Saturday 2 June 2012



Dear family and friends,
We heard back from the hospital.
When she relapsed in February, it was 80% cancer blasts in her bone marrow.  After the first round, it was 3.5%.  After the second round, it was 1.5%.  Ideally they hoped that the third round would take her to 0.001% or below. She did not quite make it there, but she did drop to 0.6% and her doctors still feel optimistic going ahead with transplant. 
They can't do another round of chemo at this point.  In the few days leading up to the transplant, she'll get 4 days of radiation and extremely high doses of chemotherapy she hasn't seen yet.  The hope is that it will destroy any cancer left in her marrow.
They are hoping to start things ASAP.  Originally, they were going to spend next week testing and admit Millie to the hospital on the 11th.  They're now going to start ASAP.  We'll probably be admitted mid to late next week.  They have already ordered the chord blood and are beginning preparations.
The fact that her cord blood is not a perfect match increases the chances that she'll have graft versus host disease, which could cause serious complications.  However, some graft versus host can be good as the new bone marrow can attack the cancer left in her body.  We're hoping that if she has graft versus host that it will kill any cancer left, but that it won't cause too much long term damage.
We're trying to stay positive about this, but the reality is, it isn't the news we were hoping for.  At the end of the day, what we have to remember, is that despite what the odds may be, she's not a statistic, she's an individual and a fighter.  We're going to do everything we can to beat this and pray for a miracle.
Thanks for all of your love and support,
Brady, Amanda, Millie, and Austin

Graft-versus-host disease


Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a complication that can occur after a stem cell or bone marrow transplant in which the newly transplanted material attacks the transplant recipient's body.

14 comments:

Andrea said...

We will definately be praying for you all and especially Millie. I pray God will provide a miracle, one well deserved for all the suffering your family has endured! And I must say your family pictures are amazing! You're all just natural beauty if that's you not ready! But of course that's because your families beauty is deeper than many will ever attain! God be with you all!

Andrea and Gracie (tabnews.blogspot.com)

Shawna Wilson said...

Millie is one of a kind, and brings hope to so many! Your story has and will continue to bless more lives than you know. Stay strong mama... You can do hard things.
Xoxoxoxoxo

Missy said...

Oh my. Your family is in my thoughts daily and we are praying for your strength and that everything goes as planned.

J and T said...

We believe in miracles, and we'll be praying for Millie and your family. Love to all of you, Jeff and Tara

lindsay Roscoe said...

We love you all! Lots of prayers!

Anonymous said...

Sending prayers and strength your way. Lisa.

Grandma Honey said...

We are praying for sweet Millie.

Ali said...

We fasted for Millie and your family today. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers, especially as she begins this next trying phase. She is an inspiration to me and my family.I hope with my whole heart that all goes well for her this week.

Connie K. R. said...

Sending pure love and prayers to Millie and her family (including Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Jeff). My daughter Ruby, friend of Carly, is a leukemia survivor. Take care of each other, hold each other close and depend on the power of miracles. Ruby had a major miracle during her treatment and I believe with all my soul they exist. Ruby is a junior in college and pure sweetness. I hope she gives you belief in a cure. May you be comforted and given all the love and support you need. Our hearts and prayers are with you and sweet Millie. Connie Roller

julietcs said...

Thanks for sharing your sweet daughters Princess song! She is a beautiful little girl with such a fighting spirit. We pray for you and little Millie (we have a Millie-Amelia too who is our granddaughter).
We pray that you will get your miracle! I am Juliet Chlarson Smedley, Jeff's cousin. We are currently in Cambodia where my husband is serving as Mission President. We return the 1st of July and will continue to pray for you!

Anonymous said...

My daughter Shannon who is two years post transplant had a cord blood transplant. It scared me to death! She is a fighter too. She did get graft vs host but just mildly. All kids are different but be prepared for the total body radiation. It really took it out of Shannon. She was running around that morning and then after the radiation she was in bed...for the rest of the week! Your Millie will probably be the sickest you have seen her starting radiation and until sometime after she engrafts. I will pray always for you and your family. Just know, we are an example of how well things can go. Keep a positive attitude and never lose HOPE!

Vickie Johnson

Youngins said...

I love how you said "she's not a statistic, she's an individual and a fighter" and so is your whole family! I'm staying positive for you all and praying for a miracle. That video of her singing and dancing is sooo darling! What a brave courageous little thing!
XOXO

Koobedoo222 said...

what a good singer!!!

Anonymous said...

I don't know who your daughter is and who your family is but I saw this story on KSL and saw this cute video of your little girl and I wish you all the best and she is inspiring. God Bless