Hello to all…
This update has been on my to-do list all summer..and now with 4 weeks left of summer, I’m doing it!
And now, because I need to go to Home Depot and switch cars with Dave…this will be a very brief update!
To date, I have completed 5 high doses of chemotherapy, 17 rounds of radiation to my brain and spine, & 2 doses of high dose chemptherapy directly into my spine. I now get weekly labs to be sure my blood counts are holding steady while I’m not in treatment. The plan, as many of you know, is another Stem Cell Transplant..also known as a Bone Marrow Transplant. I had one in 2008 using my own stem cells. That put me in remission for 3 yrs exactly..so now we are doing a donor transplant. Which means, Moffitt searches the national bone marrow database for a ‘match’ for me. We did find 3 potential adult donors, but all 9/10 matches. So, believe it or not, I also had CORD BLOOD donors match!! That’s the blood that is collected at the time of a babys birth and banked. 2 cord blood matches=enough for me!!! And that’s what we have! So now, I will be undergoing a Cord Blood Transplant..which is slightly different than an adult donor. More on that later. But, talk about being ‘born again’..those cells haven’t been exposed to air for more than 30 secs!
Sam is heading into 6th grade at the end of the month! Big, bad middle schooler..and has been invited to play on a new baseball team..the New Tampa Predators. They play and practice much closer to home then Forest Hills..so its been a good move for all. He’s very excited for that, practices hard, plays hard and is focused.
Dave is still plugging away at the Depot, working long & hard hours to support our family…and pay medical bills!!
Love to you all…I’ll be writing more later tonite!
Leigh
Leigh,
What an amazing woman you are and a TRUE HERO to all of us!! You have incredible courage, strength, and faith that many of us wish we could have.
We continue to pray daily for you and your family. Hope we can visit soon!
God’s blessing to you,
Saby and David
A very special love message goes out to my other hero, Lori for your true love, dedication and unselfish giving of yourself for Leigh. The family truly appreciates all you do in your 24/7 care for Leigh. You are the best!
Love you very much Lori, Dad
If lifes journey is measured by the number of “true” friends you have, Leigh you are my winner. In reading all the well wishes and prayers posted by her friends and family on Facebook, words and sincerity show Leigh is truly loved by all for her return friendship, her tenacity and always positive attitude regardless of her condition. I truly thank all of you for your well wishes to my brave daughter Leigh. She is my hero. Happy Birthday honey and the many more to come. Love, Dad
Sent from my iPad
Leigh, I’m praying for you girl and hope all goes well. I’m working in the lab today and would like to stop up but I don’t know if you can have visitors. I had Nicole put me on the list at Clark to donate blood so you’ll be getting some good dutch blood. Let me know if I can stop up. Thanks Kathy
Keep working hard, girly!!!! I love you!!!
Hi Leigh!
Greetings from Buffalo! So happy to hear that the matches for the transplant have gone smoothly–that is a great beginning for you. We think about you often and pray for you continually. It was so good to see you and your family even though the circumstances were not ideal to say the least. I will continue to check your site to keep updated on the success of your treatment. You are one of the strongest persons I have ever met and your strength, confidence, enormous courage and faith will see you through. And of course the many, many people who are pulling for you.
Our best to you and hello to all of your family there.
Big Hug
Marlene&Mark
Hey Leigh,
Have missed you at the Moffitt in the SCU. Now I know where you have been. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for a successful transplant on 9/7. You are one tough lady and I know in my heart you will come through this a winner. Hang in there and know there are a lot of people praying and rooting for you.
Karla (SCU)
I love the optimistic update Leigh! Especially the news about the chord blood! Stay strong my love, and don’t forget to depend on the healing power within! Much love, b
Hey Leigh!!!
I just wanted to let you know I’m thinking about you and praying for you!!! Your strength is amazing. I’m so excited to hear about your potential cord blood donors, awesome!! We had the cord blood saved from both of our children and hearing your story just reassures me that we absolutely 100% made the right decision!
Stay strong, keep up with your updates, and just know that there are A LOT of people pulling for you!!!!!!!!!!
Best to you,
Kelsey (Ingmire) McCormick (high school flashback, LOL!)