Here we go again...

As many of you already know, Melanie has relapsed. She found a lump in her breast and has been in the process of getting it checked out. In this process, we've learned that her leukemia has raised it's UGLY head again (the lump in her breast is primarily water that will dissolve over time). There have been so many different emotions felt by all of us upon first hearing this news...anger, despair, fear, sorrow, exhaustion, just to name a few. There were lots of tears shed. As the reality of this has settled in, we have also had feelings of hope, faith, and trust. Melanie is ready to do what she has to, in order to give leukemia a good old fashion kick in the butt!

Melanie spent the day in Salt Lake. She underwent a lumbar puncture (with chemo injected), a PET and CT scan, and a bone marrow biopsy. I spoke with my mom tonight and she said Mel's spirits are good, but she is really tired. Sleep will be a welcome friend tonight.

We will have more details on Mon. about what exactly we are facing. The doctors have yet to determine where her leukemia is. It hasn't manifested itself in her blood stream yet, but there are cells somewhere. The doctors will meet with Mel and our parents on Monday at 1:30. Mel will get a new central line that will be hooked back up to Shithead (her pet name for her IV pole). She will be admitted that day as well. She will begin induction next week. This is when she receives high doses of chemo. Mel will receive these treatments for 6 weeks, and will remain in either the hospital, or the Salt Lake area during this time. If she receives any radiation, it will be localized and not the full body radiation she had last time. The doctors are also looking for another stem cell donor. Her first donor has already said that he would be happy to donate again, in fact, there are still more cells of his at the hospital. The doctors told Mel that they will have to try a new donor's cells this time.

My mom will stay by Mel's side like last time. The plan is to have Kaden stay with our dad and visit Mel on the weekends.

When Angie and I talked today, we commented on how it feels like we were just barely here...updating the blog. I have to remind myself that Mel has had 2 awesome years of good health thanks to her first stem cell donor. We have had lots of fun times over these last two years. Blessings!

Melanie would like you to check the blog for information, Angie and I will update it as often as we can (hopefully daily). Visitors are allowed at the LDS Hospital as long as you are healthy :). Melanie loves to get cards and LOVES your prayers. Flowers are not allowed in the bone marrow unit.

Thanks for all of the concern and love for Mel. She is amazing to all of us. We as a family believe in miracles, and the power of prayer and fasting. We have faith in our savior, Jesus Christ. Whatever the outcome is, we believe it is part of our Heavenly Father's plan for Melanie.


GO, FIGHT, WIN Melly-elly!