Friday, November 30, 2012

Day +29
School work
First Clinic Appt./Visit

Recap on Clinic visit
  • WBC: 2.66
  • HGB: 9.0
  • Platelet: 68
  • Hold IV fluids due to elevated potassium.
  • Received a dose of GCSF to boost up ANC count


A month to remember!
I will never forget the month of November 2012.
 It was the most difficult yet, most blessed period of my entire life.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Day +28
Sent out blood sample for Chimerism Test
Discharge Day!

WBC: 8.87
HGB: 8.6
Platelet: 51

Getting discharged
Grandma and daddy moving out the first load of our stuffs.
 Viki getting a wagon ride in front of our room.  It has been our 2nd home for last 35 days.
Taking a photo shoot in front of BMT unit. Goodbye BMT house.

Thank the Lord, we were ABLE to check out and move in to the transitional house today.

Now we are turning the second chapter of our journey,  I feel excited and nervous at the same time. I will pray harder that the Chimerism Test will confirm all rising cells are 100% of donor's and that Victoria will stay strong throughout her recovery.  I tell myself, one day at a time, one day at a time!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Day +27
Off GCSF(Neupogen)
School work

WBC: 17.61
HGB: 9.0
Platelet: 50

Busy with packing since we are discharging tomorrow.
Please keep fingers crossed for us to be able to discharge as planned and for Viki's counts.
Thanks in advance and have a good evening!!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Day +26

WBC: 10.41
HGB: 8.6
Platelet: 54

A Hug U Wear
 Our social worker, Ms. Cindy popped in to our room with a surprise package.
It was a wig from CLF(Childhood Leukemia Foundation). CLF provides FREE programs and services to help lift the spirits of children battling cancer. Hugs U Wear program is designed to improve the quality of life by addressing the emotional impact of this devastating disease. The wig comes in with a hat and a cute teddy bear.  Victoria chose this particular style which was a custom made with 100% of donated human hair from supporters and it has a cotton top so, kids don't get sweaty and can try on with all kinds of hats or caps.  Thanks to CLF for offering this opportunity for our Viki to have "normal" experience and for making sure that we are not alone.


 Viki trying on different styles.



Here comes our little Fancy Nancy walking a model.
Doing her laps with a wig and her heels on.
Special thanks to Ms. Cindy for bringing all the good stuff.
She's our happy messenger.  We love her!

너희 믿음의 확실함은 불로 연단하여도 없어질 금보다 더 귀하여 예수 그리스도께서 나타나실 때에 칭찬과 영광과 존귀를 얻게 할 것이니라. (벧 1:7)

Monday, November 26, 2012

Day +25

WBC: 6.13
HGB: 9.3
Platelet: 44

My Little Inspiration

5 years ago,I was given a priceless gift from God.
It was my princess Victoria.  She filled my life with incredible joy for the past 5+ years.
 
And now, 
She is my inspiration.
She picks me up with her smile every time I'm feeling down. 
She brightens up everywhere she goes with her presence.
She holds me up with her inner strength.
 She is the one who taught me how to be patient.
Enduring so much yet, never ever complains.
 
5 years ago, now and forever, she will always be my princess.
I love you, Victoria.  You're my HERO.
 
 
항상 기뻐하라
쉬지 말고 기도하라
범사에 감사하라
이것이 그리스도 예수 안에서 너희를 향하신 하나님의 뜻이니라 (살 1:16~18) 

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Day +24
Stopped antibiotics

WBC: 4.27
HGB: 9.4
Platelet: 36

Snuggle Time

Our doctor said we might get to check out of the hospital sometime next week.
Today might be our last weekend at the hospital, so we are having a good time as much as we can.
 
 
 
지금은 너희가 근심하나 내가 다시 너희를 보리니 너희 마음이 기쁠 것이요 너희 기쁨을 빼앗을 자가 없으리라. 내가 진실로 진실로 너희에게 이르노니 너희가 무엇이든지 아버지께 구하는 것을 내 이름으로 주시리라. 지금까지는 너희가 내 이름으로 아무것도 구하지 아니하였으니 구하라 그리하면 받으리니 너희 기쁨이 충만하리라. (요 17:22~24)
 
Day+30 일이 되면 지금 오르고 있는 셀들이 도너의 셀인지를 알수 있는 테스트를 한다고 한다. 오늘부터 일주일동안 다시 금식하면서 갈급한 마음으로 하나님께 다시 한번 구하는 기도를 드린다.  주님, 주님의 보혈로, 도너의 셀들로 100% 채워 주십시요!
 
 

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Day +23

WBC: 3.71
HGB: 9.8
Platelet: 32

Victoria loves MUSIC and DANCE.
This is one of her favorite songs. It's an oldie but, really a great song.  Enjoy!
 
 
우연히 듣게된 이 노래를 너무 좋아하는 우리딸 승리.
특히 로이킴 오빠가 좋단다, 나중에 커서 저런 오빠랑 결혼하고 싶다네. ㅎㅎ
오늘은 승리 덕분에 이 노래 실컷 들으면서 커피한잔의 여유까지.
가끔씩은 블로그를 떠나서 일상으로 돌아가서 살고 싶다는 생각이 들때가 있다.
오늘이 바로 그런날, 음악도 듣고, junk food도 먹고, 제대로 게을러봤다.
내가 개인적으로 참 좋아하던 노래인데 우리딸도 좋아한다니 신기하기도 하고,
나중에 퇴원하면 신랑한테 연습해서 기타로 쳐달라고 해야겠다.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Day +22
Resume Fluconazole for anti-fungal

 
All three kinds of blood cells went up for the first time.
 Never happened in the past 1.5 years and I couldn't believe my eyes this morning.
Thanks to GCSF, it is certainly working!!
 
 
Now, we are facing another huddle.  Once we thought we crossed one huddle,  another seems to come right at us.  It feels like it's a never ending game of trial and tribulation.  I have an update on Victoria's medicine and a new prayer request for all of you. 
 
Dear friends and family, please pray for the following:
1. Pray that ALL three blood cell counts continue to rise.
2. Pray that her rising cell counts are 100% of her donor's cells, and not her own.
3. Thank you, everybody and praise the Lord! Our prayers have answered!!
Victoria's liver enzyme count in her blood finally came down to the normal range so, she was able to restart Fluconazole medicine which helps prevent a fungal infection.
4. Victoria has been itching and having rashes since yesterday. It isn't bad enough to make me worry but, please pray that this is a sign of Engraftment, and not a sign of GVHD (Graft versus Host Disease).
Anti-Itching cream:Hydrocortisone
please pray that this ointment will work its magic and stop the itching and rashes.
 
 
**저희 승리를 사랑하시고 기도해 주시는 모든 분들께**
좋은소식입니다, 오늘 처음으로 백혈구, 적혈구, 혈소판 수치가 같이 올랐습니다. 
첨엔 믿기지 않았고, 그 다음엔 너무 좋았고, 또 조금 지나니 저의 이런 호들갑으로 이 기적이 날아가 버릴것 같아서 마음놓고 좋아하기조차 조심스럽습니다. 저희 승리가 피가 안생겨서 힘들어하는 동안 지켜보는 부모로써 피가 마르고 애간장이 타는 지난 시간들이었습니다. 오늘의 이 기적이 꿈이 아니라 하루하루 현실로 이어지기를 간절히 간절히 기도하면서 여러분들께 새로운 기도제목을 부탁 드리고자 합니다.

1. 백혈구, 적혈구, 혈소판 카운트가 떨어지지 않고 계속 오르기만 하도록
2. 오르고 있는 카운트 셀들이 승리의 예전 셀들이 아닌 100% 도너의 셀들로 채워지길
3. 그동안 많은분들께서 전심으로 기도해 주신 덕분에, 승리 간수치가 정상수치로 돌아왔다고 합니다.  좋으신 하나님을 비롯해서 모든분들께 감사드립니다.
4. 어제부터 승리가 온몸에 가려움과 rash가 생기고 있습니다. 의사선생님께서 처방해 주신 크림으로 얼른 치료될 수 있도록, 또한 이 증상이 GVHD(면역거부반응)이 아니라 골수이식의 또다른 성공 싸인이길 기도해 주십시요.
 
 
너는 마음을 다하여 여호와를 신뢰하고 네 명철을 의지하지 말라. (잠언 3: 5)
참 신기하다, 하나님은 나를 정말 꿰뚫고 계신것 같다, 지난 4-5일동안 승리의 백혈구 수치가 완만하게 올라줘서 나도 모르는 사이에 마음을 놓고 기도에 게을러진것을 마치 꾸짖기라도 하시듯 어제 오늘 승리의 rash로 나를 또 긴장하게 만드시고 쉬지않고 기도하게 만드시다니.
승리야,  조금만 더 참고 견뎌줘, 엄마가 더 열심히 기도할게~~ 
 

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Day +21
CLV Dressing change
Starting GCSF (Neupogen) to speed up recovery of WBC count and to boost ANC count

WBC: 0.57
HGB: 9.7
Platelet: 32
ANC: 150
 


Happy Thanksgiving from Choi Family.
 
 
Each year this time around, 
we pause from our daily lives and think about the blessings that we are thankful for.
 
This year...
I'm thankful to my loving family for their unconditional love and amazing support.
I'm thankful to my friends for staying in touch and keeping our Victoria in their prayers.
I'm thankful to my ex-coworkers and bosses for going out of their ways to help us.
I'm thankful to all Saehan Church members for being there for us the entire way.
I'm thankful to other churches for hosting bone marrow drives for our Victoria.
I'm thankful to those 3,500+ potential donors for signing up to the National Registry.
I'm thankful to the Be The Match for finding a donor for our Victoria.
I'm thankful to our anonymous donor for donating his bone marrow for our Victoria.
I'm thankful to CHOA for their great services and providing a kids friendly environment.
I'm thankful to all the doctors for their professionalism and dedication to cure Viki's AA.
I'm thankful to all the nurses for taking loving care of our Victoria.
I'm thankful to our social workers for helping our life go little easier.
I'm thankful to the hosptial Child Life Specialists for being best friends with our Victoria.
I'm thankful to Victoria's school teachers for educating her in the hospital and at home.
I'm thankful to Peach State Insurance for covering the million dollor medical costs.
I'm thankful to thousands of people in this world praying for our Victoria.
I'm thankful to my husband for staying besides me and putting up with my emotions.
I'm thankful to my precious daughter, Victoria for being brave, strong and mature throughout her journey and being a super hero to me.
Last but not least, I'm most thankful to the Lord for guiding us in his path, upholding our spirits & strengths and letting us experience his mercy, grace and miracle everyday!
 
Thank you, everyone and hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
 
2012년 올해는 유난히 더 감사할 일이 많은 해이다.
승리와 함께 힘든시간을 보내면서도 그동안 우리 세식구가 받은 사랑과 관심과 기도와 도움들, 살아 계시는 예수님의 사랑을 경험했던 값진 시간들, 이 모든 은혜와 감동을 평생 가슴에 간직 하면서 사랑에 빚진자로서 남은 평생을 살아갈 것을 다짐한다.
 
 
Viki woke up with Turkey hat on her head. Have you eaten Turkey yet?
 


 Viki striking a Thanksgiving Pose


 
 
 
 Thanksgiving goodie bag from former BMT patient.
 
 CHOA serving Thanksgiving lunch



아무것도 염려하지 말고 다만 모든 일에 기도와 간구로, 너희 구할 것을 감사함으로 하나님께 아뢰롸 그리하면 모든 지각에 뛰어난 하나님의 평강이 그리스도 예수 안에서 너희 마음과 생각을 지키시리라 (빌립보서 4:6~7)


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Day +20

WBC: 0.44
HGB: 10.3
Platelet: 38

What makes you beautiful?
Living in hospital can be a totally different world that normal people can't even imagine.
I want everyone to watch this video below and take a moment to think about "what makes you beautiful".  Here at the hospital, every patient, doctors and nurses are beautiful.  It's a place of courage, strength, and faith.  I'm thankful to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for providing us with such great service and for making this wonderful video.
By the way, can anyone find our Victoria in the video?
she is in the video at 2:49
 

 
And these were what made us happy today.
Thanksgiving eve lunch box & a gift from church friend.
새한교회 김미라 집사님께서 보내 주신 도시락과 딸 하민이가 우리 승리에게 직접 써준 편지와 예쁜 목걸이.. 땡스기빙주라 식당이 많이 바쁘실텐데, 이렇게 푸짐한 식사와 선물로 병실에서 저희 모녀가 맞이하는 땡스기빙을 가득 채워 주셨네요.
집사님, 이 블로그 보고 계시죠? 하민이도 보고 있지? 너무 감사합니다.  
 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Day +19

WBC: 0.29
HGB: 10.6
Platelet: 55
ANC: 130

Life lines 24/7
Look at all these lines and machines that Victoria is hooked up to for 24/7.  It goes wherever she goes.  It's her companion for now.  It's inconvenient, a hassle but, can't complain because it's a life line that keeps Victoria alive...
 
 
Hospital recently introduced a brand new pole for life lines.
The new pole looks neat. The lines and tubings don't get caught under the wheels and it houses multi plugs with one master plug. I like this new pole. My only complaint is that the new pole take up more space than the old one.


 




Thankfully, her life lines are reduced to just 2 lines.  Much less lines but still hooked up.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This is how she lives with her life lines 24/7.
Victoria doing her daily 10 laps around the nurse station.
Daddy holding the pole and making sure all lines are okay. 
 
It feels limited with no sense of freedom but, it's OK as long as she's having FUN!! 


 
Getting a pole ride to bathtub.

 It surely goes wherever she goes.