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National Marrow Donor Program
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Understanding Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants - From the CancerBACUP booklet series
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Anthony Nolan Trust

Jo's Drawing - Noddy's School

Update... update

Tuesday, 21 August 2008

It's been a month since I've last updated and it's been a time to see how Carey progresses after the transplant. I don't think anyone realizes the extent of the changes to Carey's life - changes that touch her very being.

It does make one stop and think as to how much she has suffered and how much she has overcome. And during this final phase until she is declared well and clear, there is so much vulnerability that needs cherishing and understanding. For those so close to her, it is a challenge to ensure that we are able to support her as she deserves!

I am left thinking daily - 'How can I support her better?' And the realization is to attempt to understand her needs and feelings and to secure her with love.

Carey is fragile in so many ways and that is perfect normal after all the invasive treatment she has been getting - the fight to win over this horrendous leukaemia has impacted her life and the strength she has kept in reserve for this last phase.

Please continue to pray for her as she has each day to fight another battle. She needs your support and even in this period of silence, your prayers are resounding in heaven as the angels decend on her to protect and keep her.

Tuesday, 22 July 2008

Carey is back in Hospital. On Sunday Carey felt ill and had problems with keeping her food down, She was concerned about becoming dehydrated. After consulting the doctor Carey was admitted to the Sunflower Ward.

Today whilst chatting to Carey, I could hear that she had a blocked nose and even though she was feeling a bored and grotty, her sense of humour had me giggling endlessly. Gosh, she is such an amazingly gracious and strong individual.

The doctor has put Carey on antibiotics and she will be monitored in hospital for the rest of the week.

We need to keep our prayers focussed on the healing of these flu-like symptoms and also pray that no nasty lil bugs and infections try and invade her body.

Thursday, 17 July 2008 - The Great Escape

Wow, 9 months have gone since Carey's diagnosis and she left the bone marrow unit today!

Her morning started with great anticipation as to what the doctor would decide about her being able to leave the hospital...

It wzas official, no more counting days - Carey could go home!

There was a lot of excitement and an eager but nostalgic Carey had a lot of thank-you's and goodbye's to deal with before she took her step to freedom!

Lots of goodbye's and thank-you's

Just one last glance....

Free at last!!

Nothing's gonna stop Carey now - the great escape!! A new lease of life and so much waiting for her.

Thanks to doctors and staff at the Bone Marrow Unit, Constantiaberg Medi Clinic for taking care our our special, daughter, grandchild, friend, fiancee, aunt, cousin and so much more.

Carey you are one special and amazing young woman to grasp life and to face everything with such grace.

A precious message from Carey!!

Hi all…

I think it’s about time to hear from the horses’ mouth. Throughout these months I’ve been supported in so many ways, I never realized how much people care and it is a simple as “ask and you will receive” and I got just that. Prayer is powerful, this journey got me closer to God, and I am in awe of him. I never questioned why? I always knew he had something big planned for me. My family has gotten closer and you realize who your real friends are.

I’m born again…
spiritually, mentally and physically.

It’s 10.30 am 14 July 2008 - Doc just walked in and asked me to guess what my white blood count was. I said 0.5 would be nice if it were 2? He just smiled and said it’s my lucky day….4!!! It felt like I’d won a million bucks! I am definitely going HOME on Friday. He said I must not be silly now, be responsible, eat properly; same old stuff and I will need to go to Constantia once or twice a week for Human Stabilizing Serum and blood tests for 3 months or so.

I am so excited to get on with my life, plan our wedding, get back to my wonderful job etc etc.

To make a long story short, I would just like to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all your support. I could not have done it with out all your prayers, donations and positive energy that’s been sent my way.

THANK YOU for giving me the gift of life.

Words cannot express how grateful I am. This illness humbles you in way, I was always such a stubborn girl that would not ask for help, “my pride!”. I‘ve learned its ok to ask for help, people care, they just need to be pointed in the right direction.

Thank you Johann my love, for standing by me (“in sickness and in health, hair or no hair”), you and I are a force to be reckoned with. Thank you Louna (my mom in law to be) be being by my side all the way and always doing my washing and cleaning my room and stuff.

Mommy, thanks you so much for putting the website together, it was a brilliant idea. I know it was stressful raising the funds but you did it, WE did. I am so glad I got to see you, abi and grant before I went back. Hope to see you soon.

Dad, thanks for just being there, even when I didn’t feel like talking. For taking the car to work instead of the train because you didn’t want to have germs on yourself when you visit me. You have been a star.

My father, thanks for your general concern and prayers. This experience has made us closer.
My fwends….you know u r.. I love you guys. I am so lucky to have such good friends.

SO… that’s that

Here’s to a new lease on life!

All my love,
Carey

Wednesday, 02 July 2008

It is today!  A gift of life and a way to finally beat this leukaemia!

Candles are being lit at 9am UK time and 10am SA time – a traditional I guess to celebrate this wonderful gift Carey has received.  She is at peace with what is to happen today and all fears have been pushed out the door. 

We thank each and every one of you who have supported her cause and helped her get this life giving transplant.  Without all of you, today would not have been a reality!

Please continue to keep Carey in your hearts and prayers as she gets through the next few weeks. 

The Gift of Life....

The Candle arrives with the Bones Marrow and is lit whilst the transplant takes place.

This is the life giving substance from the young german donor

Carey dozing whilst the stem cells filter into her body

Stem cells are disappearing and the candle still flickers

01 July 2008
Faith...

I spoke to Carey tonight and I was so blest to hear her talk about her faith and trust in God - He will heal her.

Tomorrow we all light a candle at 10am SA time and 9am UK time. This is to celebrate this new life - new stem cells and no more leukaemia!

Please continue to keep Carey close in your hearts and prayers so that she is able to get through this last bit of treatment.

30 June 2008
Beat it...

A better day. Missy handled the past few days. Radiation and chemo and guess what.. she faced it and beat it!!!

The bone marrow arrives tomorrow and after some initial bone marrow activity tests, everything is being prepared for the transplant on WEDNESDAY, 2 JULY 2008.

Again the doctors are so happy with Carey's progress and we are happy.. no... overjoyed and amazed at her strength and perserverance. Carey has stood up to the challenges and is clearly the victor.

29 June 2008
Yucky and icky...

Chemo started today and with that came the old familiar yucky headache. Good thing is that Carey slept a lot today and this helps her get through the icky bits that comes with her chemo. Today was by far the worst day she has had since being in hospital again. So sleep is good!

28 June 2008
Fly courier, fly...

Doctor du Toit confirmed that he is ahppy with Carey's progress and the good news is that the courier is on the way to Germany to collect the lifem giving bonemarrow / stemcell. We expect the stemvells to be in Cape Town this weekend!

Carey also starts her chemo session on Sunday - at least 1 day's break!

26 June 2008
Focus and determination...

Day 2 of radiation and Carey still has the strength to keep that mind of her active by asking so many questions about her treatment and wanting to know each and every detail.. :-) afterall it IS her body!

Carey's focus and determination has us all in awe of what she can achieve and how she gets throgh even the toughest times.

25 June 2008
Radiation on...

Today if the first day of radiation. Twice a day for 3 days consisting of 2 sessions of 45 minutes each. The radiation is draining her but the doctor has said that this is normal and he expects her to be feeling some of the major side effects of radiation this weekend. Almost there...

24 June 2008
Facing it...

Stocked up with Juice and Jellytots... Carey is facing the next few weeks with a strength and sense of humour that everyone has come to admire and love. Armed with her sense of purpose to beat this leukaemia her attitude os one of getting in there "ok lets do this". Carey is stronger than ever and she will get through this time knowing that she has truly received a gift of life. As a couple, Johann and Carey know that they have God's peace and that overcomes all human understanding. The battle is almost over.

23 June 2008
Final Cycle...

Carey will be back in hospital tomorrow to receive her final cycle of chemo and radiation. This disease is not welcome in our live's anymore and will not come back. Her Bonemarrow / Stemcell transplant is scheduled for the 2nd of July...

Doctors are predicting she should be out in the next 4 - 6 weeks... Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers... She is going to be sick the first two weeks and be very weak... this time she needs to rest and recover.

In the first 2 weeks her counts will be 0 so she is prone to anything (colds, infection etc) so please do not enter those doors if you have, had or feel like you are getting sick. Once her counts pick up and she is able to defend herself regular visits are fine... for now family only please.

Thanks for the love and support,

Johann and Carey

21 June 2008
Nothing today...

Carey is still being positive and facing all that comes her way. Tuesday is the day that the radiation and chemo starts. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Carey will soon be out enjoying the sunset over the Strand beach

Shalom

20 June 2008
Starting all over again...

Carey is in theatre this morning - the CVP line is being inserted. The CVP line will prevent the medical staff from having to continually stick needles into her and all medication as well as the chemo will be fed through it. The CVP line will stay in her chest until all treatment has been completed (end July?.

I feel the same anxiety pangs as just a few months ago when this all started. However, Carey has been through this all before and at that time, we were stepping into the unknown.

Positive thing is, and a huge blessing to us all is that she is now in a different hospital being treated by a wonderful doctor and staff. There is no doubt that she is receiving the best care. It certainly makes a huge difference to the situation but still does not remove the familiar pain one feel when someone you love is going through something like this.

Thanks again for all the emails and calls in support of Carey.

Sunflower Ward, Constantiaberg Hospital

18 June 2008
It's time...

Dear Carey,

God is in control... and through all the bits that has happened He has shown in many ways that you will be healed.

Prayer warriors are continuing to hold you in prayer and this will not stop. From all corners of this planet you are being prayed for... For this final hurdle, you will be held in arms of grace. The Healer of hearts, minds and bodies and the creator of everything we see, touch, feel, sense has named you as His special daughter.

Be at peace and know you are going to be well and keep your eyes focussed on God.

Shalom
Mommy

Thursday, 19 June

Carey will be going to hospital for her pre-transplant checkups. This is her opportunity to meet with the entire team who will be looking after her during the transplant stage.

Friday, 20 June

A CVP Line will be put into her chest which feeds in through her ribcage directly into her main artery.

Tuesday, 24 June

Carey will start on her chemo therapy session as well as a twice daily radiation session. This will last for a week. Please pray het especially during this time.

Wednesday, 02 July

The life giving bags of stemcells (bonemarrow) will be 'transplanted' into her body. This is another serious phase and please continue to pray!

Carey has been brought so far in grace and with many miracles lifting her up out of very serious situations, this is just another hurdle and with your love and support and one mighty amazing God, we will see her up and well again soon.

God Bless you all for remaining faithful in your love and support.

Lisa

Update
Tuesday, 3 June 2008

It is official!

The German Donor is a match! Plans are now being made for the transplant to take place on the 7th July. Carey will begin pre-transplant chemo on the 2nd July.

It is all systems go and the HOPE buzzword now becomes BELIEVE. Believe this is the last hurdle, believe that she will not be put through the suffering as she experienced in Panorama Hospital, believe that her stay in hospital will not be so traumatic, believe that she will not get serious and life threatening infections, believe that she has the love and support of all her family friends and people whom she has not met... but who have taken Carey into their hearts. Most of all BELIEVE that GOD is with her and will bring her through this time.

The 300K is within reach and we have received an amazing amount of 200K to date. We would not have done this without your help - thank you to so many people, who have stood by us and supported us. This is the final shove - we are almost there!

Carey has been feeling a tad unwell the past day or two and with that is turbulent emotions. I guess sometimes we as a family need to read situations better and adjust what we say and do for Carey's sake.

I would do anything to be with her during this time and as said before - the continents seem so much further apart when in time of need.

Room with a view

This is Carey's first masterpiece - a little painting she did a few weeks ago. This was the view from her bedroom at the bone marrow unit. Carey gave this to me and I am so blest having it. The words written at the back is even more promising - She will fight this!

 

Update
Thursday, 29 May 2008

WOW... Carey was interviewed on Bush Radio yesterday and today there was an article on Page 3 of the Cape Times about her. It is brilliant to see how Carey's story and appeal has touched people's lives. I won't be altogether surprised if the SABMR has a sudden growth in the number of registered donors. People are becoming aware of the needs of Leukaemia sufferers and are seriously thinking about becoming donors.

Carey is still progressing well and she is focussing on tackling the next few months with a positive attitude. I am proud that she is my daughter and I thank God for the beautiful woman she has become.

Update
Saturday, 24 May 2008

A sunset and a promise of a new tomorrow. a tomorrow where Carey will grow from sunrise to sunset many times, until this is all over and she will wake one day realizing that she is healed!

Sunset at the Strand

More than ever we have to understand that the preparation time ahead is critical for Carey. This time before the bone marrow transplant she needs to take special care of her health, ensuring that no infections take hold of her fragile body. It is also a time for us as a family to be unified and strong for her. We need to be strong to support her and although we do not fully understand the battle she has in her heart - we certainly have to be there for her totally unconditionally.

Emotions wil be up and down and this is to be understood as simply part of the battle we need to face with her. Unconditional love, time and understanding.

I am just so grateful that Carey has you - her family, friends, colleagues and definately a good medical team to support her.

I am truly blessed by the offers of support and donations. No matter how big or small your contribution, you are all making a huge dent in that target we are aiming for. We still have quite a way to go and because the matching has so far proved to be positive and her doctor is talking about the transplant happening end June or early July, we need to ensure that the funds are available for the procurement of the life giving marrow. This means that there is more emphasis on URGENT.

Thanks again to all for your love and support.

Update
Tuesday, 20 May 2008

Another day at the hospital for Carey with many tests and procedures. I am amazed that they can still find veins for needles! it is tubes and tubes of blood being removed - but this time we know that it is for the purpose of the final stages of the donor tissue type cross matching.

Carey also received her life sustaining platelets today and this was followed shortly afterwards with another bone marrow biopsy.

Carey still smiling as she waits for the medication to take effect before her biopsy.

Finally! Some well deserved sleep between procedures and platelets are running into her body.

Even with all the icky procedures she had to face today, we know that she is almost there. Just one more hurdle - the bone marrow transplant - and she will be healed!

Update
Monday, 19 May 2008

It's been ages since I've been able to update this site and in this time a lot has happened as well.

Let's concentrate on the positive. Carey's visit to her doctors proved to be a good one today. Her counts are up and although the results from the donor matching has not been received, feedback so far has proven to be really good and positive.

We are now looking at the possibility of the bone marrow transplant to take place around the end of June or early July. This of course is still dependant on the final results, the funding and subsequent procurement of the bone marrow. The timing of everything is critical at this stage and we are now fast appoaching the time when new invoices are to be issued to us for the international search costs.

As you can see from the fundstats, we still have a long way to go. The support and efforts you have put in to drive our funding forward is appreciated and special thanks to Louna and her team for the fantastic auction fundraiser this past weekend. This website will be updated with more details about this event soon.

A heartfelt thanks is also extended to the EDS teams based at St James in the North East of England. The effort you have all put in has made this road easier.

Update
Thursday, 01 May 2008

We have all reason to be joyful, Carey's blood counts are still climbing and although she still needs to take really special care to ward of nasty lil bugs and stuff, it is comforting to know that something is kickstarting inside of her. This makes things easier for when she has the bone marrow transplant. Every progress she makes, is also a much needed moral boost for her. This proves that even trying at times, she is learning to look after herself very well ;-)

Talking about kickstarting, I am looking at our fundraising chart today and sadly it has been standing still for a few days. We are so grateful for everything that we've received so far and as we have now stepped into the 2nd half of target, there is still a substantial way to go and we need your help! Please see the various ways on donating on this website.

Thanks to everybody for reading this website and sending messages. Your support is fundamental in helping Carey prepare for the next cycle or phase in this fight against her Leukaemia.

God Bless

Lisa

Update
Wednesday, 30 April 2008

This picture makes me smile.. it is Carey... and it clearly depicts her will to fight this leukaemia battle and win! 

She has been through 'hell' and back during her last chemo session and when doctors and people around her were defeated, she fought back even in her coma state and won!  She is with us today and the next hurdle is the bone marrow transplant and guess what... she will hold up her world and be victorious once again. Nothing will bring our girl down!

This morning was good... waking up to a brighter sky and kisses from heaven in the form of beautiful warm sun rays.  This is something I've not experienced for months and months.  Being in the North East of England, this has possibly been the worst Winter I've ever experienced! Snow in April and dark gloomy skies since November.. arghhh I am complaining :-)

Just shows you how this God given morning experience can change your outlook for the day.  It has been hard getting where we are and much is still needed... but one thing is for sure.. nothing compares to life of a child. Again I am in awe of what Carey has achieved and is still achieving.

Update
Saturday, 26 April 2008

For the first time in many months I can say that it has been a good week for Carey. It gives her a real boost when her doctors (and they are brilliant) remain positive and congratulate her on each and every little improvement. There is NO room for any negativity.

With her blood counts up to 1.5, we are waiting for the outcome of the donor matching tests. While this continues we are still trying to push the green bar on the fund status up and closer to our much needed target. Your wonderful contributions are making what seemed impossible a few months ago, seem very much achievable.

However, we are not relaxing with the push in reaching our target and a few smaller fundraising events have been organised to drive this forward.

I know that Carey is super grateful for all your support... and it comes in many forms. Just reading the messages in her guestbook, one can see the many hearts Carey has touched.

I came across this rather sweet site and it was surprised to see how Carey's story is being carried forward by others.. thank you so much Kat!

http://katmeeow.org/archives/2008/04/hi.html

God Bless

Lisa

Update
Wednesday, 23 April 2008

I realise every day more and more how blest we are. There is so much giving in the hearts of readers who come across this website - either by referral or just stumbling in via google.

I've fielded many emails from concerned readers who want to donate their bone marrow, others who offer much needed prayer and others who donate for the funds. The inspiration and at times sharing similar troubled times, makes me feel that we are all drawn together, seeking and also finding some peace.

Each and everyone of you are special and your concern and love for Carey is simply awesome.

We are now counting down the days until we get notification that the match is spot on and it is all systems go for the transplant. It has been a tense and heart wrenching time for us as a family and we have also come to understand our different ways of handling the pain and stress. In the end all else falls away when we realise that the goal is to get Carey well again.

Thank you all again for you support!!

Update
Sunday, 20 April 2008

Thank you all for continually reading this site and sending Carey the much appreciated messages via her guestbook.

Carey has completed 114 days in hospital. Her infections are under control for now. She has been allowed to go home until she is called in for her bone marrow transplant. Her 2nd phase of chemo has ended and finally after all the complications, she is closing the door on this dramatic cycle! Thank God and in a huge way, we can testify of the great miracles God performed in keeping her with us and safe.

Her lifestyle has to change as even the teeniest bacteria or germ can attack her fragile body and send her back into hospital. She needs to keep her environment totally germ free and clean and her food needs to be specially bought and prepared for her. Carey also faces having to inject herself in her tummy daily with a drug that tries to built her immune system.

We are rejoicing that she is free from the confinement of a hospital room and we need to keep praying that she is kept safe! It is good to have her home but I will admit that the first night she spent in her home, I was restless and afraid that she may have a fever spike or something or other. It is also for us to get used to all the changes.

While we wait for the results of the 2 prospective donors from Germany, we are still trying to raise funds to cover the costs. We are having 2 fundraiser events in May, Mixit 2 at the BMW Pavilion Theatre and a dinner/auction evening. Tickets for both these events are available and should be pre-booked.

I am going to try and make some changes to the website to incorporate more information about how to become a bone marrow donor. Some of you have been touched by Carey's story and have given some serious thought about becoming a donor. However, a few are scared of the perceived procedures - hopefully this site will be able to pass on some valuable information. Remember the decision you make make to become a donor could save someone's life!

Some Media Coverage last week:

Constantiaberg Bulletin
19 April 2008

Your bonemarrow could help save Carey's life...

Download article

The Tatler
19 April 2008

Waiting to update......

Kenridge Primary School Website - Main Page
18 April 2008

CAREY NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Carey Boucher is a past pupil of Kenridge Primary. She was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in November 2007. After spending more than 100 days in an isolation unit to keep her safe from infections, it is clear that the only alternative is for her to have a bone marrow transplant. A search was done locally in South Africa and proved to be futile. This is why the family have had to search for an international donor. So far 2 German donors have proved to be good candidates and initial tests are currently being done. The international search is costly and beyond the means of a normal family and this is why the family turned to us for assistance.

Please visit Carey's website to read more about her situation and see how you can make a difference: www.carey-boucher.com

UPDATE:

Thursday, 17 April 2008

It is now the wait for the outcome of compatability results of the two donors from Germany - but - a time for Carey to grow stronger and to find herself again.

Although over, the past few months will still echo in the chambers of her mind as she wills herself well and allows her body to respond to its healing command. It is so refreshing to hear Carey laugh again and the distance between us is agonising as I would love to see the laughter play in her brown eyes. She has a way of keeping her audience captivated by her joyful spirit.

I should actually call her little dynamite as she has blown everyone out the water with her courage and inner strength. She is fighting the battle and guess what... this little dynamite will blow the cancer away into nothingness and she will probably even wonder what all the fuss was about :-)

We still have a way to go with the funding and s few events hae been planned. If your are near any of the events, please try attend and support Carey. Your contribution certainly makes a huge difference. I have also received a few no-name deposits into the fund account - I am not sure who to thank... but thank you!!!!

God Bless

Lisa

UPDATE:

Tuesday, 15 April 2008

It's amazing that through they day I have so many thoughts but when it comes to writing it down, somehow it turns into a prayer of thanks for the work God is doing in our lives.

I can't even begin to tell you how devastating these past few months have been and had it not been for this faith deeply instilled inside of me, I don't think I would have been able to cope. But all things aside... it is not about me... but about Carey and I thank God each day for the change in her.

God heard our heart's cries and even in those 'troubled' times He pulled us through - He pulled Carey through.

This is a time to refocus... to lean on Him and gratefully accept the help of everyone who has pulled out all stops to help Carey in this time of need... Thinking in particular of Louna and her tireless persuit of drawing in funds - thank God for her. And Johann who has stood firm on shaky grounds - thank you for being that special person in Carey's life.

Just one more hurdle - the bone marrow transplant and we will all breathe a huge sigh of relief - Carey will be safe and well again. Now that last bit is something to look forward to :-)

I cannot thank those who continue to donate enough but you will know that it comes from the deepest reaches of my heart.

Please also continue to support the SMS Hope drive in South Africa - for those who are not in South Africa, please see the DONATE Link for other options.

God Bless

Lisa

 

UPDATE:

Monday, 14 April 2008

I am so much more at ease each day as I try to sketch words around Carey's progress.

She is in her new ward and things are so much brighter - her spirits are lifting daily and it is with much interest that she observes what you all are doing to secure her in getting well again. I can hear her little voice saying in awe. 'Is this all for me???' Carey has never thought that she could get so much love and commitment from so many good people out there.

Carey agreed that I could use some of her new pictures today in this blog and as it is her first time out in almost the big world after 105+ days in isolation... I had to share her innocence/caution with you.

The mask is to protech her from germs and things that would not effect us and her IV pole - these were her constant companions. Now as she was finally allowed to sit in the hospital garden attached to the Sunflower Ward, Carey still did not feel secure enough to let go off her safety net.

However, it did not take long for Carey and Johann to share their first cuppacino in the restuarant area - WOW.. talk about turnaround!

This precious child of mine, has suffered seizures, infections, chemo and more chemo. This is Carey, who has what is called bone marrow failure and yet she still keeps her smile beaming at us. And more over, she is willing to face everything and anything that comes her way.

Carey deserves so much in life and she will get it. It goes to prove as well and we should learn from Carey.. if you hear the word cancer... leukaemia... don't give up.... fight it and resist it and definately know that it is not part of your body. God does these things called miracles.... but you need to accept it and embrace it.

God Bless you all for caring and praying. Your donations are received as a wonderful gift.

Lisa

UPDATE:

Sunday, 13 April 2008

My princess is doing well.. she is in a positive frame of mind towards the bone-marrow transplant. Above all, we know that she is getting the best care in Constantiaberg. For that, a HUGE thank-you to the doctors and nurses who care for her.

Further news is that the donor samples have reached Cape Town for further testing. This means that things are looking good and the urgency for us as a family remains, to draw in the necessary funds that are now starting to escalate.

More good news is that she is having a change of scenary! Carey is moving to the Sunflower Ward which will be her little home until she has the transplant. Another huge step in securing her recovery!

The sunflower is Carey's favourite flower and since a child she always adored yellow and green... so you see... you can understand why this site reflects that :-)

Sunflower for Carey

Very soon Carey, you will be able to hold bunches of these yellow faces in your hands... Thank you for being such an amazingly strong daughter!

Thanks to all who are still contribution via the SMS HOPE message - this is making a huge difference. Please continue to support Carey's Bone Marrow fund.

God Bless

Lisa

UPDATE:

Friday, 11 April 2008

Another week gone and with all the fundraising efforts being planned, it is time to kick back this weekend and reflect - a time to enjoy the blessings we have around us.

I have so many things to be grateful for and the one closest to my heart, is the few minutes a day that Carey and I can share over the phone. The distance is not easy and the continents seem to stretch even further apart when the one you love is critically ill... and you cannot physically be with them.

It is music to my ears and an untold joy in my heart when I hear her gentle voice speaking of only positive things and of a time that this will all be over. I can sense Carey's inner strength to win this leukaemia battle... and she will get there!!

Once this bone marrow transplant has taken place and she receives this gift given by another... I know she will want to give back the same.

Please continue to support Carey, your combined efforts are making a huge difference.

UPDATE:

Wednesday, 9 April 2008

I am so proud to be Carey's mother - she amazes me more and more each day with her beautiful heart and wide eye innocence.

Carey's desire is to resume her life, but we all know after such life changing challenges, a lot would have changed. In her I still see the same Carey but with an extraordinatory will to fight and kick this phase out the door. I think many of us can learn from her. I am not sure that many people who who learned about Carey, have been unable to walk away without a warmth in their heart and a different outlook on life and the things we take so for granted.

Thank-you little Princess for brightening the world with more than just your smile.

UPDATE:

Tuesday, 8 April 2008

A new week and a week past of miracles and it is certainly continuing. Thank God for that!

Yesterday was Carey's 100th day is hospital!! Amazing too that through all the tough times and challenges she senses HOPE and is ready to tackle the next hurdle which is of course the bone marrow transplant.

Everyone of you has created a secure environment for her to flourish in and your love and support is bringing out the bright eye and bushy tail in her. Thank you all for that!

We now have the support of the Sunflower Foundation and Caroline and Terry of the SABMR have been excellent with their guidance and support as well.

We are planning a few fundraisers over the coming weeks and it would be appreciated if you could support us as and when. Any new ideas for fundraising activities are appreciated.

Thanks again for your support - you are a blessing!

Lisa

UPDATE:

Saturday, 5 April 2008

This has been a busy week and it certainly ended with us being blest.

Mickel has arranged a cake and coffee morning and it looks as if there is going to be a good number of friends and family attending. This will certainly be most welcomed for the fund as well as a time to show support for our Carey! Thank-you Mickel and everyone for making this happen!

It is good to see that Carey has her fighting spirit back and with this and all of our support, she will get through this.

Another thought on her heart is for us to take cognisance of the need for bone marrow donors. Please think about becoming a bone marrow donor. Links on this site will take you to the Sunflower Fund, Anthony Nolan and the SA Bone Marrow registry.

Please keep the fundraising ideas and donations :-) rolling in.

God Bless

Lisa

UPDATE:

Wednesday, 2 April 2008

I've received a number of emails from a few people today - some of the words went straight to my heart as they painted visuals in my thoughts of the beautiful young Carey and how she unknowingly touched other people's lives... and still continues to do so.

One email in particular made me carry the thought of the brightest sun shining to warm me and my surroundings - that sun was a smile from Carey. She does light up the world with her wide smile and sincere sparkly brown eyes. There is always that wide eyed innocence about her. I know that because of her heart and mind, her body will heal from this.

Carey has improved since we've changed hospitals and the care she is getting in the isolation unit is helping ease the infection in her body - lungs in particular.

We have been told that the doctors want to proceed with the bone marrow search so that the transplant can take place as soon as possible. This means that our needs...Carey's need has become even more urgent.

Special thanks to Mickel, Angelique, Careka, Michelle, Anna, Dollie and others who have taken up the initiative to drive some form of fundraising activity. Bless you all for that and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any fundraising ideas, wanting to share something or perhaps donate.

God Bless

Lisa

UPDATE:

Saturday, 29th March 2008

A huge thanks to everyone reading this website! I have been amazed at the warm heartedness and genuine concern for Carey and the situation we are now facing. I know that she will appreciate all the comments, advice, sponsorship and donations.

We still have a long way to go before we reach our goal but so far the commitment and promises made, is making the road ahead seem much clearer and there is H.O.P.E.

Carey is taking strain which is understandable under the condition she is in and your love and caring reassures her that she does not have to go through this alone.

I am so grateful for faithful friends and caring 'strangers' who have opened their hearts and will continue to pray for Carey.

Again, I request anyone to contact me if they have any fundraiser ideas or avenues I could approach for assistance.

God Bless

Lisa

UPDATE:

Wednesday, 26th March 2007

Carey underwent another painful bone marrow biopsy yesterday. The new Doctor wanted to do his own assessment which would help him in putting together treatment plans for the coming days.

She is so much better since the change of hospital and although the ward is very clinical, at least we are all assured that it is clean and hopefully no more nasty bugs will get into her fragile system.

The good news is that she is being weaned off most of the medication given previously and although her counts have dropped again, she is fighting back and resisting the infections that still persist.

Carey does a few laps around the 4 corners of her isolation room just to get some form of exercise. She is a strong young woman with a heart to live and enjoy everything around her.

We are hoping and praying for the success of firstly finding the funding for the bone marrow search and thereafter the successful screening of potential donor candidates.

It's amazing that even through these difficult times, Carey is continuing her fight and she will win this battle.

Again we appeal for your help in making it possible for us to reach the goal of R300 000 to ensure that Carey has every chance of finally kicking this cancer in the pants. No matter how big or small your contribution, everything will be received with utmost gratitude and used to boost the much needed bone marrow fund.

Lisa

Facebook update

20 - 23 MAR 2008: Long "Long Weekend" Update

Happy Easter Weekend everyone... well im not sure where to begin... the last few days have been exhausting... I hope I remember everything... so much has happended - well lets start with Thursday afternoon when I got there for our councelling session with the social worker Elana.. (what a supportive, loving, caring woman... she has really crept into our hearts and visa versa... its difficult having a patient for 80 days and not get attached i guess... must be a difficult job... she has been such a wonderful mother figure to us... helps us settle misunderstandings ect ect... well I arrived there about 3:30pm and Carey was lying on the bed awake but just looking at me with her sad eyes... whats wrong love? i asked.... she said "i dont want to talk about it... I have an operation to get a new CVP line in my neck.. they took the other one out" Still I was a bit taken aback because she has had so many other worse things done to her so i couldnt understand why she was so upset... anyway i respected her wishes and we didnt talk about it... sat on the floor next to her rubbing her arm and she just pretended to sleep... Elana walks in and asks "why is your face so puffy?" - if you see someone everyday then you tend to not notice things... I thought maybe a bad reaction to anti-biotics... So Carey had to tell her the story... her previous line in her neck/chest has not been inserted for the past few days, it seemed to have moved into a branch and prevented blood flow and built up some pressure - hence the swellng on the face and neck... oinly then i noticed it.... so the doc put the xray machine near her and moved the line back and forth till the needle was back in the correct place... well that didnt work so they removed it... I just sat there p****ed off like you cant imagine... last week it was the overdose on meds and now this... anyway Elana asked us a question that set of the next set of actions.. "Carey - do you still feel safe here?" - the answer was NO! to many things have been going wrong and its due to negligance... we also started doubting the sanity of her room... seeing that she is in general medical ward (people who are sick) - the nurses could bring anything in from another room and we started asking "should be not go to Constantiaberg?" We came to the conclusion right after a x-ray lady spilled her orange juice all over her carpeted floor... we asked that the cleaning staff just wash the carpet so there is no bacteria... the answer from the sister was that the cleaning staff have gone home for the long weekend. It will have to wait... I asked Carey if she wants me to get the ball rolling to get a transfer... once she said yes I phoned all the relevant parties to inform them of her decision.. phoned her dads, spoke to the social worker, spoke to constanciaberg about costs, requested an ambulance to do the transfer everything... then her doctor walked in and we broke the news to him... he has been Carey's doc from the beginning... he was shocked when we told him about the decision and obviously tried to convince us to stay.. well it was clear we made our minds up and told him exactly why we want to leave... we feel that Carey is getting the care she needs right now... to unhygienic, to laid back... when Carey rings the bell its usually for something urgent... we assusred him that he did a great job but its the team that let us down... the nurses are still new to the whole cancer/leuikimia patient treatment plan but im sorry Carey is to important to be used to upskill staff... I slept over on the Thursday night and she slept like a baby... prob from all the aggression and stress. Well late that night the doc advised us that he has compiled all his paperwork and Dr Mike du Toit will be her new doctor (him and Prof Jacobs are the forefathers of bonemarrow transplants... so she will be in good hands... we went back to sleep and i stayed with till the morning and went home for a shower... they told me that the ambulance will pick her up first thing on saturday morning... so when i got back to her room we had to pack... OH MY WORD! I took a photo of all the things that came out of that room... :) presents, stuffed animals, baloons everything and anything you can think of... so I took the orders about how everything must be pack from the princess on her throne wrapped up like a kfc twister in her lion king blanket... (i will upload photos soon) what a mission... then moved everything that she didnt want to take with to my car... eventually everything was packed and we went to sleep... I didnt want to leave her - she seems calm when I slept there on the magical lazy boy... Well 7am came and we got ready - packed up the last things and she was put in a bed with her mask and wheeled off to the main entrance where the ambulance was standing.. was so nice to see Marc standing outside by the window (he doesnt want to give her the tummy bug he had a while ago so he kept his distance... well then we were off the the Hospital.... I wasnt allowed to sit in the back with her so I got the front seat... We got here early Saturday morning and they booked her into the Donnalil Thomas Suite in the BoneMarrow Transplant Unit Ward... When we walked in there was a big whiteboard that said "Welcome Carey, Get well soon" as well as a list of all the nurses names. Her room is much smaller but the adventure to actually get into her room is amazing... they are so strict here - well let me start from the beginning if I want to visit her... I get the the BMTU, I need to press a buzzer - the nurses answer the call and lets you in. then you walk past all the doctors rooms and procedure rooms ect... then you get to a door call Gown Area... males go there and females there... need to be buzzed in again and you walk into a room full of scrubs and lockers... so the fun starts... need to undress yourself to your undies and put on clean scrubs (males green, females burgundy) you can put your clothes in a locker. then you need to put on shoes that look like MASSIVE socks and wash your hands - then you can come into the isolation ward... even though it is a mission Im so glad they take so much precaution before letting anyone come in... her blankets arent allowed in the room and all her bedding is washed on a daily basis... the room isnt as nice as her previous room but this isnt about nice now... hygiene is so important right now... you dont need to wear a mask here... i think its extraction fans that does the job... I have complete peace of mind that she will get better here. The doctors and so well known, the nurses are so proffesional and friendly - it looks like they enjoy their job... all of the patients here are on strict microbial diet... they have strict rules about food - no nuts, no fresh fruit, no yoghurt, no biltong etc... at panorama they gave her tap water etc... she is drinking filtered water here.... everything is different.. she is feeling a bit overwhelmed with the changes... imagine being in the same room for 80days.... it becomes your home... she has strict visiting rules... obviously if you are sick you cant come... she is allowed of 6 visits a day... for example - if I come in, scrub up - leave to get a coldrink and come back and do the whole dress and undress business it counts as 2 visits... please phone me (for family for now) to arrange visiting. We cant have to many people drive to this side just to be sent home because she had her daily limit... Well I left her last night after an extensive head tickle and she had a good nights rest... they have everything under control now... They are waiting for her counts to pick up and guess what on Friday afternoon her counts picked up from 0.1 to 0.5 - so now that she is here we can hope to see them picking up much quicker... well its Sunday morning now and she is sitting up eating and gearing up for a 10 lap walk to keep her mobile...


IN OTHER NEWS:

They have identified 2 very strong matches for Carey (both are from Germany) we need to get at least R30 000 by Tuesday so they can start with the testing... we would still need the additional R270K so if you know of anyone who is giving away money for charity or if anyone you know will be able to help out with a donation please let me know...

Thanks everyone... together we are going to make this chicken better....!!!!!!!