Day at the beach by Noel.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Playing Catch up

Trying to play catch up from the last time I blogged. Friday I went to Santa Barbara and had a typical marrow biopsy and I had chemo through a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), but no regular chemo through my port. Everything went as planned, but I had a very low hemoglobin. Normal level is from eleven to sixteen, and I was at six. Saturday was pretty tough, and my parents were going to take me to the hospital to get a blood transfusion due to my low hemoglobin. Although it turned out I was having withdraws from being taken off one of my medications and the chemo. So low hemoglobin, chemo and being taken off a medication led to a crummy day. Sunday was better though. Even though I only got an hour of sleep Saturday night, I was feeling much better and normal again. My family and I spent the whole day outside by and in the pool barbecuing and relaxing. Monday, I stayed outside all day. I swam with my little sister then took a nap by the pool then finished the day off by wading around in the pool. Tuesday I received news from Friday. My MRD test, which is the test to detect the number of leukemic cells in my marrow , came back negative! Also, my usual blood testing was done, and my platelet count was at 277 and my hemoglobin was at eight! My grandparents came over to visit and after my dad and I swam. He got me to really swim just like before, so I did about ten laps in my pool. I am feeling it in my legs today, but it was so worth it. Today was a great day, my boyfriend and two friends came over and hung out with me. Soon I am going to sit down and write thank you letters to everyone who has helped and supported my family and I through all of this, for example Stephanie Thorndyke made my family and I a bunch of delicious food today and so did Carol Testerman last week. Not to mention everyone involved in fundraising efforts and even reading my blogs. Your support and love helps me more than you know.

16 comments:

  1. Noel,
    No thank yous needed. It is our pleasure to help in anyway we can. It seems so little what we do compared to what you and your family are going through. We only wish we could do more. So happy you had a great day today. I hear you were looking pretty cute! :) More enchiladas coming your way. I'll be sure to put your name on them so nobody else eats them! Love you, Carol

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  2. It sounds like you had a wonderful day today!! I am so glad you all had so much fun!!! You should sleep like a baby!! That is so exciting about your news... You sounded so good on the phone, I loved hearing your voice.. You are so amazing.. I love you!! Megan

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  3. That's great that your MDR test came back negative! PTL! Morgan had to have many spinals as well. But that's the way they protect your CNS so that's a good thing. We continue to pray for you and have mentioned your name to others who pray for kids (young ladies on your part) who have cancer. I know of 3 teenagers in the last 90 days who have been diagnosed with Leukemia. We are praying for them fervently especially in the start of treatment while they are in this new bubble of life. It does get easier. I never thought life would be normal again. I can today it SOOOO is. It will be for you too! Keep the Faith! Keep Up the Fight!

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  4. Noelle, reading your blog, you are an exceptional person. It is truly a pleasure to say I know you. You keep up the good fight like you already are. Your attitude, strong will and faith will get you through all of this and you will come out so much stronger. It sounds like you already have. There are lots of people thinking good thoughts for you. You rock!! I send you virtual hugs!! Sra. Fuller

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  5. Yippee.... Yippee.... yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fantastic week for a fantastic girl!!! My entire heart is smiling!! So many blessing to be grateful for!!! Love you so much.... Grandma Diana

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  6. So glad to hear that you had good news this week. I was waiting for your update and hoping it would be good news. You are so good at enjoying the good days. Times like these it is amazing how the simpleness of feeling better than the day before is such a gift. I hope that your week continues to go good and that you got good sleep from your great day.
    Always thinking of you, Tracey

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  7. Noel,
    Stay strong kid like I know you can (: . I cant wait to see you and your smiling face. From what I read it sounds like you are doing really well. I'm glad to hear all the good news this week. I check for updates every week. I miss you noel very much and I can't wait to see you <3
    Love always,
    Hailie Conrad

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  8. Noel,
    I just started to read your blog and I have to say you are an inspiration.... I am so happy to hear about your good news this week and that you've been able to enjoy life's "simple" beauties like a summer day in the pool and hanging out with friends and family. The Hufstetlers are cheering for you all the way Noey!!! You are truly an amazing individual and we are so lucky to have gotten to know you.. we have such fond memories of you playing with the "Wolves" team - Ooowwww! .. not only are you an incredible young woman but you're an amazing athlete as well!! We love you and send hugs and prayers to you and your family.
    Love,
    The Hufstetler Family... Rob, Michelle, Jessie & Cheyenne :)

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  9. Noel,
    Congratulations on your Great test results!
    Your aunt Nancy & I couldn't be happier for you!
    Love,
    Uncle Shawn

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  10. glad to hear from you i've been wondering how you were doing. dont hesitate to call or anything at any time- im here for you <3 miss you

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  11. Noey,
    Today was only my first day of school and reading your blog eases some of my unnecessary stress. Glad to hear that everything is working in our favor. I still keep you in my prayers everyday, and I'm sure I already told you but I cannot say it enough..I'm so thrilled that I was able to hang out with you, and spend time with you this summer! It's been long overdue. My apartment is coming along pretty cute so far, but could for sure use some Noel-esque;) I'm definitely going to try and make it to the September event, so I will hopefully see you then. Oh and I'll to print all of the pictures we took and send them to you! Whenever you're up to talking or texting you have my number:) I love you!!
    XOXO your cousin,
    Ali-Cat

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  12. We love you so much Noey!!

    Alison and Debi XOXOXOXO

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  13. Hi Noel,

    I'm Laura's sister Alicia. I've never met you before but I know your mom. I just want to tell you that you are an extraordinary girl and I'm praying for you and your family. I know the Lord will get you through this. :)

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  15. Noel, We continue to pray for you daily! You are such an inspiring young lady. Continue to stay strong with your faith in the lord <3

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  16. We think of you often and were so happy to read your updated blog. Glad you are feeling better. I read your updates to my co-workers whenever you post. They are constantly amazed about how strong you are, your faith and your ability to enjoy the small things in life. They are always asking me "how old is she again?" As one of them stated--you are a wise old soul in a kids body.

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