50 Days Post Transplant

Well, here we are. 50 whole days post transplant. 100% donor marrow. Wow. I can honestly say it felt like forever but I made it. After 52 days in Sloan I was discharged the day before Thanksgiving. The transition from isolation to home was much harder than I had anticipated but I finally feel okay. Somehow I contracted "c-diff" after discharge and have been struggling with that but otherwise things are looking good. My counts are maintaining themselves for the most part and while the cytogenetics of my last bone marrow are not completely available yet, my marrow showed that I was completely donor. It doesn't get much better than that.
My stay at the hospital was definitely longer than most transplant patients. I had many set backs and I went into my transplant with a fungal infection in my liver that we needed to watch closely and be very cautious about. Over the next year and a half my immune system will be rebuilding itself from nothing. Right now I am more at risk for infections and viruses than a newborn baby. I am not allowed to go to crowded places and am to steer clear of anyone with any sniffles or anything. Not an easy task coming from the enormous family I have but I will make it. Thanksgiving was a tad different without 30 people crammed into my dining room but we had our turkey and this year we managed NOT to set the oven on fire! :) I am on a special diet for the next year +. An anti-microbial diet. This means I can only eat home cooked meals. No restaurants. Only pizzas we order and cut at home ourselves. No fresh fruits or vegetables besides peel-able fruits. As a foodie, the "no restaurants" (Taco Bell and Five Guys ARE restaurants) will be difficult but perhaps a good lesson for me. Other than that I just have to work on getting the 20+ pills/medications I take daily down and keeping them there. This number will dwindle but wow, it is not easy taking so many drugs at all different times throughout the day.
I seriously could not have done any of this without all of you. My family, friends, boyfriend and total strangers have given me the strength to get to where I am today. Poor Damian spent practically ALL 52 days of my hospital stay on a pleather couch. Had he not been there, I'm not sure I'd feel as well as I do today. I can never repay him for everything. He even had to be my nurse and change the dressing on my gross port, which by the way is still dangling from my chest while I recover and continue home infusions of some medications. Hopefully it will be removed within a few weeks. I spent one day in June without any IV/PICC/Catheter in me. Before that it was April when I didn't have tubing flailing around somewhere on my person. It will be a huge day for me to have this port removed. Also, my mom is a saint. I love you mom.
As for news on fundraising, an incredible friend of my brother and sister-in-law nominated me for the Polar Plunge in Sea Bright, NJ and The Bergen County Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH Chapter 32) will indeed be plunging for me!!!! This is amazing. The event is January 9th and you can learn more at aohbergen.com. PLEASE if you can make it to Monmouth County for this I would greatly appreciate it. Plus you can see my two brothers take the plunge. Thank you AOH Chapter 32!

So again, thank you, thank you, thank you! I will keep you posted as to what is next!

Love,
Kerry

Transplant Day

Hi all - today is the big day. Kerry will receive her TRANSPLANT today. This is the start of a year-long process and we will keep you posted on progress along the way.

Thank you all for your incredible support - Kerry feels every ounce of positivity that you send her way. We love you all and can not express how much it means to all of us!

<3 the kelemens

Dropkick Cancer Event!

Hi All!

Our entire family is still overwhelmed by the amount of love and generosity that converged on Bowline Park this past Sunday for the Dropkick Cancer event!

We are so grateful to each and every person who attended, volunteered or contributed to this wonderful day!

THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!

More updates to come soon. It will undoubtedly be an eventful October, so please check back often!

Many of you who couldn't attend have asked how to contribute - click this link to donate via the Friends of Kerry paypal account:
http://kerrykelemen.blogspot.com/2010/06/donate-here.html

August Update

Hi All --

Its been a rollercoaster week here.

On Saturday we attended an incredible event held by the generous folks at Winky Dink Ink Tattoos in West Nyack.

Artists decorated and donated skate decks for a silent auction in Kerry's honor. It was an incredible night and the event raised over $1,800!!! Thanks to all that came out and donated their time and support to making this such a success!


Unfortunately late Saturday night Kerry woke up feeling shakey. Our mom immediately rushed Kerry to Sloan where she was treated in urgent care and checked into the ICU on sunday. Kerry was treated for a severe infection and closely monitored.

Today kerry's levels were back up and she is being transferred back to the leukemia wing! This is great news. Kerry is a fighter and keeps on proving that cancer is not going to stop her!


We truly appreciate all of the love and support you've been sending our way.


Thanks for everything!


Here's a great shot of kerry drawing the raffle winners at the event saturday:

Hi All!

Kerry began consolidation chemo yesterday at Sloan Kettering.

She will be in the hospital until Saturday getting chemo for a few hours each day. Kerry will come home to recover from the chemo. it will be a tough few weeks, but we're hoping this round of chemo will be easier to handle since Kerry is strong and healthy going into it.

Once Kerry recovers from this round of chemo it will be time for the final round of chemo, radiation, and her transplant.

Keep the positive thoughts coming! You can send cards and greetings to kerry to the P.O. Box: P.O. Box 166, Thiells, NY 10984


Will update you all soon!

Moving along

Hey all! Just wanted to give some news since things have kind of slowed while my counts continued to recover. Everything is still going as planned. Dr.Jurcic at Sloan has decided that it would be beneficial for me to get another bone marrow biopsy next week to make sure that within the past month no leukemia has regenerated. We have been waiting for my platelet count to reach 70 before going ahead with my next round of chemo but it seems to be lingering at 55. The 2 rounds of chemo I had in Canada really beat my immune system up and because I was so sick to begin with it was expected that it may take this long for everything to come up. So my doctor has decided that we may just go ahead with a less intense chemotherapy drug. I will be admitted to Sloan for 5 days during that time. Once I recover in about 4 weeks following the chemo I will be admitted to the isolation floor and begin radiation and chemotherapy prior to my stem cell transplant. That's all the news I have for now.

Stay positive!
Kerry

This weekend Kerry was able to attend her best friend's wedding! Kerry was Amanda's Maid of Honor.

We are so happy that the timing worked out and Kerry was able to share in this day!

Comment here to leave love + positivity for Kerry!

Click the comment button below to say hi to kerry and leave love and support!

Click the Donate button in the post below to donate to help kerry with her medical expenses and day-to-day needs while she undergoes treatment!


THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONSTANT KINDNESS <3

DONATE TO KERRY HERE!

June 22, 2010 10:44 PM, CDT

Today Kerry found out that her brother Ken is a BONE MARROW MATCH!!!

We have a match!!! This means kerry will have a transplant in the coming months!!

We cannot express how incredible it is to get all of this great news this week after so many months of fighting.


Thank you all for your constant support and generosity. Kerry still has a long way to go. The bone marrow transplant is a long and difficult procedure, but our family is staying positive thanks to all of our amazing friends, neighbors, and family!! THANK YOU!!!

JUNE 22, 2010 5:44 AM, CDT

Good News Everyone!! Kerry's biopsy came back and she is officially in a remission! We are all so happy! There are some more cytogenetic tests that have to come back, and the docs are still pouring over the medical records from Canada, so there is no treatment plan in place yet. In the meantime, Kerry is enjoying visitors and taking advantage of all the activities Sloan offers. Keep visiting! B+

JUNE 18, 2010 7:55 AM, CDT

Hello Everyone!!
Kerry arrived back in New York last night in good spirits. After a nap, she was able to attend a benefit her friends were having for her for a short while. Seeing all those who have been supporting her from afar was energizing. The whole family appreciates everyones generosity and your positive love and energy. B+

JUNE 15, 2010 2:40 PM, CDT

Hello Everyone!! Things are moving along and Kerry should be back in New York within the week!!!!! Treatment is not over, but she will be receiving the rest of her care at Sloan. Happy Happy Happy news!!! Keep B-ing ++++!! Thanks!!

JUNE 12, 2010 7:39 PM, CDT

Hello Everyone!! See Kerry's note below!! B+

hi everyone! i cannot thank you all enough for your support through this difficult time in my life. right now i am still recuperating from my 2nd round of chemo which kind of knocked me off my positivity kick for a bit but things will turn around and i will eventually be cured of this sickness.

all your kind words and support are the biggest help right now. once my next biopsy is finished we will have a better idea of when i will be coming back to the states to continue my treatment. so everyone hope for remission this week!
i am especially thankful my mom has been here with me and for damians help and support through this. i couldnt do it without them or any of the positivity you all send me.

thanks again for everything. i love you all so much.

kerry

JUNE 11, 2010 7:14 AM, CDT

Hi everyone. Kerry is working hard to feel better. Your thoughts help a lot. She is trying to hold down food, and is working on weaning off the IV meds. Bone Marrow biopsy will be early next week. Pray for remission!! Thanks for your support and keep leaving her your thoughts.

JUNE 5, 2010 8:44 PM, CDT

Hi All!! Kerry is beginning to get on the upswing. Each day is getting a little bit easier. Right now, she is enjoying a visit from Dad and Uncle Gil as well as Mom. Please continue to send love and inspiration! All the siblings have sent in their buccal swabs to be tested for a bone marrow match. Please pray that one of us will match. Thanks for supporting Kerry! B+

MAY 25, 2010 5:04 AM, CDT

Hello Everyone! Mom is up in Edmonton now. Kerry has just finished her second round of Chemotherapy and is beginning to feel its effects. Keep sending good wishes here or through a direct e-mail to the hospital which you can do at: UAHWellWishes@cha.ab.ca Thanks for your continued support! B+

MAY 15, 2010 10:06 AM, CDT

LUNCH OUTSIDE!!

morgan and i spent our first day with kerry in canada. while the doctors are deciding what the best next steps are in kerry's treatment, we enjoyed her first trip outside in 20 days! ate wendy's at a picnic table near the hospital. It was a warm and sunny day in Edmonton! Damian shaved the remainder of Kerry's head last night. She looks beautiful and can really pull off the shaved head look. Attaching a photo so you can all see :) B+!!!!!!

MAY 13, 2010 4:54 PM, CDT

False start on the second round of chemo - its on hold while we put together a transition plan from Canada to NY - Kerry is feeling better / recouperating well from chemo round 1.

Uploaded picture of Kerry's new haircut.

MAY 11, 2010 9:36 PM, CDT

Beginning a second round of chemo.

Today kerry found out that she will need a second round of chemo. The doctors will begin tomorrow, but tonight damian gave kerry a new haircut :)

Send all of your positivity to kerry - the last round of chemo was hard, but we know she'll stay strong and beat this!!

Thank you, as always for your love and support.

B+ Be positive!!!!!!!!!!

MAY 10, 2010 11:28 AM, CDT

short hair cut.
Kerry updated facebook saying she's cut her hair shorter. We all know Kerry has big plans for continuing to have fun with different hair styles.

Sister Tonia and best friend Amanda are coming back to the east coast today after a long visit with Kerry. Her brother Ken and Aunt Mary will be visiting starting tomorrow, then Morgan and Flo will visit Friday through the weekend.

We deeply appreciate everyone's support!!

B+ Be positive!!!!!!!!!!

MAY 7, 2010 7:57 AM, CDT

Hi All,

This is the hardest time for Kerry. She's feeling the effects of chemo and needs our support!

You can email her directly at the hospital - the nurses will print the emails and bring them to her. Please put her full name KERRY KELEMEN at the top of your email.

Send messages to: UAHWellWishes@cha.ab.ca

She could use some messages that lift her spirits and keep her positive!

B+ Be positive!!!!!

May 5, 2010 8:57 PM, CDT

Disconnected from the chemo drip today after 7 days! The fight is getting to the tough part -- some hard days lie ahead, so stay supportive and send love!!!

Kerry is staying strong and fighting through it. We knew she was tough, but are amazed by her strength everyday!!

Keep up the support - she's checking your guestbook posts and appreciates everyone's love and positivity!

B+ Be Positive!!!!!!!!!!!

May 5, 2010 8:31 AM, CDT

Hi all -- still going strong. Wanted to update you to let you know kerry's blood is still clear of cancer cells.

Kerry's eating and spending time with her best friend amanda this week!

Celebrated dad's birthday yesterday with a long distant gift from kerry. It took him a few minutes to figure out it was a toothpick holder - which he can certainly use!


B+ Be positive!!!!!!!

May 3, 2010 11:54AM CDT

Fundraising Update:

Hi all- I know you've been asking how to help Kerry. Do not donate directly via this site - Kerry does not receive any of the donations from CaringBridge.com. Those are solely to keep websites like these running.

As we work to set up a formal way to give, you can send checks to our family PO Box:

Kerry Kelemen
PO Box 166
Thiells, NY 10984

Make checks payable to the following:

CASH - This gives us the ability to cash the check and use it for Kerry's immediate needs.

Kerry Kelemen - These checks will be cashed once we set up a formal means of giving to Kerry. It is important that while we are finalizing how to cover the financials of her treatment we do not put any money into her personal account. Once this is straightened out we will set up a means of getting the money directly into Kerry's accounts.


Our family is overwhelmed by your generosity. Since Kerry is currently uninsured, every dollar will help to cover her care & needs during her fight against cancer!

As soon as we finalize insurance needs we will get an online method of payment available!

Thank you again!

B+ Be positive!!!!!

May 3, 2010 11:44AM, CDT

Thank you to Ann-marie Sibbald who organizes an annual Newfoundland Night in Canada. The proceeds from the evening's 50/50 went to Kerry.

Special thanks to Scott Roberts who won and donated the other half to kerry -- for a grand total of over $500 in one night!

MONDAY, MAY 3, 2010 5:51 AM, CDT

- is excited for my olive garden hospital date tonight.I ♥ d.e.c.!

- tonight was as perfect as things can be in a hospital with leukemia.best boyfriend ever. Cupcakes have super healing powers. ♥ d.e.c.

From Kerry's facebook account - last night kerry's boyfriend damian set up an olive garden date in the hospital! (pause for everyone reading this to say "Awwww")

Knowing that Damian (his ititials are D.E.C) is there taking care of Kerry has been helping all of us at home stay strong.

Effects of chemo are beginning to pop up, but that is all secondary to date night!!!!!!

B+ Be positive!!!!!!

Day 4 - Keeping the momentum going!

My white blood cell count is down to 2 from 32 yesterday! I rule at chemotherapy.

- from Kerry's facebook

White blood cell count continues to drop. This is great news - Kerry's body is responding to treatment!

PayPal Donations should be set up within the next day or so.

Our family is overwhelmed by your love and support, thank you all and keep sending your positivity to Canada.

B+!!!!

Day 3 - Good News! Originally Posted Friday, April 30, 2010 1:06 PM, CDT

Leukemia blasts HALVED today! These are good things people! Half the cancer cells I had yesterday! Dear my body, keep it up! Love, kerry

WOW!! Great news from kerry on facebook. Today is day 3 of chemo so this is very positive news. Pray for this positive momentum to keep going!

Isn't my little sister the strongest! <3

B+ !!!!! Be positive!!!

Day 2 (Continued) - Thursday, April 29, 2010 9:49 PM, CDT

VERY SPECIAL LATE NIGHT UPDATE: Kerry & Mom walked down to the cafeteria tonight to get pasta with sauce and an ice cream sandwich :)

We all know that ice cream sandwiches have healing powers:)

B+!! Be positive & goodnight!!!

Day 2 - News from Kerry

"Platelets and blood transfusion, day two is going well so far! can't wait for damian to get here!!"

This is kerry's update for today. Platelets were low, but she's going strong. Kerry was walking around the atrium in the hospital last night - keeping her body strong.

Thank you all for the support - it has been overwhelming and so incredible.

We're working on setting up an account for donations - I'll update as soon as we get it finalized!

B+!!!! Be positive!

Day 1 - Originally Posted Thursday, April 29, 2010 7:14 AM, CDT

Day 1 Update:

"Day one of chemo is so far so good!"

Kerry updated her facebook account yesterday with the message above. Keep praying & sending positive vibes her way!

B+!

Travel & Accomodations - Originally Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2010 9:28 PM, CDT

Travel & Accomodations

Accomodations are available at the University of Alberta dorms for a cheaper rate than local hotels:

http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/conferenceservices/Accommodation.cfm

Guest Services Phone: 780.492.6056 Fax: 780.492.7032

Resources - Originally Posted: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 9:21 PM, CDT

Kerry's Address & Room number are:

Room 5FA.22
Kerry Kelemen
Univ

ersity of Alberta Hospital
8440 – 112 Street
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
T6G 2B7

No flowers allowed right now - but kerry would love cards, letters, CD's, photos or anything else you can think of!

Patient Information
Phone: 780-407-8407

Patient Relations
Phone: 780-342-8080
Fax: 780-342-8500


Resources:

Here is the link to a 50+ page booklet on AML. We are using this EXCLUSIVELY as a source of information on Kerry's condition in conjunction with Doctors' updates.

http://www.leukemia.org/attachments/National/br_1200426633.pdf

Remember - NO GOOGLE! There is a lot of information online that comes from unreliable sources