Kristine is trying to hang tough. She is feeling really, really, really sick today. She's not taking any calls or texts. Yesterday was her last day of the first chemo treatment. Today and tomorrow she is receiving her second chemo treatment. Thursday she will rest, no chemo. Friday is transplant day. :)
Kristine and Dave asked me to give a BIG shout out to thank P'Shawna (sorry if I misspelled your name) and her mom for taking the time to visit her in the hospital while in town for Memorial Day weekend. That was so thoughtful of the both of you! Kristine really enjoyed your visit and you came at the right time... before the effects of chemo set in.
They have another BIG shout out they want to give to Dee, Deb, Marly and Lacey for helping take care of the kids while Dave is at work. They realize it is a huge undertaking and are comforted in knowing you are providing loving care in their absence.
Please continue to pray for Kristine to feel better soon and to stay strong and positive. She needs all our love, support and prayers.
Thank you!
DuFrene Family
Such a beautiful family!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Day 92 - May 30, 2011
The chemo is starting to wreak havoc on Kristine's digestive system. She has been feeling horrible since yesterday afternoon. Hasn't been able to eat anything. It's mainly nausea and vomiting that is affecting her. She asked that anyone wanting to visit, if they would hold off until she is feeling better. So please call Dave to see if Kristine is up to having any phone calls or visitors beforehand. Thank you!
Oh, I forgot to mention, if you would like to send Kristine a card, you can mail it to:
Kristine DuFrene
c/o Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
6th Floor, Room 6121
757 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Please continue to send prayers and positive thoughts to Kristine. Only 2.5 more days of chemo left. She is trying to be strong and push through what we hope is her last chemo treatment EVER!
Oh, I forgot to mention, if you would like to send Kristine a card, you can mail it to:
Kristine DuFrene
c/o Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
6th Floor, Room 6121
757 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Please continue to send prayers and positive thoughts to Kristine. Only 2.5 more days of chemo left. She is trying to be strong and push through what we hope is her last chemo treatment EVER!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Day 88 - May 26, 2011
UCLA was able to get at least 3 million stem cells from Kat yesterday. She was very happy to be Kristine's donor and that they now have her stem cells ready to transplant into Kristine. Kat returned home late last night and is already back at work this morning!
Kristine is being admitted into UCLA this morning. They will start a new pick line to administer what we hope will be her last chemo treatment. This chemo treatment will be very intense. It will be 10 times more potent than the other treatments she has received thus far. She will receive one treatment for 4 days, then another for two days. She will rest on the seventh day (June 2nd). The purpose of these high dose chemo treatments is to kill off Kristine's bone marrow and deplete her immune system prior to the transplant in order to "trick" her body into accepting Kathy's stem cells. A stem cell transplant is no different than an organ transplant. Kristine's body will try to reject the stem cells which is why her immune system must be supressed so that it can't fight back.
Kristine is scheduled to receive her transplant on Friday, June 3rd. This is considered Kristine's 2nd birthday. She will be getting a new lease on life! We are very excited for Kristine and trying to help keep her positive about this next chapter that is unfolding. Kristine is dreading the chemo treatment and is trying not to think about the awful side effects that she was forewarned about. It may be inevitable that she will develop the painful mouth sores that she has heard about. She is also very sad that she will be away from Kahlen and Logan for two months.
Kristine will spend a month at UCLA, then once her blood levels have come up to normal, she will check into a facility (much like a hotel) where she will need to stay for another month. She must remain near UCLA during this part of her recovery just in case she develops any infections or other issues arise. She must also have someone with her 24 hours a day to watch over her. My family and I are working out a schedule to ensure we have someone with her at all times.
Please continue to pray for Kristine. Send all your positive thoughts and energy her way. She needs it all!
Thank you!!!
Kristine is being admitted into UCLA this morning. They will start a new pick line to administer what we hope will be her last chemo treatment. This chemo treatment will be very intense. It will be 10 times more potent than the other treatments she has received thus far. She will receive one treatment for 4 days, then another for two days. She will rest on the seventh day (June 2nd). The purpose of these high dose chemo treatments is to kill off Kristine's bone marrow and deplete her immune system prior to the transplant in order to "trick" her body into accepting Kathy's stem cells. A stem cell transplant is no different than an organ transplant. Kristine's body will try to reject the stem cells which is why her immune system must be supressed so that it can't fight back.
Kristine is scheduled to receive her transplant on Friday, June 3rd. This is considered Kristine's 2nd birthday. She will be getting a new lease on life! We are very excited for Kristine and trying to help keep her positive about this next chapter that is unfolding. Kristine is dreading the chemo treatment and is trying not to think about the awful side effects that she was forewarned about. It may be inevitable that she will develop the painful mouth sores that she has heard about. She is also very sad that she will be away from Kahlen and Logan for two months.
Kristine will spend a month at UCLA, then once her blood levels have come up to normal, she will check into a facility (much like a hotel) where she will need to stay for another month. She must remain near UCLA during this part of her recovery just in case she develops any infections or other issues arise. She must also have someone with her 24 hours a day to watch over her. My family and I are working out a schedule to ensure we have someone with her at all times.
Please continue to pray for Kristine. Send all your positive thoughts and energy her way. She needs it all!
Thank you!!!
Day 87 - May 25, 2011
Kat is at UCLA right now donating 3 million stem cells. Hopefully they can get all 3 million in this one visit so that she won't have to go back on Friday for another donation. The procedure will take 3 to 4 hours. Dave and Kristine are out cruising Westwood (LA) while they wait for Kat.
Kristine will be admitted into UCLA tomorrow and start her chemo on Friday. She will be administered two different types of chemo treatments. One will be for 4 days, the other for 2 days. These treatments will be 10 times stronger than the other treatments she's received. It's going to be a very rough road over the next month.
Please pray for Kristine to continue to be strong and positive. More details to come tomorrow.
Kristine will be admitted into UCLA tomorrow and start her chemo on Friday. She will be administered two different types of chemo treatments. One will be for 4 days, the other for 2 days. These treatments will be 10 times stronger than the other treatments she's received. It's going to be a very rough road over the next month.
Please pray for Kristine to continue to be strong and positive. More details to come tomorrow.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Message from Dave sent via email to friends and family
Family and Friends,
I would like to update everybody on Kristine's current condition. On Tuesday May 17th, Kristine went in for a routine blood check with Dr. Jack Jacoub (google his name) and everything came back positive. She is in a very good remission (cancer free) stage. Kathy (Kristine's sister) who is a match for a bone marrow transplant flew into town Tuesday for her physical at UCLA. Wednesday May18th, Kristine and I took Kathy up to UCLA for her consultation and detailed bone marrow doner physical. Today, I received a call from Sara Gaby (UCLA bone marrow coordinator) and was told Kathy passed the physical. Not that we were worried about the results, but finding a bone marrow match is one thing--having a sibling as a match is phenomenal! Kristine's gene makeup of Japanese and Caucasian would be difficult to find in the general bone marrow registry. The next phase for Kathy is Neupogen shots twice a day for four days. Neupogen helps stimulate the growth of white blood cells in your body. On Wednesday May 25th, Kathy will go up to UCLA where she will give blood to be harvested and stored for Kristine at a later date. The procedure for Kathy will take about three to four hours were her blood will go into a leukapheresis machine, which extract out the white blood/stem cells used for Kristine's bone marrow transplant and then Kathy's blood will be returned back into her body. This is a non-evasive procedure without any side effects. Medical science has come a long way. Bone marrow transplants used to be painful for the doner and recipient. UCLA needs to collect three million stem cells from Kathy which might take two blood donations. If needed, the second one is on Friday May 27th. Kathy is so proud to be able the give Kristine a second chance on life. Those of you that know Kathy know her as outgoing, talkative and always on the go. Will Kristine take on some of those characteristics???
Kristine is scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy on Monday May 23rd at UCLA with Dr. Ronald Paquette (google his name). Kristine is very fortunate to be getting some of the best cancer treatment available. Dr. Jacoub, her Oncologist, and Dr. Paquette, the transplant specialist, have been very compassionate and positive about a successful outcome for Kristine. If Kristine's bone marrow biopsy comes back good (less than 5% leukemia cells) then she is scheduled to be admitted to UCLA on Thursday, May 26th or Friday, May 27th. Once admitted, Kristine will go through a dose of three to four days of chemotherapy to wipe out the bone marrow of leukemia cells before the transplant can take place. Kristine's bone marrow transplant will only take one day. UCLA calls it her new birth date. She will stay in the hospital for one month due to a suppressed immune system and to prevent any complications or infections. Once discharged, Kristine will spend another month at a local hotel close to UCLA for routine blood work and checkups. Visitors are welcomed but only when cleared from doctor. All the support Kristine received from family and friends has helped her stay positive.
I would like to share with everybody how strong and positive Kristine has been through this ordeal. She has been through hell and back during the chemotherapy treatment. And if not sick, Kristine would have a smile on her face and always happy to see family and friends. Kahlen and Logan keep her positive and a willingess to beat this disease. As for me, I don't always show my emotions. This ordeal has sucked my soul out, but the support from family and friends has helped alot. It is a surreal feeling and I keep thinking I am going to wake up from a bad dream...
This is a great forum for me to express my gratitude for all that have helped, called, sent cards, emails and prayed for Kristine and the family.
Karen, your blog has taken the stress off of me having to update family and friends of Kristine's condition. Kyoko, thank you for spending two months at our home caring for the kids, cleaning, cooking and visiting Kristine at the hospital so I could return to work. Pat, your support and picking up the slack at home so Kyoko could spend time at our home is much appreciated. Rick, I know you have your hands full with kids and sports, but with Karen able to come down and help means alot. Dad, Sean and Dea, I dump alot on you guys from last minute babysitting to emotions, thank you. Mom and Gary, you both have always been there for us and thank you for the love and support. Bonnie and Dennis, thank you for the phone calls and I know if you were closer you would be here. Kimberlie and Andy, if you didn't live in England, I know you would be here all the time. Vicki and Joe, you are always there when needed, thank you. Daryl, Trista, Scott, Mariann, Dan, Carissa Tony, Janene, Jeff, Yelena and Deanna you are our closest friends from day one and thanks for helping out when needed. Devin, you inspire Kristine and myself, being a cancer survivor and supporting us from the beginning. Deb, Dee, Ed and Bryce, Dana, Jason, Renee, James, Maria, Christina, Mark thank you for taking care of the kids and supporting us. To the family on the East Coast-- Sharon, Bob, Kelly, Maureen, Billy, John, Kumi, Timmy and family, your phone calls and cards keep Kristine smiling hope to see you all soon.
And last to my Anaheim Fire Family it makes me proud to be part of such a great organization.
I want to add a shout out and special thanks to our friend, Hayato Yuuki, for all his efforts in fundraising money to help pay for Kristine's medical expenses and additional daycare costs. He spearheaded the Kristine DuFrene Leukemia Awareness Wristbands, helped organize the OC Marathon group who ran in Kristine's honor and has just been so supportive of us during this trying time. I can't thank him enough for everything he has done.
I want to add a shout out and special thanks to our friend, Hayato Yuuki, for all his efforts in fundraising money to help pay for Kristine's medical expenses and additional daycare costs. He spearheaded the Kristine DuFrene Leukemia Awareness Wristbands, helped organize the OC Marathon group who ran in Kristine's honor and has just been so supportive of us during this trying time. I can't thank him enough for everything he has done.
Keep the prayers coming,
Dave
Monday, May 16, 2011
Day 78 - May 16, 2011
I just wanted to clear up a misconception. While Kristine IS currently in remission and we are absolutely thrilled about that; she is still very much in need of a bone marrow transplant. She must remain in remission for at least two weeks before UCLA will allow her to receive the transplant.
Kat, Kristine's match, leaves tomorrow to head to UCLA RRCC to start her second round of tests to ensure she is able to donate her bone marrow (stem cells) to Kristine. The following week, she will begin her Neupogen injections to stimulate stem cell production in her marrow. After approximately 4 days, there will be a blood draw, assuming at least a pint, and the stem cells will be separated from the blood and the blood transfused back into Kat. The stem cells will then be frozen until they are ready to do the transplant.
From what we've been told, Kristine will undergo the transplant sometime in June. We're hoping it happens in the first week of June as we do not want to waste time and potentially face a relapse. We're not being impatient, we just want our sister healthy again!
Kristine has been feeling good but becomes tired and sore more often than she thought she would. On the days Dave has to work, she takes the kids to daycare. On the days Dave is off, they keep the children with them. Kristine is enjoying every minute with her babies as she knows she will soon be away from them for about 8 weeks when she heads to UCLA for the transplant.
That's all for now. Will post another update next week after we find out the results of Kat's tests.
Kat, Kristine's match, leaves tomorrow to head to UCLA RRCC to start her second round of tests to ensure she is able to donate her bone marrow (stem cells) to Kristine. The following week, she will begin her Neupogen injections to stimulate stem cell production in her marrow. After approximately 4 days, there will be a blood draw, assuming at least a pint, and the stem cells will be separated from the blood and the blood transfused back into Kat. The stem cells will then be frozen until they are ready to do the transplant.
From what we've been told, Kristine will undergo the transplant sometime in June. We're hoping it happens in the first week of June as we do not want to waste time and potentially face a relapse. We're not being impatient, we just want our sister healthy again!
Kristine has been feeling good but becomes tired and sore more often than she thought she would. On the days Dave has to work, she takes the kids to daycare. On the days Dave is off, they keep the children with them. Kristine is enjoying every minute with her babies as she knows she will soon be away from them for about 8 weeks when she heads to UCLA for the transplant.
That's all for now. Will post another update next week after we find out the results of Kat's tests.
Biopsy Results
This is the text message I just received from Dave: She is in a complete remission. It actually couldn't look any better.
Thank you Lord!! Thank you to all our Prayer Warriors!! Thank you to Kristine for being such a fighter!! Thank you to our Mom and Dave for taking such great care of Kristine!!
Now we just need Kristine to stay in remission so she can get her transplant. Fingers crossed!
Thank you Lord!! Thank you to all our Prayer Warriors!! Thank you to Kristine for being such a fighter!! Thank you to our Mom and Dave for taking such great care of Kristine!!
Now we just need Kristine to stay in remission so she can get her transplant. Fingers crossed!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Day 73 - May 11, 2011
I was hoping to report the results of Kristine's bone marrow biopsy by now, but we do not have them yet. As soon as we are notified, I will update the blog.
Meanwhile, Kristine is doing okay. She is tired a lot, her back has been sore since the biopsy and her legs are sore -- I assume from going up and down the stairs in her home. My mom left yesterday to go back to her home in Pennsylvania temporarily. She has been sick the past week or so with a chest cold. She'll return in a few weeks but this will give her some time to recooperate and get healthy again. Kristine is going to need her help when it comes time for the transplant.
I'll provide an update, hopefully soon, as soon as I find out what the biopsy results are.
Meanwhile, Kristine is doing okay. She is tired a lot, her back has been sore since the biopsy and her legs are sore -- I assume from going up and down the stairs in her home. My mom left yesterday to go back to her home in Pennsylvania temporarily. She has been sick the past week or so with a chest cold. She'll return in a few weeks but this will give her some time to recooperate and get healthy again. Kristine is going to need her help when it comes time for the transplant.
I'll provide an update, hopefully soon, as soon as I find out what the biopsy results are.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Prayer Request
OK, I just found out that Kristine is going in for a bone marrow biopsy tomorrow afternoon (Friday). We need our prayer warriors to pray for results of a cell count of less than 5%. Kristine does NOT want to be re-admitted for more chemo. She is really hoping for good results so she can stay home and only have to endure the high dose chemo right before her transplant. So please join me in praying for good results!! We should know by Monday what the results are. I will update the blog when I find out.
Thank you to all our prayer warriors out there!!!
Thank you to all our prayer warriors out there!!!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Day 67 - May 5, 2011
Kristine is enjoying her time at home with the kids and my mom is there helping her. My mom will soon have to leave temporarily and will return when Kristine goes in for her transplant. So when Dave is away at work, Kristine will need to have the kids go to daycare on the days that she is feeling weak and unable to care for the kids all by herself.
Another bone marrow biopsy will be taken this week. Hopefully Kristine is still in remission. If she relapses again, she will have to undergo more chemo. If she can stay in remission until UCLA is ready to perform her transplant, she will undergo 3 days of high dose chemo, one day of "rest" then they'll do the transplant the following day.
Kat, our sister who is Kristine's match, is still waiting to hear from UCLA to notify her they are ready to have her come down for additional testing that must be performed to make sure she is definitely an eligible donor for Kristine. After this is done, Kat will come home and wait again to hear from UCLA to let her know they are ready to begin her Neupogen injections which will occur about the same time Kristine undergoes the 3 days of high dose chemo. Kat will have daily injections for approximately 4 days, then they will do the blood draw for the stem cells which will be transplanted to Kristine.
No other news at this time. So far, Kristine is feeling great and has a healthy immune system. We still want her to be very cautious as we don't want to "test" her immune system with any type of infection. Please continue to include Kristine and her family in your daily prayers.
Oh, by the way, the medical bills are starting to roll in... YIKES!!... you wouldn't believe how much the total charge was for those first 28 days!!! Anyone interested in making a donation for the Leukemia Awareness wristbands, please contact Hayato Yuuki at 714-924-5268. We have plenty to "sell" to help raise more much needed funds.
Thank you!!
Another bone marrow biopsy will be taken this week. Hopefully Kristine is still in remission. If she relapses again, she will have to undergo more chemo. If she can stay in remission until UCLA is ready to perform her transplant, she will undergo 3 days of high dose chemo, one day of "rest" then they'll do the transplant the following day.
Kat, our sister who is Kristine's match, is still waiting to hear from UCLA to notify her they are ready to have her come down for additional testing that must be performed to make sure she is definitely an eligible donor for Kristine. After this is done, Kat will come home and wait again to hear from UCLA to let her know they are ready to begin her Neupogen injections which will occur about the same time Kristine undergoes the 3 days of high dose chemo. Kat will have daily injections for approximately 4 days, then they will do the blood draw for the stem cells which will be transplanted to Kristine.
No other news at this time. So far, Kristine is feeling great and has a healthy immune system. We still want her to be very cautious as we don't want to "test" her immune system with any type of infection. Please continue to include Kristine and her family in your daily prayers.
Oh, by the way, the medical bills are starting to roll in... YIKES!!... you wouldn't believe how much the total charge was for those first 28 days!!! Anyone interested in making a donation for the Leukemia Awareness wristbands, please contact Hayato Yuuki at 714-924-5268. We have plenty to "sell" to help raise more much needed funds.
Thank you!!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Day 63 - May 1, 2011
Kristine was finally released from the hospital yesterday afternoon. Yay, thank goodness!! I think she would have planned an escape had they not released her when they did. LOL!!!
Today, a group of Dave and Kristine's friends ran the OC Marathon in honor of Kristine's fight against leukemia. A big shout out to Stacey and Dave Baker, Renee and Greg Plumlee and their friend Sheralyn McVeigh, Hayato Yuuki, Chad Overn, Jared and Shelley Blomberg for running the marathon. You are all such wonderful people!
I'd also like to send out a big thank you to the Anaheim Fire Department for their continued support of Dave and Kristine. You have been more helpful than you could ever imagine. Dave and Kristine don't know how they could ever thank you enough for all that you have done and continue to do.
Please continue to pray for Kristine to stay healthy and in remission while she awaits her transplant. We don't want her to have to endure another round of chemo and another month in the hospital. So please pray, pray, pray!
Thank you!
Today, a group of Dave and Kristine's friends ran the OC Marathon in honor of Kristine's fight against leukemia. A big shout out to Stacey and Dave Baker, Renee and Greg Plumlee and their friend Sheralyn McVeigh, Hayato Yuuki, Chad Overn, Jared and Shelley Blomberg for running the marathon. You are all such wonderful people!
I'd also like to send out a big thank you to the Anaheim Fire Department for their continued support of Dave and Kristine. You have been more helpful than you could ever imagine. Dave and Kristine don't know how they could ever thank you enough for all that you have done and continue to do.
Please continue to pray for Kristine to stay healthy and in remission while she awaits her transplant. We don't want her to have to endure another round of chemo and another month in the hospital. So please pray, pray, pray!
Thank you!
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