Another road we haven't travelled

Yesterday Carla endured another bone marrow biopsy to check the effectiveness of the latest treatment. Today we had the consultation with the leukemia doctors to discuss some of the results. They concluded the Vidaza treatment is not yielding the desired response. We discussed other treatment plans for the situation. The new treatment (different type of chemo) will place Carla in the hospital for at least 5 days. This could be as early as MONDAY. After the five days she can come home, and then wait for a period of time to see if this zaps the leukemia, and potentially lead to another bone marrow transplant. There is no one road that we are on, and plans can change.

She will have the PICC line in her arm replaced with the same central line she had for her treatment last year. Carla is soooo happy to get that thing out of her arm, but would rather not have any line at all.

We are saddened by the news, but optimistic that one of these bullets will do the trick. Your hope, prayers, thoughts, mojo are always welcome. You are welcome to correspond any way you like.

With our love,

The Hennessy’s

Ice Breaker Tournament 2012

When ya gotta go...ya gotta go.

Zion's Mountains with snow. Beautiful!

no smoking!!!

Feeding the Horses

A little chilly!

Doggy Dude Ranch.
If you ever need to leave your animals
while visiting Zions this is the place to do it.

Jeff took the girls down the Southern Utah for the 2012 Ice Breaker Soccer Tourn. Our niece Monica wanted to come along as well. Friday and Saturday were full of games, relaxation time, swimming in the pool and hanging out in the room. Sunday Jeff drove the kids over to Zions to hike, but it was a little too cold. They stopped at the DDD (Doggy Dude Ranch) to visit a friends doggy daycare. There were horses, chickens, dogs and even a bird in the bathroom.
They enjoy it a lot.

I had to stay home again since I have no "newys" to fight infection.
I missed my family but glad they had fun.

I just finished my 3d treatment today and now have to wait a few weeks to re-biopsy the marrow. The doctors think we'll do a 4th round if it is needed. Thanks to all of you that continue to call, send cards and bring occasional dinners. I am always up for visitors as long as no one is sick. Call, text or stop by if you want!

New Bedroom! :)

A lot of pillows to take off/put on everyday
but it looks good put together.

Found this website and requested a tree branch.
Looks so cool in the room.

For the past few months I've slowly started changing our bedroom decor. We've had the same style for over 10 years and things were starting to get worn. (imagine that?) I stepped out of my comfort zone and went for a completely different look. Usually I stick with earth tones and the same ole' thing. I finally found the duvet set I liked and bought pieces of it slowly and got the rest for Christmas.

Going through the kids old photos and updating frames has been fun (but sad). I still have a few more frames to fill. I found material I liked and my mom recently finished sewing the curtains for us last night. (THANKS MOM!!) They really warm up the room and have a funky/modern style. I am now looking for new lamps and a new area rug. Hopefully next year we can get a new bedroom set to really bring out the greys and blacks.

I am feeling well but always a little tired. I start my 3rd treatment February 22 or 23. I have to wait a few weeks to get the bone biopsy done and then we'll know if the drugs are working. Cross your fingers they are!!

My heart breaks for the little ones!

Having cancer is hard enough as adult, but hearing about little kids getting cancer always hits me hard. Now knowing what they go through and the pain they will endure just breaks my heart. One of the first things I said when I was diagnosed was "I am glad it was me and not one of my girls." (I don't know how I would have handled that.)

Today I found out that a good friends niece (Millie) leukemia is back. She was diagnosed 1 year to the day that I was. I've kept up with her progress and knew she was almost done with her treatments and in remission. However, her situation has changed.

Here is some info from her father. Please send your prayers for this little girl. We love you Millie. ♥

In the words of Brady (Millie's dad) at 10:30 pm today (2/6):

After over two tough years, Millie just finished her last round of chemotherapy last week. It was amazing to see all the wonderful people at the hospital c...heer for her, and so many loved ones waiting at our house to celebrate the occasion with us. In contrast, today we learned that the CANCER HAS COME BACK. It is very uncommon for her type of leukemia to return during treatment, so her doctors are having to take things to the next level. Millie is looking at 3 months hardcore chemo in the hospital followed by 3+ months in the hospital for a bone marrow transplant followed by 6+ months of treatment. Tomorrow they are testing Millie's little brother Austin to see if he is a bone marrow match. We, along with friends and family, will be fasting in the morning and praying that Austin is a match for Millie. We truly believe in the power of prayer. At this time, we're asking for anyone and everyone to join us in prayer for Millie. We are grateful beyond words for the wave of support we've received over the past 2 years. We already owe a debt of gratitude to so many people that we'll never be able to repay

Doing well....

Maya and Callie Painted Jeff's toes

Our new neighbor Emile.
He gave me a huge boost of positive energy!! (2 days old)

Cousin sent me old photos.
Here is the McCall side about 84-85 (thanks Wade)

It seems to take a few days to get back into a "normal" routine for me after the Vidaza treatments. Yesterday I felt good but about 7pm my energy was gone and I was done for the day. I get very frustrated as I have said before only because I feel OK...but the body gives me the "no more" signal.

Meeting more friends at the clinic and watching them fight just as hard as me. It is a something I enjoy....just wish the setting was somewhere else. It is nice to talk to others who are going through the same thing and have the same fears. Meeting those that have beaten the disease also brings a sense of hope.

We are all doing well and staying busy with life, sports, school and continued doctor appointments. Jeff has picked up his first real cold in a year. He won't get near me and is constantly Cloroxing everything he touches. (It is cute in a weird sort of way.)

On to cycle 2

Thursday was the beginning of cycle two of Vidaza. Round one was not a pleasant experience. As mentioned, we discussed the use of other medications to counter the nausea. What a difference! The drug, called Aloxi, has been incredible. Besides being a bit tired or sleepy, there has not been nausea. Today is day four of this cycle and will finish up Wednesday, then three weeks off again.

One of our good friends from Jeff’s work came by to bring us lunch yesterday. Sandy, you and your family are so generous. We enjoy your company and support. Your meal was a delicious treat. Also, over the past two weeks neighbors have brought us dinner. Thank you Roni/Jared, Colleen/Dixie, Hollie/Jeanie, Patti/Ruth. You are truly awesome people. We can't thank you enough. The Hennessy's

Happy 11th Birthday Callie

11 Things I love about Callie:
1. Her beautiful smile.
2. Her kind and gentle heart.
3.She cares about others and their feelings.
4. Never forgetting to kiss me goodnight.
5. How she will still snuggle with me when we watch TV.
6. Telling me she loves me 2-3 times a day.
7. Watching her preform gymnastics (she is a natural).
8. Her ability to draw almost anything.
9. Her carefree spirit (even though we disagree sometimes.)
10. Her laugh.
11. I get to be her mom. :)

I start my second round of treatment tomorrow and hoping that this one goes better than the first. Dr.'s and I agreed to change some pre-meds before the Vidaza starts to see if that helps with the nausea. I can only hope!