More Good News!!
We had our appointment this morning with Dr. Porter and his PA, Heather at 8:30. Before the Doctor arrived, Heather spent some time with us to review the Jefferson lab results and she was obviously excited for us. Heather said that she just cannot believe these results. Debbie is in remission and there is no evidence of leukemia in her bone marrow. Obviously, this does not mean that we are out of the woods, but it does mean that we can pursue a more standard treatment methodology. This will entail at least one round of consolidation chemotherapy.
Dr. Porter then met with us and he confirmed the lab results. He also indicated that Debbie's cytogenetics are also now normal! This means that the del (6q) issue that we were most concerned about has either vanished or resolved itself. This was the genetic defect that made Debbie's leukemia resistant to treatment. We asked Dr. Porter how this could have happened and he really did not have an answer. Of course, Debbie was explaining to him about all of the FOD prayers, the gloves, the masses, novenas, etc. and that she was now claiming this as her miracle! Whatever the answer, we like it and will take it. This result is not something that any of the scientists predicted, so you be the judge. Thank God for Dr. Carabasi's prudent judgment to check Debbie's marrow one more time. As you know, we got the initial good results as Debbie was getting cleared for an admission by the Jefferson business office.
Debbie is not out of the woods. She will be admitted to HUP on Monday for a six day round of consolidation chemotherapy. This will be a high dose treatment delivered two times a day every other day for six days. Assuming that everything goes well, Debbie will be discharged on Saturday afternoon and she will do her recovery at home. This is little scary to us because Debbie's counts will go down while she is at home rather than in the protective environs of the hospital. If she spikes a fever or has a complication, we will have to go back down to HUP immediately.
We will have further details as next week progresses. This is the greatest news we could have hoped for. We are grateful to all of your prayers and help throughout this ordeal. We believe that now we are really on Debbies journey 2 recovery!
Deb sends her love to all.
posted by Joe @ 7:23 PM
34 Comments:
Well this is GREAT news!!! We're all cheering for you over here at the Booth house!
Love Bob and Lorraine
With God all things are possible!
Matthew 19:26
Deb and Joe--Miracles do happen, and I'm so glad they've happened for you . . .actually, this miracle is for all of us. Know you are loved.
Cathy
This is just awesome news DEb!!Amazing to say the least.. so, so happy for all of you.. now you need to concentrate on getting through the next round,, staying away from germs ,then by then, emma should be here!!!
Wondering if kris saw more turkeys today??? Take care Deb, and Joe, thanks again for letting us all know..love ya,,mdf
I am not believe this amazing news! This is so exciting! You will still be in my prayers tomorrow since we have Ash Wednesday mass at school. It seems to be helping!...I LOVE YOU DEBBIE!
Dear Deb and Joe:
Oh I,m so happy for you guys.
We all needed some cheering up.
God love you Debbie you hang in there. I'll keep praying and am thankful for the good news.
BIG HUGS
Your Aunt Angie
Debbie and Joe:
You have certainly made a believer out of me. I'm just amazed and thrilled that all of this was discovered before they really put you through the mill.
Remission...WOW! Now that has a wonderful ring to it!
Got your card and pictures today. They are great! YIPPEE!
I am just so HAPPY for you and your family. I can't even imagine what Joe must be thinking. Cosmos on the beach for you Debbie.
Mere tells me that she had a typo on her blog she didn't catch...her apologies.
Brendan's reaction to the news...SWEEEEEET!
Colin is in bed so I will have to share that with him in the morning. We woke Dave but we will likely have to remind him in the morning. I called Aunt Angie and told her to get on.
Take care and rest up for the next phase. Will talk to you soon.
Love, Hugs and Prayers....Cuz Eileen
WOW! WOW! WOW!
Haven't blogged recently 'cause I've been speechless and just in awe of this great news. Still get all choked up and teary when I think about it or tell someone about your miracle. And I've been telling people! God is awesome! You guys are too. it's just amazing how you've held up so well for so long. May God continue to bless you through this final round of chemo.
Hey, if a weekend with Mr. C. made you this healthy, imagine how great you're gonna feel after Miss Emma arrives! What timing.
Will keep the Menno-prayers coming. Hang tough through one more round. Love and hugs, Mussie
Hey Joe & Deb! I've been watching all this with tremendous delight and thanking God for His mercy! (I also noted that you made your last posting, Joe, at 7:23 p.m., the exact date of the big miracle that changed my life forever - 7/23.) I guess God sends new leases on life in a lot of different ways. Hope you enjoy yours as much I'm enjoying mine!!! Love you both with all my heart - Susie
Good Morning Deb:
Shared the blog this morniing with the sleepy heads Dave and Colin they were thrilled....I am doing the happy dance around the kitchen right now!
Love...Cousin Eileen :)
Debby & Joe,
This is another great posting, & we couldn't be happier with its content. It's almost unbelievable to see the vast distance you've journeyed on your way to a recovery in so short a period of time. Rick couldn't have aaid it better when he commented "it's almost chilling" hearing that the delinquent 6q vanished. We obviously share Deb's view point about the reason for her being in remission, since the medical types at HUP are speechless. Chemo may do a lot of things but it is not known to correct abnormalities in chromosones. Halleuja!! Our thoughts & prayers continue to be with you daily, Love, Mom & Dad
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)It's a great life if you don't weaken! God gave you the strength to persevere. Couldn't be happier for you both. This is truely an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in our human affairs. (A MIRACLE!) Deb please find the time to call Cathy. Friday 3/2 she is off. Love Artie
Well! When Jess called me yesterday and told me the news, I was ABSOLUTELY speechless. I was so happy and just speechless, I actually had goosebumps! I truly believe you have been given a miracle. It seems there is no scientific answer, and at this point, who cares! I still can't express my happiness and gratitude for God and his workings... Can't wait to hear the tales from the FOD party!
Jennifer Kelleher
Absolutely, positively the best news ever!!!! The prayers won't stop. Lent starts today and I'll give thanks for the amazing progress and hope that it continues.
Benefits Mary
Debbie,
I'm so happy for you! Congrats... this must be the best news ever!!!
Meg Noon
So great, Debbie...I happy to tears!
I believe this is God's blessing.
Love, Jen & Andy
Deb:
The wonderful power of prayer and God's goodness! He must have special plans for you!
Carolyn Stuart
Dear Deb,
What can I say other than
"ITS A MIRACLE" Such news is wonderful. God is good.
It was wonderful to speak with you today. I have been giddy all day letting everyone here at ICON know how you are doing. They all have been praying for you.
We will keep the prayers going.
Love and hugs,
Jean
OMG!!! I always knew HE was up there!!! HE must have big plans for you here Deb. I will tell the scores of well wishers at the hosp of this wonderful news!
Luv Jilly
OMG!!! I always knew HE was up there!!! HE must have big plans for you here Deb. I will tell the scores of well wishers at the hosp of this wonderful news!
Luv Jilly
Hey Debbie:
Again...so good to talk to you yesterday. It always makes me feel better. Funny, you making me feel better.
I love your "friend" Eileen C. She is a great. Not to mention that she has a great name. She mentioned Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary...isn't that funny that was my grade school and the church that Dave and I were married in in Lexington...almost 19 years ago...can you believe that Deb!
Called Rosmarie as I wasn't sure if you had spoken to Easton lately. She told me that you had called and that you were having lunch with my cousin Freddy! I am too late to have you say hello to him but next time please do. And as for the cousins being able to see you...I am so jealous! My time will come.
Spoke with Mickey this morning to keep him up to date. He is so busy with his IVF and now chairing the OB department. Besides desk work comes all the fluff of meeting prospective docs and smoozing with policitians and the like. He sounds great and says Bev is very busy with volunteer work and being the first lady of OB. They send hugs as well.
I need to check in with Ricky and make sure he is up to date with the latest. I will do that before week's end. His schedule is so crazy he is hard to catch at home.
The kids had a late start this morning at the high school as they had a sectional bball game in Hannibal about 2 hours away. Mere went on her first unchaperoned road trip with 3 other (way more responsible than me at her age) girls. I was of course a wreck and she was so excited when she got home at 12:30 A.M. Yackity Yack all about the game and the shenanigans of the oppposinhg teams fans. She is such an easy child. Colin opted for time with Dad and Algebra. Another good decision on his part. So the high school postponed thier start time to 9:15 so everyone would have a chance for some sleep. Both girls/boys teams played. Girls lost in double overtime and the boys won by 10 or so. The boys have a good team this year. They think they will be heading to state next weekend. Now that would be a true test of my mommyhood. Mere unfortunately will be attending the state student council convention and in all likelihood will miss the game as it will be in another locale.
We continue to prepare for our brigade trip to Honduras. Got an email today of our locations for the trip. Mickey said earlier he was having a hard time picturing me sleeping on the floor and taking cold showers. He said, "take lots of pictures"...That I will. We will be in the mountains and it sounds very picturesque. This time we are coordinating our trip with Sr. Teresita and another priest who sound like they have found some very poor places (within a very poor country...how much poorer can you can than poor) Guess that remains to be seen.
Take care and I will have to add some saints to my prayer list now that I have seen all the work that Eileen C. has been putting in on your behalf. When does she find time to do all that she is doing? Thankfully it is working.
Better get in the shower. Today is weigh in day at Weight Watchers. Wish me luck! Leenie
Great news! You exemplify all things are possible with your commitment and stand for life. We will continue to send you good vibes and prayers!
Love,
Tim Lisbon and family
Joe and Deb,
This is absolutely GREAT GREAT news! It's a miracle and one that you both deserve!! I'm so happy for all of you. And, just to be sure, we'll keep the prayers and positive vibes going daily to help you through this round of chemo. Stay strong and get your rest.
Love,
Jeanne
I usually end up having tears in my eyes when I read the blog from Joe and all the FOD comments - today I still have the tears but they are happy tears for once!!!! Just when I wonder if there is a God and does he hear our requests, something so wonderful happens it just restores my faith in Him. Deb - we are just so ecstatic about your good news. Hopefully it will give you strength as you tackle the consolidation chemo at that torture chamber, HUP!!!
Gotta have Faith and Hope, right? Love to you both! Can't wait to read the next installment.
Paul and Barb
Once again my sweet ..God bless you and us all.. He is with us always ,waiting to bestow his special love when asked..He has given you the greatest of gifts..a true miracle witnessed by all,how completely wonderful..you of all people deserve this blessed gift..He will keep you strong in the coming weeks ,and you WILL survive and prevail...God bless!! ...on a lighter note I don't think I'm strong enough for an outing ...I'll have to watch the Oscars at home..but if it gets to crazy I'll just have to call and scream every so often...at least we have next year to look forward to...maybe at Ocean City like the olden days!:)Bev
Once again my sweet ..God bless you and us all.. He is with us always ,waiting to bestow his special love when asked..He has given you the greatest of gifts..a true miracle witnessed by all,how completely wonderful..you of all people deserve this blessed gift..He will keep you strong in the coming weeks ,and you WILL survive and prevail...God bless!! ...on a lighter note I don't think I'm strong enough for an outing ...I'll have to watch the Oscars at home..but if it gets to crazy I'll just have to call and scream every so often...at least we have next year to look forward to...maybe at Ocean City like the olden days!:)Bev
Hi Deb...it had been several days since I had read the BLOG...and what WONDERFUL news we find here! Continued prayers and much, much love. Suzanne and Patti
Mrs. Teklits,
Your probably watching the Oscars right now, hopefully drinking some Cosmos!!! I wish I could be there enjoying with you !!.... Thank you for having me again this weekend.. it is always such a pleasure!!! --AND it was so nice to get to meet Mr Teklits mom and dad and your family from Easton. I know you will be strong this week and I hope it goes very fast for you!!! Saturday is around the corner and you will be back in your own home. Then baby Emma will be born soo soon too!!! I will see you soon!!!!!!! And i will be praying alot !!
LOVE YOU ALWAYS
<3 alli
Dear Deb,
I have been thinking of you all day. Wanted to send my prayers your way for a quick and uneventful week at HUP. Upon opening the blog I went to the last entry and saw that Miss Emma has come into the world. What wonderful news.
Jessie, Walid and Mr. C. CONGRATULATIONs. This is great news. Can not wait to meet this wonderful little girl of yours.
Well all take care and God Bless.
Prayers and Hugs.
Jean
The power of prayer! This is such wonderful news. We'll continue to pray but we'll add prayers of thanks, too. We love you, Debbie!
Rob and Kay Gould
Great news - This is truly a miracle - you will still be in our prayers during the week of chemo and your recovery period. God, keep up the good work. We are all so happy for you. Love shelly and gary geib
Hey Deb and Joe:
Deb you were right on the phone with Jessie when I was there this past weekend. You told her she was in labor and should head to the hospital. Once again, mother knows best!
Is this not just great that you got to run down to DC before heading back to HUP! Another miracle comes your way.
You'll have to tell Michael that Brendan found that Rock Star drink here in our grocery. Of course I bought it. Not sure how often I will buy it as it's an expensive little "pixie stix". Good thing Michael may be employed. Wonder if he could get Rock Star as a benefit. HAHAHA
Mom wished she would have gone on mine and Bee's adventure this past weekend but she would have preferred a longer stay. I told her we would be going in the next few months again.
I continue to think about you all and am so glad I got to see that you are "all right".
Safe return from DC and we'll be checking on you until we head out on the 16th.
Take care,
Love to all....Cousin Eileen
PS Tell Joe, Brendan has been talking about their weekend together. Next time the championship of the Milky Way?
PSS Hope Joeys' hand is feeling better, especially since he had to bowl with it. It was also nice meeting Alli!
It was very nice to meet you too Eileen& Brendan!!!! Hope your trip home was good...
<3
Alli
Debbie,
Well I heard you had an eventful night during the Oscars... and by eventful I don't mean CRASH winning over Brokeback, I mean EMMA! Congrats Jessie, I'm so happy for you guys!!! Debbie stay tough throughtout your next round at Penn... you're still in my prayers. I hope you're having a great time in DC, too.
xoxo Meg Noon
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