Kate was officially diagnosed with a rare genetic type of bone marrow failure yesterday (congenital amegakaryocyctic thrombocytopenia) and we were informed that she needs to have a complete bone marrow transplant ASAP.
We obviously knew we were facing hematology issues but, I really didn't think she would be on the "worst case" end of the bone marrow failure spectrum.
We don't know a lot right now other than her diagnosis. I am waiting on the transplant team to give us a call so we can discuss details and such. Kate is being typed this week so that she can be listed on the national registry as soon as possible.
She will undergo chemo but it will not be started until a donor has been identified. We also don't know how intensive her chemo regimen will be.
We've got tons of appointments and tests while we sit and wait for a donor - an MRI, eye tests (this syndrome has some impacts on vision), another bone marrow biopsy, and more blood draws that I want to think about.
We are asking for any and all thoughts and prayers for Kate - and for Alex and I as we deal with this. Add Kate to a prayer list, mention her in your Bible study, please get the word out that my sweet girl needs to be covered in prayer right now.
While we are questioning why this is our cross to bear, we realize we are blessed. We have an amazing support system, we have a good outlook for Kate's future, and more importantly we serve a mighty God that will help us get through this.
We are also thankful to be 15 minutes away from the top pediatric bone marrow transplant center in the country. God knew what he was doing when He moved us to Houston 5 years ago.
Kate is a fighter ? she proved that a long time ago ? she will win, I just hate that she has to fight?
I will keep everyone posted as we learn more.
Re: T&Ps needed - A Kate Update
Because we're fancy like that.
Prayers to you and your family and especially sweet little Kate. I'm glad you are in the right place for treatment. My husband and I are both on the national bone marrow donor registry, they had a thing at our church a few years ago, hopefully you can get everyone you know to get on the registry.
I pray that Kate finds a donor match soon and this nightmare goes faster and easier than expected.
TTC #2 with PCOS since September 2009
BFP, Femara 7.5mg, Ovidrel, IUI. Beta #1 17dpIUI -495 Beta #2 19dpIUI-1031
Lovebugs2012
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LO #2 - 1 m/c, 2 BFNs, 4th IUI worked (unmedicated/self-monitored with new donor sperm).
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I just can't understand why things like this happen to such wonderful people. SOmetimes life is truly unfair. I know that you are one of the strongest people that I "Know" and as one of my friends just told me..that god never gives you more then you can handel and I truly believe this.
I truly hope they are able to find a donor match soon. Is there anyway that some of us on the bump can find out what blood types we are and see if we could be pontential matches?
You and your family are in my thoughts..
We will absolutely keep Kate, you, your husband and your family in our thoughts and prayers. I will add you to our prayer list at church as well.
TTC #2 since June '08
~*DD 10.21.07*~
dx unexplained
IUI #1-4 BFN
IVF#1 June 2011 BFN
IVF#2 Dec 2011
Beta#1 12/21 : 812 Beta#2 12/23 : 1634
EDD 8/25
*PAIFW/SAIFW*
LCB - I am so sorry to hear about Kate.
I check in every now and then and have tried to follow up on her. You are so right that it's so hard to watch your baby suffer. Our good friend's little girl has fought a brain tumor these last 1 1/2 years and it is just heartbreaking to watch little ones go through such a hard time. You should know how tough these little gals are though and Kate will fight through and amaze you and others everyday! Stay strong (as much as possible) through all of this. I know that's almost impossible to even say right now though.......
Oh my, hugs to you and your family.
I recently joined the marrow donation registry...I really hope others will as well so that we can find a match for Kate and others just like her out there.
I have tears in my eyes - for your courage and strength, and Kate's. If people want to know if they could be a match how would they do it - register at Be the Match? I am registered but is that enough? I am O+.
I will add you to our prayer lists. You have your marching orders from God now - fight this fight girl, keep hope, let your faith bring you peace and take solace in your quiet moments as a family among this chaos.
Whatever at all we can do, please call on us; allow us the opportunity to help and serve as well.
Sending T&P's your way.
Forever our's October 17th 2012
i will send prayers, and i will join the national bone marrow registry today.
sending all of the hugs and thoughts and prayers that i have. i can't imagine how hard this must be. good for you for having such an amazing attitude.
TTC #1- unexplained...lost left ovary 4/07 IUI #1 2/10/09-BFN IUI #2 3/5/09-BFN IVF # 1-BFP
TTC#2- FET 4/7/11 BFP, Natural mc 5/5/11 IVF#2 ER 9/13/11, ET 9/16/11, Beta #1 9/27/11 BFP 254 Beta #2 9/30/11 793 -Twins!
My thoughts are with you, Alex and Kate!
Please let us know if we can do anything - get tested to see if we match etc.
Wow. Thoughts and prayers coming.
I know you will keep us posted but please let us know how we can help. I am sure there are plenty of us that will be willing to get tested for a match if you have challenges with that.
I am so sorry! While I know there is probably a small amount of comfort finally having an answer, this is definitely not what you wanted to be dealing with. You all will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers.
***Twin fraternal girls born at 35w6d in 12/2008***
Do you know Kate's blood type? My immediate family has some of the more uncommon types (A+/-, B+) and I'm sure I could convince them to get added to the registry if they have her type.
Lots of love and strength to you guys. -hugs-
Lots of prayers for Kate and you and Alex. I hope that you have support around you to get you through this. Hugs!
Married 8.13.2005, M/C 12/8/06- 5 weeks, M/C 2/27/07- 7 weeks, M/C w/ D&C 8/10/09-6.5 weeks *Charles Lawrence born 5/2/08 @ 3:14am, 7lb 8oz, 20.5 inches. Clomid, Crinone and baby aspirin. *Alexandra Claire born 9/14/10 @ 9:52am 6lb 14oz, 20.5 inches. Femara, Crinone and baby aspirin.
5 REs + 3 surgical hysteroscopies for septum/lap + 3 failed IUIs
IVF w/ICSI/AH & acu = BFP!, unexplained spontaneous m/c @ 8w2d (our little girl),
FET w/acu = BFP!, B/G twins!, lost MP @19w, dx w/funneling cervix @20w,
twins nearly lost to IC @21w, saved by rescue cerclage, 17P & 16w of bedrest
Our twins born @36w4d via CS when A came foot first
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