and her blood pressure went up.
She was given more medication for the fever and blood pressure medication.

Nicolaus had to be at the surgery area at 6:00am.
He was taken back for the stem cell harvest around 7:30am.
The doctors said everything went very well with the procedure. :-)
We finally got to see Nicolaus aroung 10:30am.
He was in pain, so he received medication for the pain.

Nicolaus finally felt well enough to visit Dianna around 5:30pm.
They brought him up in a wheelchair.

Poor Nicolaus got sick leaving the hospital. :-(

*The hospital sent Dianna a Birthday Cake tonight.*

**Now Dianna will get to have TWO Birthdays.**

Day -2

This morning at 4:00am, Dianna started "Cyclosporine".
It is used to decrease the immune system's response to a transplant.
Today, NO Cytoxan. Yea!
Dianna received Fludarbine & ATG.
She is still having bad haedaches. :-(
Tonight around 9:30pm Dianna was sick at her stomach again. :-(

Tuesday, Day -1
For Dianna- Rest day & IVIG
For Nicolaus- Pre-OP appointment

Day -3

Labs from 9/27/08
white blood count: 0.4, red blood count: 3.45, HGB: 11.4, Platelets: 55, Neut #: 0.400

*Dianna did receive a blood transfusion on Friday and platelet transfusion today.

Saturday- Dianna did ok, she continues to have bad headaches off and on during the day/night.

Sunday- Today is the last day of Cytoxan!
Dianna is about the same as yesterday.

Tomorrow, Monday- will be only the Fludarabine & ATG.

Day -5

Dianna had a much better day today!
She was feeling more like herself. (She was picking on Mom this afternoon.)
Dr. Lenarsky was pleased with how well she did yesterday with the chemo.
She did just have a very bad headache; but the nurse quickly gave her some pain medication and she is now asleep.
I am praying that she feels better tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone that signed Dianna's guestbook, she enjoys reading the messages.

Day -6

Today, Thursday is Day -6
Dianna begins Fludarabine & Cytoxan

Yesterday, after the Central Line placement Dianna was not able to keep any food or drink down.
Everything that she tried came back up.
The extra pain medication did not agree with her stomach.

This morning was the same...
I was hoping that she would be feeling better and able to eat, but no such luck.

She has slept most of the morning and is still sleeping now. (just wakes to go to bathroom then right back to bed)

September 2008

Wednesday, September 24, 2008 11:52 AM CDT

We are in the hospital!
Dianna had a platelet transfusion yesterday- Tuesday.
This morning, she had her surgery to insert her Central Line.
This will allow the doctors/nurses to draw blood and give her IV's or medication with out having to poke her each time.
It took much longer to complete the surgery than the surgeon first thought. He told us he should be out in 45 minutes to an hour, but it was two hours before Dr. Hermon came out to talk with us.
(I was getting worried!)
He said Dianna's vein on the side he wanted to use was the size of a ball point pen tip.
So now she has two extra holes with stiches. :-(
At this time she is still sleeping, because they gave her extra medication for the pain.

---

Wednesday, September 17, 2008 9:11 AM CDT

Just a short update...

Dianna had a check up on Monday, Sept. 15th.
She was able to tour the Transplant Floor.
During the tour she got to meet the nurses that will be taking caring of her starting next Tuesday.

I can not believe that it is less than a week till we check in to the hospital (Medical City Dallas).

Please keep us in your prayers.
Thanks!

---

Monday, September 8, 2008 4:10 PM CDT

Dianna and Nicolaus had appointments on Thursday, September 4th.

Dianna's labs are- white blood count: 5.1, red blood count: 2.70, HGB: 9.70, platelets: 37, NE#: .90, NE: 17.3

Dr. Goldman gave me a copy of th HLA Results for Dianna & Nicolaus- (Nicolaus is a 11 out of 12 match for Dianna.) :-)

Dianna:
HLA-A: 1,2
HLA-B: 8,15
HLA-Cw: 3,7
HLA-DRB1: 0301/28,0401
HLA-DRB3: 0101/11
HLA-DRB4: 0103
HLA-DRB5:
HLA-DQB1: 0201,030201

Nicolaus:
HLA-A: 02,
HLA-B: 08,15
HLA-Cw: 03,07
HLA-DRB1: 0301/28,0401
HLA-DRB3: 0101/11
HLA-DRB4: 0103
HLA-DRB5:
HLA-DQB1: 0201,030201

We are still on target to go into the hospital on September 23rd and have the Central Line placement on the 24th.

July 2008

Monday, July 28, 2008 7:22 AM CDT

Dianna had an appointment with her Hemotoligist/Oncologist on Thursday, July 24th.
Her labs are- white blood count: 4.7, red blood count: 3.03, HGB: 10.60, platelets: 40.

We now have a date for transplant! October 1st...

She will begin having doctor's appointments the week of September 15th.
Then on September 24th, she is to have a Central line placement.
And on September 25th, she begins the Fludarabine/ Cytoxan for four days.
On September 29th, she will have only Fludarabine.
On September 30th, a day of Rest.

Finally on October 1st- Transplant Day: Day 0.

---

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 7:46 AM CDT

Dianna had another hearing test on Monday.
The results show that her hearing is getting worse.
The doctor feels we should look into surgery and/or hearing aids.
This will have to wait till after her bone marrow transplant.
I hate that she has something else not in her favor and looking at another possible surgery.
Please keep Dianna in your prayers!

June 2008

Tuesday, June 3, 2008 9:00 PM CDT

Dianna had a doctor's appointment today.
Her counts had dropped slightly from last month.

Dianna's Labs (June 3, 2008)-
white blood count: 4.9, red blood count: 2.67, HGB: 9.40, platelets: 38

We are still working on the paperwork process for the bone marrow transplant.

The doctors still believe we will begin around September or October.

I will update when I know more...

Please keep Dianna in your prayers- THANKS!!!

May 2008

Tuesday, May 20, 2008 4:49 PM CDT

It has been a LONG time for an update on Dianna!

This year has not been good for Dianna's platelet counts...

Dianna's Labs (April 29, 2008)-
white blood count: 5.3, red blood count: 2.71, HGB: 9.3, platelets: 43

We have started the paperwork process for bone marrow transplant with the insurance & hospital. :-(
The doctors said it could take a month or two for this process to be completed.

They are looking at transplant for Dianna around September or October.

We are now to see her doctor once a month for blood work.

I will update when I know more...