Thursday, April 24, 2008

Cancer Sucks!

Saturday night I got a terrible phone call from a friend who had heard that our mutual friend's little boy (5 years old) was at Primary Children's Hospital and had just been diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL). Lame. You immediately ask - why? How does a healthy little guy get this? But, we asked the same thing with Kenyon. It is so dumb! But, how grateful we are that there is such medicine and treatment out there that will get Jake and Kenyon into remission (eventually). It is going to be a yucky road for Jake and his parents but the prognosis is so good. And our friends are amazing people who are tough and can be strong through it all. You can check their blog for updates on their son. (Jake's mom is my friend that always takes our family pictures and she is incredible).


Yesterday Kenyon and I finally went to Huntsman Cancer Institute. We hadn't been there because when he was admitted to the hospital (St. Marks) we just took the dr. that was on call. He is a good, qualified doctor but more of a general oncologist rather than specialized in leukemia.


Hooray for Huntsman!
We had heard lots of great things and I finally tracked down a doctor that had more specialities in blood cancers/disease. He was great. It was a LONG appointment, though. Kenyon got there at 8 am and didn't get out of there until 2:30. I stayed with him until 11 when the kids were all needing me back at home.


Dr. Shami told us things we hadn't ever been told and he was very thorough. He took Kenyon into a bone marrow biopsy and should have results for us next week when we go back (that is much faster than our previous doctor). It wasn't all good news but he seems to have a plan and on top of what needs to be done. So we are switiching over to Huntsman.


I was talking to a friend the other day - are we just getting older or are more and more people we know having these health trials? I think it is a combination but it is pretty crazy how often we hear about people we know who are struggling with health issues.

9 comments:

Courtney said...

You are troopers. I can't stand being at the doctor for an hour let alone all day. But I must say that finding a doctor that hears you and is thorough makes all the difference. I wish you the very best. Keep us posted.

Liz Morrey Romrell said...

I hate cancer. Cancer sucks. It is so unfair that we have to lose people to it. Why????!!!!!!!

Anon said...

Annie, I agree cancer does suck. You guys are such great examples and I am so sorry that your family has to go through this.

Amy Morley said...

Hi. This is my first time leaving a comment on your awesome blog. I love to get on here and read. I also am sorry you have to deal with cancer. You and your cute family are so strong and I know you will be blessed for the amazing people you are! I truly cherish our friendship and feel so blessed to have moved into this neighborhood and to have met you!
Love - Amy

hOLLIANN said...

Blame it on Provo! That is what we do! We are always thinking of you, but in the mean time you should get Kenyon a super present, and include some of those paper underpants!

You guys are awesome! And Annie - I am always inspired by you!

Allman Roca said...

I am glad you decided to do what was best to for dealing with the cancer.
Trials in life are so rough. I know out of anyone out there you guys are going to pull through and be an inspiration to so many people while doing it! Thanks for all you do! We love you both.

H C M said...

Elder Maxwell referred to such experiences as advanced courses, continuing education, graduate programs. There is much to learn--including, but not limited to, God's tender mercies and power, the goodness of people who show love, and the reminder of what is important in life. Keep a little journal and you'll see. Meanwhile, we pray for you, and admire the way you carry on!

Janna said...

You are a strong family and this will only make you stronger. It is too bad that we have to be tested in such ways. But you will definitely be stronger as you look back and see what you have learned. Cherish your time, enjoy your time, and know that all of the pain and worry will be gone in the next life, we will all be made whole again!

Angie said...

You're right, cancer sucks. But modern medicine is definitely incredible. My mom is with an extension of Huntsman in Provo and they have been soooo great. And i just have to say for Kenyon and his bone marrow biopsy - OUCH! My mom told me about hers and I don't think anyone should ever have to do that! Kenyon, you're a trooper. Well we love your family and we've always got you in our prayers!