Done with Radiation!!!!

I thought I would try to be a good girl today and try to sit down and update some of my favorite people on my little battle going on right now. Once again I would like to apologize for slacking so much on this blog. Kenzie truly spoiled me when she was updating this blog. She is fabulous and extremely busy right now, and I know that it is truly my responsibility to be writing about myself.  So I am trying right now and I’m feeling very scatter-brained….so bear with me. 
So the month of August came and flew by. I have no idea where it went. It is crazy to think that summer is almost gone. I have now been fighting Leukemia for 4 months and it already seems like a lifetime, but yet not…..It’s crazy. Joe has been so strong and my true foundation through everything these past couple of months and I am so impressed with this man that I married. He is remarkable and loving and so so so so good to me!! He once again never left my side at the hospital this last month. I jinxed myself last month; unfortunately…….in August I had my last official stays in the hospital. I pretty much ran out of those hospital doors and swore that I would not be back there again, unless I desperately needed to….fever or sickness of some kind…….but of course….my body decided to catch an infection in my central line. So I ended back up in the hospital for some intense 10 days. They had to remove my central line from my chest, and I ended up developing a severe case of thrush which brought on a severe case of pneumonia, which almost put me into the ICU. I don’t remember much of this because I was pretty out of it for the first little while. Sorry visitors……I would just pass out while they were speaking to me. But I eventually pulled through and got so antsy to get out of there. I have a really hard time being cooped-up in those little rooms, but I had my wonderful husband by my side. School just happened to start that week too so Joe was running to school, work, and staying with me at the hospital, sleeping on the uncomfortable pull-out bed. He’s a saint, that boy.
Well I eventually got out over Labor Day weekend and I was able to go up to Brighton with my cute family and relax and un-wind. I think we all enjoyed it and it was so nice to spend some wonderful time out in Heavenly Father’s beautiful nature. We went for little walks and got to see a huge 800 pound moose right up close. He was beautiful! He had the biggest antlers that I had ever seen. I would have been a goner if he’d charged, but he was content to watch us as we were to watch him.
I started my radiation therapy that following week, after Labor Day. I did a series of 8 sessions of brain radiation. They fit me for a mask that fits perfectly around my head. It hooks up to a flatbed and prevents me from moving a single inch as the lasers pass around my head. The process takes a whole 5 minutes to do the treatments, so that has been great. I wasn’t too nervous for these treatments because I heard that it is painless, but it would really drain the energy from me. That I have felt. My brain is definitely a bit slower and I am really enjoying a lot more naps these days. But I am okay with that. As I’ve been doing radiation, I’ve also had to get multiple lumbar punctures (spinal taps), so those have made me the most anxious. I was pretty sick with my first one, last Tuesday. I was throwing up all day, pretty much. They hit me hard that first day. I had a radiation treatment, spinal tap, where they injected 3 different types of chemo into my spine, and then as I re-cooped after the spinal tap, they gave me 2 more types of chemo through my new pick-line. So I was done by the time I came home. But the rest of the week went pretty smoothly. I had another spinal taps that Friday but I came to realize if I was really good with my nausea medication I didn’t get as sick.
So now I’m done with radiation!!!! Also with spinal taps for 18 weeks!!!! Merry early Christmas to me.  This week I sort of have “off” so I have had a chance to relax and have a semi normal week. I got to go visit my cute kids I taught at Heartland Elementary and see all my fun teachers. Thanks again Erin for wearing your surgeon mask to make me feel less silly with my huge mask! You’re the best!
I love you all! And I promise to be better at this. I will try to write weekly. Love, Britney Jill

Last Days in Consolidation 1-C. Yahoo!!!!!

Hey everyone!!
It's Britney here. I'm just hanging out at the hospital for a couple of days. This stay is the last of the "official" stays in the hospital. That has made it a whole lot easier for me. I'll officially be a out-patient!! Yahoo!! That makes me soooo happy. As nice as the care is here at LDS hospital, it's always just a little bit nicer to be at home and to sleep in your own bed. I missed that last night....but I had my loving and supportive husband with me. He slept right beside me in the good ol' lazy-boy again. He slept in that chair the whole month I was first admitted to the hospital. He only missed one night only because he was trying to move us into his parents' house and it was 11:30 at night and I made him stay home. :) I love him soooo much!
So I just wanted to today a little of my treatment plan that I am going through so you can understand the title to this blog entry. :) My first month stay in the hospital was titled Induction. Which was to induce me into remission. Once I was officially in remission i started the consolidation 1 phase of my treatment. This phase is split into three sections,each section being three weeks long. Consolidation 1-A, 1-B and 1-C. This Monday I just started consolidation 1-C. I'm receiving high doses of a specific chemotherapy drug and are also introducing me into a new chemo so they want to keep an eye on me and see how I do. So far I have done great with each new chemo drug so we are crossing our fingers that history will repeat its self. I will continue this new drug for a few more days after I am out of the hospital tomorrow. :) After this phase I get a nice little break for 2 weeks and then start the Central Nervous System Radiation Phase. I go in every day for CNS radiation for 2 weeks. Eight sessions of cooking my brain! :) Also during these 2 weeks I'll have to have 4 spinal taps... sooooo they say i will be very tired and run down. But at least I won't be nausea and it will give me an excuse to take some good naps! :)
In October I will start Consolidation 2 Phase which lasts for 36 weeks. It will consist of more chemotherapy but no more hospital stays!!! I'll get to do more chemo at home and a once a week visit to the Clinic here at LDS hospital. I should react well to this because I will be given the same chemos Ive had these late few months. Following Consolidation 2 I will be in the Maintenance Phase of my treatment. This will be the longest and final phase which is about a year long, and it will finish out my two year treatment. :)
I have been so blessed with good health for what circumstances I've been given. I know so many of our prayers have been answered, as well as all the prayers that continue to be offered for us. We love you all so much and are so grateful for everyone that has supported us through these last few months. Thank you soooo much!!! I will try to keep this updated more often, sometimes its hard for me to sit down and write. Thank you again Kenzie for all your wonderful work on this blog, I love you! Love Britney.

Day wayyyyy to many

Britney is sooooo amazing. Every single day this week she has gone up to LDS hospital for chemotherapy. It takes about an hour and a half each time. (Depending on which nurse she gets) She is such a trooper and we are so proud of her. I went with her on Friday, and it just amazes me how well she is doing. The nurses will ask her what side effects she feels, and her response is usually “oh, nothing, I’m fine”. I do not want to take away form the “seriousness” of what she is going through, because it is not easy, but she is just amazing. She says all the time how grateful she is that she is doing so well.
She has a small “break” from chemo this weekend, but she gets hit hard again next week. I will do my best to keep you posted.
Everything takes her a lot longer to do which is fine, just a side effect. Her muscles ache, and she can get tires very quick. Its funny, because sometimes I just forget and will just start walking, and I turn around and she is still getting out of the car…. No big deal of course, just saying…
As of now, she takes about 15 pills a day. Sometimes it will be more, sometimes less. She rarely complains and I admire her for that.
Love ya Brit.

July 28

Britney came home today after an overnight stay in the hospital. More chemo was injected into her via spinal tap. She says she was glad it was only one day; it is getting harder to go each time because she said she knows what she is getting herself into each time.
Regardless she is still being brave and getting rid of these bad news bears.
Love ya Brit.

Donations

First of all I want to thank everyone for everything that has been done. A lot of money has been raised and Britney appreciates it. The 5k was amazing and Brit wants to say thanks for donating. For future reference, please just give any more donations directly to Britney and Joe, or directly to the America first credit union (Britney Mcpherron Graham).

Update

If anyone is interested, we have some left over wrist bands from the 5k that was this weekend. If you would like one call Shaelynn at 801 599 3607. She is selling them for $3 dollars each. Also I have about 7 t shirts left that are being sold for $25, so if you are interested in those call me, Kenzie, at 801 597 1404. They are a cute light blue with a logo on them about Brit.

As for Britney, she continues to fight and is doing well. As far as I know nothing else has changed. Her levels continue to rise, and she is such an amazing fighter. I love her so much and Brit I am so proud of everything you do. You are so strong. Everyday I am so thankful to know you.
Lots of love, Kenzie

Home Sweet Home

Britney is back home……For now. She was there 5 LOOOOOOng days. The day she got there the IV’s were started. IT started with a spinal tap, where she had chemotherapy injected into her spine. The next day she went thru a “24 hour chemo”. This is where for literally 24 hours the poison is dripped thru her. The other days are spent recovering with a few other meds. As soon as Dr’s can tell its out of her system, she can go home. Brit said she has never been more thankful when she had to go potty. She and the toilet meet about every 20 minutes. How annoying.
Anyway, she is home and feeling better. She said the visit was VERY boring and she hated it. I do not blame her.
Remember those numbers I talked about weeks ago about her platelets? Well, I have good news… She has her own now, and they are at 240,000… This is great. (They were I think around 9,000 when admitted, maybe 13,000 Its one of the 2….) Anyway, so this is the update I have for now. Thanks to everyone who still reads this…. Keep Britney in your prayers!!

Day I dont know

Brit is back in the hospital this week. Treatment is back on. Chemotherapy started yesterday and she has to wait till it is out of her system to be released. They are hoping for either Saturday or Sunday. Yesterday she had a hard day with nausea and pain, but today she is feeling well. Keep her in your prayers, and I will keep you updated.
Thank you to everyone for all your love and support for Britney. She loves it!!!

Brit's 5 K

We are running July 18th at 8:30 am for the benefit of Britney McPherron Graham who was diagnosed with Leukemia in May of 2009. The race proceeds will go directly to her and her behalf. Registration will be from 7:00am to 8:00am. You can register the day of the race. The cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children and will include a gift for running. We will also have a silent auction of some great items. Come ready no matter what athletic level you may be!!! You can also make a personal donation for Britney in her account at America First Credit Union. Her account name is Britney McPherron Graham. The run will all be paved and be located along the Jordan River Trail and extend into Parkway Palisades neighborhood then back to the park pavilion!

Day 45

Hi Everyone!!! This is Britney Jill Graham. Sorry it has been so long since this wonderful blog has been updated. I just want to say that I am sooooo grateful for Kenzie and Melanie for keeping everyone updated and for doing so much for me!! You two are absolutely incredible and the bestest friends EVER!!! I love you guys!!
I also want to thank everyone else for all of your love and support and PRAYERS!!!! Thank you soooo much for your concern and for following Joe’s and my journey with leukemia. And I am glad to tell everyone that as of June 19, 2009, I was officially told that I was in REMISSION!!! Based on a bone marrow biopsy, I have less than 1% of leukemia left in my bone marrow!!! Which is awesome and a miracle! To be officially pronounced in remission you have to have less than 5% of leukemia in your bone marrow. So I passed!! YAHOO!! So I am in remission, which means they have control of my leukemia and they are going to make sure it doesn’t come back. So here is the start of a looonnngggg two years.
But there has been a little hick-up in my treatment as of right now…..As Kenzie had mentioned, once I was pronounced “in remission” I was to be immediately placed back into the hospital where I would be treated with some more wonderful chemo for 3-7 days. Well, I haven’t been admitted to the hospital yet. Unfortunately, due to a previous chemo, and 2 other forms of medication, my liver is inflamed. The liver is a helpful filter and I really need it to be strong to filter out my chemos, but it has been damaged. The doctors are trying everything they can to reverse it. Because of my inflamed liver, I have come down with an icky case of jaundice. My skin is a pretty yellow and so are my eyes. It’s also made me super thirsty and made me retain water….especially in my poor little feeties.
As of today, my jaundice is improving and my eyes are getting lighter. I’m still really thirsty, but my swelling is going down too. I’m keeping my feet up and trying to take it easy. Also, a small blessing from all of this is that because of my liver and not being hospitalized yet, I get to go camping with my family up at the Snake River in Wyoming. It’ll just be from Friday night to Sunday afternoon. A short and sweet little trip. I’m excited to go be in the fresh air and I’m excited that my honey gets to run the river that he loves. He and Joe’s family have been running the Snake River every year since Joe can remember, so he is so excited to go. As am I!!! I get to go on the river too, but just on the kiddie run. But I am ok with that. It will feel so good to be out in Heavenly Father’s beautiful nature and float lazily down a river.
I’ll continue to keep you all updated. Please keep following our blog and thank you again for all of your many prayers. They are working miracles!! I love you all soooo very much and don’t be strangers. Keep up the prayers! Have a wonderful weekend!!

Day 33.... I think

Today’s entry is going to be short. At 8 this morning, Britney is going in for her bone marrow biopsy and spinal tap. At the end of the week when the results come back, she has to be admitted for up to a week. They told her 3-7 days depending on the results. Brit isn’t looking forward to this, and is very anxious. Please keep her in our thoughts today as she is going through it. Be thankful it isn’t you. xoxoxo Kenzie

Garage sale success

Today was an amazing day at the garage sale. To be honest it was a much better turn out than I had anticipated. It is truly rejuvenating to see how many people love, care, and support our sweet Britney. The bake sale in my opinion was the best; there were so many cookies, cakes, cupcakes, lemon squares, bread. Yummy. Toward the end, like the last hour I would say, we started “liquidating” all the items. We just tried to get rid of as much as possible. It was awesome.
We did have quite a bit left over, but we took it to D.I, and also saved some of it for another garage sale in the future. Somebody in Brits ward donated a fishing boat, and we sold it for full price. We had talked about maybe lowering the price in order to get rid of it, but everyone was so giving, and we sold it for what we wanted.
This one particular woman stopped by after going to the post office. She said that she just saw the signs for it. She shopped for quite a while, and we gave her some good deals. As we were “closing the deal”, if you will, I mentioned that all the proceeds were going to my best friend who had recently been diagnosed with leukemia. She immediately said that she felt so bad for her. She sent her love to Brit and wished her well.
Well, about an hour or so later, the same woman showed back up and donated an additional $20 dollars because she felt so bad for getting such a good deal. I just thought it was so kind that she would do that. I love how giving people are. Jill (Britney’s mom) said that as she left (the woman who got the “good deal”), she got into her car and was crying. I keep getting teary eyed even thinking about this woman. I just have so much love for her that she would even think to come back and donate more. It was so nice, and I felt so bad that she felt bad.
Anyway, Brit came for a while and was able to see everyone that was there. We were able to get some fun pictures of her and her cousins. ….. Welcome Meg who flew in from Hawaii this morning…. I love you! The weather could not have been much better. It sprinkled for a few minutes, but it felt so nice. It was seriously perfect. We had a huge car port type thing, so most everything stayed dry while it sprinkled.
Britney was so thankful to everyone that helped. Her and Joe stayed for a while and visited. It is sad because she looked very tired. I think it is just because she is home now, and wants to do all sorts of things. Truth is, she has been in pretty much one room for weeks, and has not been use to doing so much for a while. The past few days have probably just been a little much for her. Nonetheless, she is still amazing. She felt nauseated today, which is never fun but she is keeping that beautiful smile on her face.
Well, this is quite the long post, so enjoy some pictures from our day. Thanks again to everyone who came.I have so much love for everyone today, especially my mom and sisters for helping, and making so many cute things.I truly love you all so much,and I am so forever thankful for you.
We love you Brit!

Garage Sale and Update

Brit’s garage sale

Tomorrow if it is raining, the garage sale will be moved. Not sure to when at this point, but Ill let everyone know. As for now, the rain is supposed to hold off until the afternoon. I am crossing my fingers for that.

Thank you to everyone who has been calling and offering to donate. It truly means a lot. Just a reminder, please have your items to the house at 6:30 so I can be set up and be as organized as possible.

We are hoping for a success.

Thanks again for everyone’s love and support for Brit and Joe!

Shout out to Rach: We are so happy your baby Mason is here (aka ZU ZU). He is adorable.

As far as Britney is concerned, she is still doing well. She had an appointment today with her doctors. They took her blood, and gave her some good results. Everything continues to rise. Keep on fighting Brit. We love you!

Day Twenty Eight

Day 28

I don’t know too much about what is going on today. I do know that Brit is home. She saw true blue sunlight for the first time in 28 days. I cannot imagine that. She is very sleepy. As soon as she got home, she and Joe went on a walk. Right when she got home from the walk, she went to bed. That is all I know for today.

We love you Brit, and we will all continue praying for your quick recovery.

For all of you wondering about Saturday, most weather reports are showing a morning with no rain, then showers in the afternoon. I am not sure on this of course, because every channel says something different. We will play it by ear. I am trying to reserve a different spot so it can still happen regardless, but I do not know if it is allowed. I will keep you all updated. Just keep checking in here on the blog. Call me with any questions. 8015971404

Thanks again, Kenzie

Day Twenty-Six

Day 26
GREAT DAY FOR BRITS LEVELS.
WBC need to be at 500 to leave the hospital. Yesterday they were at 100, and today they were at 400!!! YAHOO
Platelets today were at 127,000, need to be 150,000
This is sooooooo great and the doctors are pleased. Tomorrow we will know more for sure if she can go home Wednesday.
The 16th is planned for spinal tap and bone biopsy. Most likely it will be an out patient procedure so she will be able to go home that day and recover on her own The goal for that day will be that there will be less than 5% leukemia cells in her marrow. At that point, we will know if Britney is officially in remission.
If Britney is in remission, the phase will be 9 weeks. Once every 3 weeks she will have some over night visits. Maybe 3 nights, maybe 7. It just totally depends.
Brit has had quite a few questions. For example with her mask, she wonders how much she will really have to wear it. Her doctor told her to use her own judgment. If she goes out to dinner, then maybe go at a time when she knows it won’t be too busy. Ask for a table that is not really around people. If she goes on a walk, she will have to wear it if its windy. If she goes to a baseball game of Treven’s (her little brother) then just sit in the bleachers and again, give herself some space. Basically like I said, it will just be using her own judgment.
Brit wonders if she can drive. “Chemo-brain” is common, and Brit compares it to “brain farts”. We all know the feeling. Almost like a sugar rush. The doctor said again, just to use her judgment; she needs to let people know where she is going and stuff like that.
She has had a sore mouth the past few days. She has asked a few nurses how long it is supposed to be like that, and no one will really give her an answer. The doctor answered her finally and she just said most people suffer quite a bit. Britney has avoided the actual “mouth sores”, which is such a blessing. Nonetheless, it is still very sore, and very dry. She has been diligent with her mouthwashes and brushing. Her doctor was confident that she would heal quickly from that just as if she has with pretty much everything else. Joe also gave her a blessing today to help her with that, so she is happy that Heavenly Father is helping as well.
Well, that’s all I really have for today. Oh, wait….. The wig guy is coming in tomorrow for her to try on a few different styles, so she is really looking forward to that.
TTFN, Kenzie

Day Twenty-five

Day 25

It seems crazy, absolutely crazy that it is day 25. Britney continues to conquer. We are all hoping and praying for an early release, which if all goes well, will be this Wednesday.
Once Brit is home, she is not exactly able to work. Her immune system is still very much compromised. She will be too weak, at least for now. ANY time she goes outside, she must wear the mask. The mask is hot and stuffy. The mask prevents Brit from catching any bugs, or virus’s. IT gives me a new understanding of other people wearing masks. I had always kind of thought that people were weird and paranoid that would walk around with masks on. I now understand that she is protecting herself from us. We cannot get anything from “The mask wearers”
I will explain more once I understand about the treatment that she still has to endure. Radiation still has not come, and it is tentatively scheduled for August. Every day she has to do oral chemotherapy for the full 2 years. To Brit this means more than most of us will ever understand. But to me, it means that for at least 2 years, Britney isn’t quite healthy, and her hair will be gone for that long at least.
Luckily, we all know a very strong willed woman. We all know that Britney’s smile cannot be affected by this trial. She is pressing forward with faith and a big, bright smile on her face.
I love you Brit, and I can’t wait to be with you, out of that hospital. (Even tough we have already had some good times in there)
xoxoxo

Day Twenty Four

Saturday June 13th!!!
Everyone mark it on your calendar.
We are doing a garage sale for a special cause!

We are going to be selling Britsky’s bumbles, which are watches in her “color”. $15
There is going to be a bake sale where you can get yummy treats… Prices vary
Haircuts: aka going “Bald for Brit” $10
And of course the garage sale.

Where: 10095 South Redwood Road (Right across the street form the South Jordan Post Office)
When: Saturday, June 13th
Time: 7am-12:00pm
Please come and tell your friends, family and neighbors

If you have anything that you want to donate, please call me (Kenzie) at 801-597-1404
I am asking that you have your things there at 6:30 so we can set it up.

If all goes well this week, Britney is hopefully going to be able to come home and continue treatment from home.

Love, Kenzie

Day twenty-three

Day 23

Brit is a fighter!!! All her levels have gone up all by themselves. Platelets, RBC, and WBC. This is awesome. Platelets are around 96,000, (admitted at 12,000). RBC, and WBC are staying stable. Right now we don’t really want to see them rising because they are wanting to make sure chemo is working. (Chemo kills good and bad remember)

She is feeling great and her energy is good today. She has had days where all she wants to do is sleep. Her immune system is still very much compromised. It will continue to be this way for about 2 years. She found out today that she has to wear the “mask” for about 2 years after she is released in public. I suggest drawing a joker smile on it… He he he.

Keep up the good work Brit!! I love you!

Day Twenty-One

Today was a hard day.
Britney needed a spinal tap done. A spinal tap is basically where they inject chemotherapy into your spinal fluid. At they same time, they also withdraw other spinal fluid to test it to see how much cancer was in there. Normally, this procedure should take about 10 minutes, but for some reason or another it took them around 45 minutes. And let me also mention it is painful.
They also tell you, once the procedure is done, that you shouldn't move for a few hours because it will hurt and give you excruciating headaches. So basically, she had to stay in one position, or be in horrible pain AND have a migraine on top of it.
As they were wheeling her back to her room, she was just in so much pain. She couldn't move. She was crying. Joe was having a hard time too just watching her. I can't even imagine what that must be like. So Britney had Joe give her a priesthood blessing. After the blessing, she fell asleep and was able to sleep for a few hours and wake up feeling better.
This has been a hard week for Britney and unfortunately, it is only the beginning of a long hard road. She really needs our love and support at this time so to end this post, I thought we might end on a more positive note for Brit.
At the hospital, almost all the walls on the eighth floor are covered in white paper and you can write whatever you want on them. You can draw pictures or tell jokes or write inspiring words on them. I think it helps to have those fun words and memories for the patients to see every day. I think it helps lift them up and give them hope.
So in honor of the wall and to continue the fun for those that can't make it to the hospital, I want everyone to post a comment to Britney about memory or inside joke or anything you want to tell her to make her feel better. You could tell about the first time you met her, a funny memory you had together, or just reasons you love and care for her. I will not post mine here, as I will put it in the comment section. Hopefully we can put a smile on that beautiful face!
We love you Brit and Remember to Just Keep Swimming!
pictures were taken by Celeste Grover from Studio C Photography about a week before she shaved her head. I think they fit pretty well into this post about Hope! I love you Britney! ~Mel

Day Twenty

Day 20

I cannot believe it is day 20. As you all can tell, Brits hair is gone. I have never seen anyone look so good! I was a little nervous to be honest to see Brit for the first time, just because I didn’t really know what to expect. It was as normal as can be. I am not sure why I was expecting anything else, I was just nervous I guess. Anyway, she pulls it off well. I am truly not that surprised, she can pull off a lot of different looks.

Down to business: I haven’t talked to Brit much today, but the only update I really have is kind of stupid according to her. The doctors told her that her last labs showed too many lipids in her blood (this is normal).
When she was admitted, she was instantly on a “low-microbial” diet. You can go to(http://www.ucsfhealth.org/childrens/medical_services/cancer/bmt/diet.html) to learn more about that…
SOOOOO…. Now she is on not only the low microbial diet, but now, this just in, a low fat diet. How LAME. I guess it will be good, but it really puts a damper on the situation. It was irritating not being able to eat fresh fruits/vegetables/anything cold, but now low fat…. “You gotta roll with the punches” Brit. I have been singing that song all day.

Clearly, a low fat diet is good for anyone, not just cancer patients. BUT, when you are confined to a room for weeks and weeks, food is something that you look forward to. Its gotta be a big bummer when it gets taken away from you. I guess my advice would be just go extreme. Make it worth it.

I love you Brit, and so do sooooo many others. Keep your chin up. I seriously think you are so dang cute with your hair that way. Just embrace it, and show it off!!!

xoxoxo