She's still with us.

[JerseyJanice]

The infection in my niece's colon does not now appear to be the type they thought would take her quickly.

She is still in very critical condition, but because of her colon infection not being as bad as they first thought, they have decided to try a stem cell transplant. It will happen on Tuesday afternoon.

They have been giving her a mild dose of chemotherapy in preparation, and she is tolerating it so far. My nephew (her brother) is the stem cell donor. He is now taking shots of something called Nupagen (sp?) to boost his white blood cell count.

I have to tell you--when I left the hospital Friday night, I was absolutely certain that I would never see her alive again. I have never, ever seen anybody as sick as she was on Friday.

She was very much at death's door in May 1994. Friday, she looked far worse than then. It is unreal just how horrible her condition on Friday was. I still can't believe what I saw.

On Saturday, I thought she was a bit improved--she definitely looked a little better. Her vital signs were the same, so the doctor didn't agree she was better, yet...yesterday, she seemed a little more improved.

So we have no idea how or why, but she's fighting to stay alive.

The doctor is hoping that the stem cell transplant will boost her white blood cell count enough to fight off the infections that have plagued her for a month now. Whether it will be effective against the disease she has, we will see.

Her odds of surviving any real length of time are very slim; recovering from what has happened to her mind and body in the past month is going to be very tough. Looking at her now, it doesn't seem possible.

Yet, she might be with us for her birthday next week after all.

 

[Serena]

She's constantly in my prayers Janice.

 

[eeyore kelly]

I am praying for her, and I am glad to hear the news. More prayers on the way.

 

[Regina]

What a wonderful surprise to find encouraging news.

She's a very courageous young lady. I'll be praying that your family is given a miracle.

 

[Pooh67_68]

 

[jacksonsmom]

Prayers being sent that the stem cells help her

 

[transparant]

She is in my prayers.

 

[tiggerlover]

I am just so sorry to hear how bad your niece has gotten. More prayers are on the way for this young lady that a miracle can happen for her. {{HUGS}}

 

[WishingStar]

Prayers for your family and the little one.

 

[Jeanny]

still praying Janice

 

[Pop Daddy]

hey

 

[browneyes]

I'm still hoping she'll find a miracle soon. She has remained in my prayers.

 

[SandraM]

I can't even begin to imagine how high your stress levels must be at this stage, it must be so difficult. I hope and pray your niece is with you all for your birthday, and even more so I hope a miracle cure happens for her.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Encouraging, Janice. Continued prayers, good wishes. Do hope she repsonds. Marie took Nupagen during her cancer chemo, 5 days of injections following each bout of chemo. Her blood cells responded greatly and the docs said that med was a big factor in the overall treatment. Do hope, pray it works likewise for her.

 

[vald1977]

Sending even more prayers her way . Thanks for keeping us updated.

 

[coliebird]

My prayers are with your niece, you and your entire family

 

[bsnyder]

Janice, I am praying constantly. Please keep us updated, when you can!

 

[Buckalew11]

Janice, Lori is on my prayer list. I can't believe that e is fighting like she is!! Wow! What a fighter! I hope her body accepts the treatment and a miracle happens for her and your family. One thing for sure, she certaninly isn't giving up w/o a fight!! Prayers for all of you. I can imagine the mental pain your family is enduring in all this--a true roller coaster ride of emotion. Hugs!

 

[Keli]

I'm glad to hear of your neice's improvement. She continues to be in my prayers.

 

[tidoublegger]

I'll say a prayer for her...