One of Dr. Jordan's partners came to us just after lunch with very few answers. He told us that while there might be a chance of chemo starting tonight, it was much more likely to have answers tomorrow and that chemo would start then. So much for Monday. Still, we held out hope for this evening, but to no avail. I'm not going to complain, because I know how important it is that they're 100% sure of what it is before starting her therapy (sounds better without the chemo). It would be horrible if they started giving her a harsh drug, only to find out they were giving her the wrong one. It would be like putting in an expired catheter. . .only worse.
The worst part about the doctor's visit was when we asked him how much contact Courtney would be able to have with the kids once the therapy has begun. (It seems like we should have these kind of answers by now.) Well, he basically said "none" until her WBC's are well enough for her to go home, "which will be at least three weeks." Then he adds, "And your hair will fall out." Just in case the first part wouldn't make her cry. He and Dr. Adams must be part of the same Blunt Force club. Neither seem like putting things gently.
So, we brought the kids in for one last visit. They're taking everything so well. Fortunately, they don't have the best concept of time. But still, they seem to know that this is where she needs to be in order for her to get back to being herself, so they're OK with it. Like I said before, prayers are definitely being answered.
I have to share this, because it's so Courtney. The first couple of nights here, we had frequent visits in the middle of the night to check Courtney's vitals. (They're not as frequent anymore because she's been so consistently well). Anyway, almost everytime, Courtney groggily (even after being woken up at 3:00 AM) says 'Hi' with a slight but genuine smile and sincerely asks the nurse, "Have you had a good night?" I keep telling her that they legally can't give her more drugs just because she's extra nice, but she's usually out cold before I finish my sentence.
One more thing, a friend of ours who moved to Florida last year posted a nice message on this blog. I feel bad for admitting it, but I didn't know who it was - it only said Katy. Sorry, Ryan and Katy, I haven't forgetten you all. Anyway, I clicked on her name to see if it would have more information to help me figure out who it was. Well, it took me to her own blog site at which I was surprised to find an awesome message she wrote about Courtney. It's so sweet and so true that I have to share it. Katy, I hope you don't mind me directing people to your blog. Here's the link - http://thedillspiel.blogspot.com/2007/09/meet-courtney.html Thank you.
18 comments:
Katy's blog was a beautiful and accurate description of Courtney..
and those pictures of Courtney and the girls are priceless. Hoping and praying for ya'll to get those results soon! <3
Courtney and Todd,
I’m sorry to hear it was such a long day, but I’m impressed with your great attitude. Keep it up and the next 3 weeks will fly by. And Courtney, the upside of losing your hair, is now you’ll get to see what color it really is. That’s pretty exciting, right?! Seriously though, stay strong and positive, and this too will pass.
Love you both!
- Molly
Hi you two, Courtney ever since I met you I knew that you were a very special person. The more I read, the more I realize that everyone else knows it too. Glad to see that your room is more cheerful. Sorry to hear that you won't be able to see the kids for awhile. At least you know that they are well taken care of. You guys have raised them to be secure and happy, so they will be OK.
Courtney and Todd,
That is very frustrating news. I'm glad to see that you can find the humor in what must be a very difficult time. Courtney, we keep praying for you morning and night.
By the way, Todd, you are doing a great job on the blog. It is very inspiring. Chrissy and I read it everyday. If you could just get the headlines to scroll across the bottom of the screen a la Sports Center, I think you would have the perfect blog.
It's fun getting to "know" Courtney. We really could be friends if we meet face to face. I love her description in Katy's blog. We all need a friend like Courtney and she DOES deserve a miracle. I am praying for that! And thanking God that children don't have a concept of time. I know it's hard on her, but so thankful there is treatment. Praying for that miracle...
Julie in VA
Again, thank you for the updates, We agree with Dave if it could scroll across my screen it may keep me from checking every 2 minutes :). We love ya'll and just remember to keep your heads up. You are doing such a great job at keeping others informed, providing great care for your children and just being there for each other, ya'll are truly amazing and inspiring to others. Court as for your hair... no worries, I have enough for about 3 people, how would you like a thick brown curly wig... may not look quite the same but it's a new style you could try! Love ya'll so much!!! Hope to see you soon! -Ash & David
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
P.S. I put this also on the comments by Courtney's letter - wanted to be sure that you would see it. :)
A wonderful story of hope:
A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet.
She poured the change out on the floor and count ed it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes.
Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.
She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!
"And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages," he said without waiting for a reply to his question.
"Well, I want to talk to you about my brother," Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. "He's really, really sick...and I want to buy a miracle."
"I beg your pardon?" said the pharmacist.
"His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?"
"We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you," the pharmacist said, softening a little.
"Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs."
The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, "What kind of a miracle does your brother need?"
" I don't know," Tess replied with her eyes welling up.! I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money."
"How much do you have?" asked the man from Chicago .
"One dollar and eleven cents," Tess answered barely audibly.
"And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to."
"Well, what a coincidence," smiled the man. "A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a miracle for little brothers. "
He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said "Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need."
That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well.
Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.
"That surgery," her Mom whispered. "was a real miracle. I wonder! how much it would have cost?"
Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost...one dollar and eleven cents....plus the faith of a little child.
In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need.
A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law. I know you'll keep the ball moving!
Here it goes. Throw it back to someone who means something to you!
A ball is a circle, no beginning, no end. It keeps us together like our Circle of Friends and Family. But the treasure inside for you to see is the treasure of friendship you've granted to me.
Today I pass the friendship ball to you.
MY OATH TO YOU...
When you are sad.....I will dry your tears.
When you are scared.....I will comfort your fears.
When you are worried.....I will give you hope.
When you are confused.....I will help you cope.
And when you are lost....And can't see the light, I shall be your beacon.....Shining ever so bright.
This is my oath.....I pledge till the end.
Why you may ask?.....Because you're my friend.
Signed: GOD
Hey guys, it is good to see that you are keeping your spirits up and your sense of humor alive. I know you won't let this get you down.
I miss you and will hopefully see you all soon!
Love,
Alissa
ok, katy's blog was SO wonderful! i am crying because that is SOOO courtney! she does so much for EVERYONE! hope you get good results very soon! we are praying for you!
amy is right, katy said it perfectly. she is an amazing person. and i am so glad i know her! give her hugs from me and chris and my kiddos, courtney, mitchell, alena bree, and jackie!
Courtney, Todd and All,
Please know that our thoughts and our prayers are with you that Our Lord will hold you in the palm of His hand as you proceed along the pathway and return to health in the days ahead.
May the therapies be certain and swift, and may your recovery period be short ending with your safe return to a normal life again.
May all the family be reminded that "they also serve who only stand and wait".
Uncle Maury
May God bless you and comfort you in this time of wondering and hoping. A prayer of peace is being said to blanket you in the love of our Savior.
Todd--We love you and your family. Courtney is blessed to have you at her side. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ryan Dill
This is the first time I've ever blogged and I can't think of a better person to blog about!
I'm Chris. Courtney's brother. I got to spend some time with her last weekend in the hospital. It amazes me everytime I am around Corky how incredible her spirit is - and how even though she is going through such a difficult time - her spirit is as strong as ever.
It makes me feel really good to read how much everyone else loves her. Thank you all for sharing - it really helps me to know how many lives she touches and her sisters, sister-in-law and brother in law aren't the only ones who know how special she is.
Corky - I love you so much and am praying for you and your family. We will see you in 10 days.
Love,
Chris
Katy's blog brought tears to my eyes. She put into words wonderfully how we all see Courtney. Keep your spirits high and remember that there are a lot of us praying for you and your family.
Always in my prayers,
Amie Howard
Courtney- Every time I think about you, my heart aches. I am so sorry about your hair. I know it will be a hard time WITHOUT blunt (male) doctors making it worse. I personally think they are being too strict about not seeing your kids, but that's just me. I can't imagine having to go three weeks without them. I hope you are doing well. I pray for you every night in hopes that the Karma you have sent to my family is paid back to you ten fold. You are beautiful. Todd- you are a great husband. Your love for your wife is touching. I hope the docs give you answers soon.
I am Kay Nelson's sister and just wanted to let you know that I am praying for your family right along with Kay. I feel like I know Artie and her family since Kay is so close to all of you. You both are blessed with a beautiful family of your own and have the great fortune of being "raised" by parents into caring and loving people. God Bless You All. Nina
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