The good folks at Vancouver Children’s Hospital have a guest WIFI internet hotspot, but I can only see web pages and cant get e-mail (for the techy people all extra ports are blocked so I can’t even see webmail – I can however get e-mail on my blackberry). So now that we know what my connection environment is like, i’ll proceed with an update.
We made it into the hospital last night after some bad results from a blood test in the morning. We got here around 8:00PM and found an almost empty emergency room. We were seen right away, but it was a bit of hurry-up-and-wait. We had a few check-ins with triage types and then were sent to a small treatment room to await an actual doctor.
The first doctor was a resident and gave us a bit of a roller-coaster emotional ride. He told us that the blood work test came back positive for mono-nucleosis and going through the list of symptoms, said that all of them could be explained by mono, but were a-typical. I really felt strongly to stay even keel and that we weren’t done yet, so I opted out of the roller coaster.
They took a bunch more blood to redo the tests and do a few more. After a fair bit more waiting, the hematology / oncology doctor came in and discussed the results of the tests and the results were the opposite. He was quite sure that they were leukemia blast cells and that the mono was probably a false positive. In the end further tests confirmed this.
A few numbers:
- A normal person has a white-cell count between 5000 – 10000. Angelica is 18500. Adult leukemia (different than in children) presents upwards of 50000.
- Angelica had a low red-cell count yesterday morning (don’t know how low) and it came up to 85 last night. It was down at 55 this morning, but the doctors are not worried about that at all.
- The biggest concern is platelets. A normal person has a platelet count around 125. Angelica was at 9 last night. She has received a platelet transfusion overnight that has brought that number up to 40, but they need it to be above 50 to do a marrow biopsy. (Platelets are responsible for starting the clotting process and not having them means that when you bleed, it wont stop.)
Angelica is doing really well. We had a good talk on the way in to the hospital about what to expect and what it means to have faith and what leukemia is and the fact that doctors speak about the facts and statistics and that we can focus on those or we can focus on what God says the outcome will be. She does tend to process internally and so I am keeping an eye on that, but I honestly believe that she has no fear. She’s an amazing girl.
Also of note, Patti is about to give birth to #5. This is significant in that there are some treatments for some types of leukemia that involve stem-cells from a new-born umbilical cord and placenta. We had been planning on having the baby in langley, but Women’s hospital is next door and the maternity ward connects the two hospitals, so patti is talking to our midwife about that right now.
Patti I live near by so if you need anything please let me know. I’m keeping you and your family in my thought!
Oh my word!! Just stopped by to see if the baby was here – and read about Angelica. Our prayers are with you all … xo
I am keeping your family in my prayers, I believe God works in mysterious ways and has his hand on this and in your lives. I am praying for healing and calm.
DearJon,Patti,Jelli and all the family”Peace I leave with you,My peace I give unto you;not as the world gives,give I unto you LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED NEITHER LET IT BE AFRAID.Jn.14:27 We love you Jelli and are praying God’s Word over you. Much love Grandpa and Grandma Rathjen
It’s great to hear that her attitude is so positive. I think that emotional well-being can play a huge part in recovery times and receptiveness to treatments. Naturally we will be praying for a complete healing and God’s intervention. Stay strong you guys. You are a great family, great people and you will pull through this.
Praying for everyone!
Just checking in to see what the midwife had to say! We love you and are praying for you! You guys will get through this!
Hey, read about this all last night!! What a whirlwind…know that you are in our prayers and Gods report is always bigger then the docs:-)
We lift you up with our love and prayers. Alanna sent these verses this morning on her way to the airport in Texas(her whole team had joined in prayer for Anjelica)
Psalm 41:3 “The Lord will strengthen (her)on (her)bed of illness;You will sustain(her) on (her)sickbed.” Psalm 121:3 “He will not allow your foot to be moved;He who keeps you will not slumber” Praise God that He ALWAYS shows Himself to be faithful. xo
got email from your Mom-in and read all the updates, this all a freak show from the devil, and you guys are all going to come out smiling, winners everyone. Praying for you all, Paul
Jon, thanks for the update. May God continue to give you peace in the midst of the storm. Luv ya, M
Sending you all my love and prayers for strength, peace, and healing at this time.
Love you all lots Aunty Judy
My prayers are with you and your family. God is with you and will give you strength. God is amazing, he is great. Everything will work out. Try to get some rest.
You are in our prayers. God is incredible and though it has been said by everyone, none of this takes him by surprise. He is Faithful, He is loving, He is victorious, He is your Peace. Patti and Jonathan, though you are being stretched and challenged it is absolutely amazing how much strength God gives in our hardest times. Precious gems from the fire.
Arms of love around you all. Special hugs and kisses to Angelica, how God adores you and cherishes your love and your beautiful spirit. He knows all you are thinking and what you are facing and he has already been there before you even started the journey. Love aunty Jo
Hello Culley family,
We (the worship community) prayed for Geli and you last night. You are in our hearts, prayers and thoughts. Phil. 1:6 – He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. Geli he’s not done with you yet!!!!
Praying for Geli and all of you!!
I will certainly lift Angelica to our Lord for His mercy and expect a miraculous healing. As our Jesus loves the little children, I feel Angelica is seated on His lap and our Lord is gently stroking her hair with His healing touch. I will also continue to pray for protection and peace for your entirely family. The battle is on sister and, as Jonathan preached, when we take authority in His name, the enemy is trying to question it but ultimately WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS BY THE POWER OF OUR LORD. Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit says the Lord. This mountain will be removed. So be it.
Love and blessings.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything you need, let us know. We are only a heartbeat away. Love you all
We’re praying for you guys too. You have a great support team and I agree 100% with your grandparents… they are VERY wise people!!
Ron saw the picture on the post and wondered why Patti was in the hospital bed??? Seems your beautiful daughter looks just like you Patti!