Day 2

Yesterday, we received the devasting news that our sister was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.  Kristine had been battling a cold and sinus infection the past 3 months.  She saw a few different doctors during this time, taken the prescribed antibiotics and just kept going about life, toughing out the days she didn't feel good, pushing herself like many moms do.  Luckily, the doctor she saw most recently had the presence of mind to order blood tests. 

Day 1:  February 28, 2011

Upon receiving her blood test results and the diagnosis, Kristine was immediately admitted into the hospital.  She has undergone several tests, including a painful bone marrow test and was told she will start chemotherapy the following day and will be hospitalized for approximately one month.

Day 2:  March 1, 2011

They have been prepping Kristine for her chemo all day.  She received a blood transfusion this morning in order to get her red blood cell count up and, forgive me, I don't know the proper terminology, but they somehow removed some of her white blood cells as these are exceedingly high.  I just spoke with Dave (5PM) and he said they are about to start her chemo shortly. 

Kristine will undergo seven straight days of chemo.  She is being very brave and has a positive attitude.  Dave said he was going to have a friend talk with Kristine today who is a cancer survivor which will only help reinforce Kristine's positivity. 

If you are wanting to see what kind of help Dave may need or have some advice to offer, please share them here or email me at bbcsmom@gmail.com and I will share them with him.  As you can imagine, Dave is being overwhelmed with phone calls of care and concern which he truly appreciates, but we are asking that you please utilize this blog moving forward.  Please share this URL with friends to keep abreast of Kristine's progress and post any messages you want to send to Dave and Kristine. 

Please do not send flowers or plants as Kristine cannot have them in her room.  However, if you'd like to send a card you may do so.  Cards can be sent to:
Kristine DuFrene
c/o Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center
9920 Talbert Avenue
Oncology Unit, Rm #232
Fountain Valley, CA 92708

If you call Dave, please do not be offended if you receive a return call from me instead.  He is having a difficult time with all of this as you can imagine and is passing his messages along to me. 

Thank you to everyone for all your care and concern.  Let's all continue to pray for Kristine to beat this and be back home with her beautiful babies!