Send personal messages to Courtney at:

courtneylflynn@gmail.com

Courtney

Courtney
taken 8/4/07

Courtney and her kids

Courtney and her kids
taken 8/4/07

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Courtney's Letter

Unable to verbally tell her friends what was going on, Courtney sent the following letter to her friends on Wednesday:

I wanted to let you know what is currently going on with my health. I went in for a routine wellness visit two weeks ago. My CBC came back with abnormal results. The results from the second CBC returned with further abnormalities. A third CBC showed yet more abnormalities. I know Laura will understand the results. I have an extremely high WBC (63+) with atypical lymphocytes, low and abnormally large red blood cells and low platelets. I have an appointment Friday morning to have a bone marrow biopsy. The possible diagnosis is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). I know…. I can't bear to bring my self to say it out loud. It seems utterly ridiculous. I went in for a wellness exam. I wasn't feeling ill. Just the yearly exam. Then on Monday my doctor called with results from the second CBC test and told me she thought it might be CLL. I had already called her office and scheduled an appointment because I had a sore throat and thought I might have strep. I am in complete shock. I have been running a low to moderate fever since Sunday and feeling over all yucky. A possible result of the high WBCs. I keep hoping that the abnormal blood results are simply a fluke; anemia and a possible viral infection. But the CBC results and the opinion of the doctor at the Arlington Cancer Center is that I need the bone marrow biopsy done. I am not sure what all this will mean until I have the results from the biopsy (probably Tuesday or Wednesday). It totally sucks (for the lack of a better word) not knowing for sure and having to wait.

So even with out all the crazy Leukemia scare, I am not feeling well. I am sorry to let you all know in this lame e-mail. Right now, I have a hard time just talking about it. I continue to go back and forth between laughing because it sounds so crazy and tears because it has totally freaked me out. I am hoping that I will feel well enough to be at Church on Sunday. Obviously, I won't make it to tonight's meeting or be meeting with the parents for planning pack meeting on Thursday. Laura, would you help push the pack meeting planning along? Get the parents and leaders to organize the meeting. Here is an outline for the meeting.

This is the worst e-mail I have ever sent in my entire life! Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Courtney

Thursday was a long day. All we could do was wait and pray.

4 comments:

Caryl Ann said...

Courtney,

I understand your disbelief. One year later for me and I still can't say to friends I had a cancer removed... It's an indescribable feeling. We're lifting you up today at Preschool. You were our only prayer today with our teachers and your healing is what we prayed. Mrs. Karen voiced that when 2 or more are gathered the prayer is strengthened. We'll be doing all that we are called to do. We love you... Mrs. Caryl Ann

Caryl Ann said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sarah Hetherington said...

Hi Courtney,

My daughter is a kindergartener in Mrs. Thaut's class. I heard about your situation through a lady at the school. I don't personally know your family, but I thoroughly understand what you and your family are going through. My grandmother battled CLL for 15 years, finally passing 11 years ago. As a mother of a 5 year old and a 3 month old, I can only imagine how much stress and strain this is putting on you, not only physically, but emotionally. I know you're strong enough to beat it though... I can tell that just by looking at your picture and seeing the vitality and youth that lies within your eyes. Your husband's blog about your fight is incredible...I couldn't stop reading it - you're a very lucky lady to have someone who loves you so much fighting along side you. Anyway, I don't know if our daughters are in the same class or not, but I just wanted you to know that I'm here if you need me. I know that sounds crazy coming from someone that you don't know personally, but I can't help but feeling like God made me aware of your you, your family, and your illness for a reason - and that I'm being called to help, even if it's just for moral support. My cell # is 214-687-7701, which is the easiest way to reach me. You take care of yourself and know that God will watch over your children and your family - just concentrate on getting yourself rested and well - he'll do the rest. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Wishing you the very speediest of recoveries,

Sarah Hetherington

Anonymous said...

My sweetest friend, please know that even though we are miles apart, you are still close to my heart and you and your family are in my prayers. I'm grateful to your brother Chris for making me aware of this site and to Todd for keeping it updated. I place your care in the hands of a kind and merciful Father in Heaven. I love you dearly.

 

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