Extra Prayers Are Asked For My Sister

[ziggy]

My sister who as you know has been battling leukemia is not
doing very well right now. She is also fighting a serious
case of pneumonia & it's a struggle for her to breathe. She
has no immune system due to all the chemo and her ailments.
She is still in M.D. Anderson in Houston. I am flying there tomorrow
morning and at least spending the weekend there.

Everyone out there who believes in prayer - please keep Julie in yours.
She is a single Mom of a 7 year old son and my best friend!

She has many, many friends because she is an awesome friend to all
who know her. She is intelligent, diplomatic, caring. She is the
peace-maker in our family. She is creatively talented. She has a
wonderful voice and plays acoustic guitar. She collects Wizard of Oz
memorabilia, Shrek collectibles, angels, and art. She & I partied with
QUEEN at their Halloween bash in New Orleans in 1978. She has
travelled all over Europe several times. She has remained brave and
strong beyond words through her illness. I can't say enough good
stuff about Julie.

PLEASE PRAY EXTRA HARD FOR JULIE......IT CAN ONLY HELP >>>
Thank You.

[bayougirl]

God be with you.

[GuitarPLYR]

Everyone is hoping for the best.

[chinarain62]

Without a doubt, StiX and I will keep her in our thoughts and prayers

[zebralover4ever]

I'm so sorry to hear about the setback. Your sister is in my prayers. Stay strong and God bless.

[NY DREAMER]

Karen my prayers and thoughts are with you. Keep the faith and keep believing . We are here for you....

[shoeluvr]

they turned me down for the second time in a row to donate, no iron was too low. I will try again , and I will light a candle for her. I passed the word where I work, does she need platlets at all?

[bigdaddysmak]

Ziggy Im praying for you too. I know what youre going thru right now myself. All you can do is continue all the prayer and be there for your sister. The good Lord will take care of the rest.

[sasssy1]

Hey Karen,

Sorry to hear about Julie. She is still in my prayers. Keep the faith and believe in miracles:)

Peace
Mary Anne

[LessPaull]

I Am So Close To Helping This Disease From the Bottom Of My Heart. Your Sister Is In My Prayers Because Of Your Sincerety , Loyalty & Love. This Is Such A Place That The Strong-Hold Of People On This Board (Who Are So Much In Contact With Each Other) ...Can Create Such Powerful Prayers & Our Feelings For Your Outreach Is Such A Major Concern.
I Am Now Asked , For A 23 yr old kid , In Hicksville (my Hometown) To Help Raise Funds For Him , For A Bone Marrow Transplant (Not Paid By Insurance) ...A Personal Friends' Asking !!! So I Got "8 Top Rock N Roll Bands" To Help Raise $$$...I Spoke With "Mr. Beery" & He Jumped Right In On It !!! Randy Jackson said No Problem (All According to Scheduling !) That He'd Be There !!! ....Karen...We All Love You & What Ever We Can Do To Help.....Count On Us !!! Rock N Roll.....Johnny Race !!!

[ZSHOTS]

my thoughts and prayers for you and your family - keep your faith in God that he may Bless you all

[ziggy]

My sister who as you know has been battling leukemia is not
doing very well right now. She is also fighting a serious
case of pneumonia & it's a struggle for her to breathe. She
has no immune system due to all the chemo and her ailments.
She is still in M.D. Anderson in Houston. I am flying there tomorrow
morning and at least spending the weekend there.


Just got back from Houston.....
My Sister was doing so poorly last week - we were all extremely
concerned about her (more than normally). My Mom was in Houston
with her for a week - but my youngest sister & I felt the need to
be with Julie. Sharon (my baby sister) flew out Thursday night and I
flew out Friday morning....so Mom, Sharon & I were all with Julie
for the weekend. I think having all of us there perked her up.

I am happy to report that she is making some improvements. She
was breathing much better and they have gotten rid of a lot of the
fluid. She was able to get out of bed a little by Saturday and did
a little more on Sunday. I drove my Mom & her car back here to
New Orleans and Sharon is staying in Houston for a week. I had to
get back here to take care of Jesse (my nephew). It's hard to be
6 hours away from Julie. You can't be there with her as much as
you'd like to if she was here locally.

Anyway, thanks for all the prayers and postive energy!
You see - it helped! Keep 'em coming! She's not out of the
woods yet. Once she's over the pneumonia, they can start
treating the leukemia again - at the moment, they are doing nothing
for that. Pray that they find something that works!

AGAIN EVERYONE -THANKS!!!!!

[ziggy]

they turned me down for the second time in a row to donate, no iron was too low. I will try again , and I will light a candle for her. I passed the word where I work, does she need platlets at all?

Thank you so much for your efforts! I really appreciate it!

Yes, she needs platelets all the time.....

[Sue]

Karen,

I called the Bone Marrow Registry today to see if there was any way I could be tested to see if I am a bone marrow match for Julie. About 5 years ago, both me and my mom registered to become bone marrow donors. When I told my mom about Julie, she asked me to find out if they could test her as a possible match for Julie also. A very nice guy at the Bone Marrow Registry gave me some useful information I thought I would pass on to you and others.

* Once you register (and give a blood sample) with the Bone Marrow Registry, it is good for life. The registry is searched every 24 hours for potential matches for those in need of bone marrow. If you match someone in need of a transplant, you will be notified by the Bone Marrow Registry. You do not need to ask the registry to test your blood to see if you could be a potential donor for a patient needing marrow.

* If you are a match for a patient needing a bone marrow transplant, and live in another state, you can donate in the state you live in and your bone marrow will be brought to the state of the person needing the transplant.

I urge those of you who haven't already (and are capable) registered with the Bone Marrow Registry to do so. The paper work to register takes about 10 minutes to fill out, and they take a few tubes of blood to test. That is all there is to it. Such a simple task may be a matter of life and death to someone. Do it for Julie and all the others in need of a transplant!

If you would like to find out how you can register to become a Bone Marrow donor, please call :

Bone Marrow Registry 1-800-692-5663


I had put this up under the other thread for Julie about a week ago...thought it would be good to put here also!

[ziggy]

If you would like to find out how you can register to become a Bone Marrow donor, please call :

Bone Marrow Registry 1-800-692-5663


I had put this up under the other thread for Julie about a week ago...thought it would be good to put here also!

Thanks so much SUE !!!! I appreciate your efforts!

[ziggy]

I Am So Close To Helping This Disease From the Bottom Of My Heart. Your Sister Is In My Prayers Because Of Your Sincerety , Loyalty & Love. This Is Such A Place That The Strong-Hold Of People On This Board (Who Are So Much In Contact With Each Other) ...Can Create Such Powerful Prayers & Our Feelings For Your Outreach Is Such A Major Concern. ....Karen...We All Love You & What Ever We Can Do To Help.....Count On Us !!! Rock N Roll.....Johnny Race !!![/SIZE]

Thank you Johnny and everyone on this message board for their support!
All you guys rock!

[zebrarette]

Karen....I'm sorry you were not able to contact me when you guys were going through Lafayette. I would not have been able to meet with you though...I was working this weekend. :( I pm'd you my cell number so the next time you are passing through...give me a call. Sending big hug.......

[ziggy]

Karen....I'm sorry you were not able to contact me when you guys were going through Lafayette. I would not have been able to meet with you though...I was working this weekend. :( I pm'd you my cell number so the next time you are passing through...give me a call. Sending big hug.......

Thanks Angie! I'll call you if I'm in the area again.....

[Sue]

Thanks so much SUE !!!! I appreciate your efforts!

Karen,

I wish there was more I could do! I donate platelets and whole blood regularly. So do my mom and aunt. I will encourage others to do the same...and I will continue to pray. When I spoke to the guy at the Bone Marrow registry, he said your sister was in the best place she could possibly be to get better!

[ziggy]

Karen,

I wish there was more I could do! I donate platelets and whole blood regularly. So do my mom and aunt. I will encourage others to do the same...and I will continue to pray. When I spoke to the guy at the Bone Marrow registry, he said your sister was in the best place she could possibly be to get better!

Sue, what you, your Mom, & your Aunt are doing can
help a lot of people! On behalf of people like my sister
who need platelets and blood - I thank you!

[ziggy]

I am happy to report that my sister is continuing to improve from
the pneumonia....she is breathing on her own again and took a short
walk today! Keep the prayers coming about curing the leukemia.
Thanks everyone!

[ziggy]

Talked to Julie (my Sis) tonight. She is even better still regarding
the pneumonia! She is no longer on oxygen, was allowed to take
a "real" bath & wash her hair, go for short walks, wear her own
p.j.'s (instead of hospital gowns). She is feeling really good and
may be sprung from the hospital for the weekend. When the
pneumonia is totally cleared up and she is stronger, they will
start more treatment for the leukemia......Keep the prayers and
positive thoughts & vibes coming ya'll !

[Sue]

that's great news karen! :D

[ziggy]

Julie was allowed to leave the hospital for the weekend. She was able
to go back to her (temporary) apartment there in Houston. She was
feeling much better. The pneumonia was much improved. She sees
the doctor at Anderson tomorrow (Monday) to see what's in store
next in the way of treatment. Praying each day that they can get
her into remission and do a transplant......

[ziggy]

A. the good news -

My nephew Jesse got to fly to Houston for the weekend to spend some
time with his Mom. She was weak and had to be pushed in a wheelchair,
but was able to go to the Natural History Museum with him & my
Mom & niece. He was excited to see real dinosaur skeletons! Later
he went swimming with my niece in my sister's apartment's pool.
He enjoyed his weekend.

B. the bad news -

Julie had to be taken back to the hospital today. She was very weak,
had a lot of difficulty breathing, and was in pain, and could not walk.
She is in ICU, on oxygen now, and several IV's.

Please continue to pray for a miracle, a full recovery, etc. We appreciate
all the prayers and positive thoughts we can get..... Thank you.

[chinarain62]

She certainly will be kept in prayer - I'll put her name in our church bulletin.

[ziggy]

She certainly will be kept in prayer - I'll put her name in our church bulletin.

Thank you CR....I appreciate that!

[hard2handle]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keep the FAITH!

[zebralover4ever]

Your sister and family are in my thoughts & prayers. Try to stay strong during this difficult time.

[ziggy]

Thanks again H2H and ZL4E !!!
I appreciate everything.....

[chinarain62]

Thank you CR....I appreciate that!


And it's been done!

[zebrarette]

Karen, keep me posted on your sister. Thinking about you and your family and keeping the prayers going. If you are able to come in for this weekend..I'm going to give you big HUG! Love ya! :)

[ziggy]

Thanks Angie!
So far I am still planning to come.....Keeping my fingers crossed!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Julie is doing a bit better than she was over the weekend. She has
pneumonia again, is very weak & can hardly walk, has a rash, &
still a lot of difficulty breathing right now. She is also undergoing more
chemo as we speak.......

[ziggy]

Julie (my Sister) is breathing better & feeling better this weekend.
They extracted about 2 liters of fluid from her lungs, which made
her respiration much easier....more chemo to come now.....

[ziggy]

......Looks like Jesse & I may be flying to Houston for the weekend
to see my Sister (his Mom). Jesse doesn't know yet, so it'll be a
surprise. We always wait until just before we leave to tell him, in
case something comes up & he can't go (like my Sister's health).
He would be extremely disappointed if he thought he was going to
visit & it had to be cancelled....

Anyway, wish us luck ! - Wish me luck walking in the airports ---
{I broke my little toe on Tuesday and I'm hobbling along (very painfully)}
We are scheduled to leave Sat. morning & return Sun. night....
Have a great weekend everyone!

[bayougirl]

Be safe and tell Julie & Jessie hello.

[zebrarette]

Have a safe trip Karen. Thinking about ya.... :)

[ziggy]

Thanks BayouGirl & Boudin ! I can't wait to see my Sister and you
know how much Jesse will enjoy this visit....
Love you guys!

[ziggy]

Jesse & I are baaaccckkk from Houston.
It was great to see my Sister ..... and especially great to see her
spend some time with Jesse. However, she was very weak
and not feeling very well .... We stayed at the apartment all
weekend. Jesse did get to spend some quality time with her.
We literally had to PRY him away from her when it was time
to leave for the airport for our flight home. It was a tearjerker!
KEEP THOSE PRAYERS COMING!!! Thanks!

[ziggy]

Julie ended up back at the hospital E.R. Sunday night and was not
doing well. I am happy, once again, to report that she has been
improving (Thank God!). My Mom is there with her now. She sounds
stronger again now. Unfortunately, she keeps having setbacks.
Glad she is getting over this last one.....Keep the positive thoughts
and prayers coming! Thanks!

[MrBungle]

Karen, call me!

[ziggy]

Jesse & I were planning to fly to Houston this weekend to be with Julie...
However, I got sick. Stayed home the last two days from work. We
then made arrangements for a friend to fly with him - but now Jesse is
sick too....So much for our plans to have the two of them together for
Mother's Day! We'll have to get them together another time.
Julie has no immune system left due to all the chemo, and can't be
around anyone that's sick..... :(

[NY DREAMER]

Keep the faith Karen!! I will keep her in my prayers...

[ziggy]

Keep the faith Karen!! I will keep her in my prayers...

Thanks, NY D !!!

[ziggy]

...although Julie isn't feeling great right now (side effects from chemo ****!),
her latest leukemia cell count was down. This is encouraging news. We
need that cell count to keep on dropping. It had not budged in months.
Keep the prayers & positive thoughts coming guys! :)

[zebrarette]

Prayers work wonders.....sending a big hug! Miss you...hope to see ya soon!

[ziggy]

My dear friends,

I just wanted to let everyone know that my sister, Jullie came home
on Monday (from M.D.Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston). She
wanted to spend some time with her son Jesse (who's 7) and with
her family. It was a challenge getting her home on a plane in her
condition, but she was determined, and she made it.

Julie had lymphoma about 2 years ago, was treated with chemo and was
fine - for a while. Later she was diagnosed with the AML type of leukemia
which the doctors told us was caused by the very chemo that cured her
lymphoma. Julie originally was treated here at home in New Orleans.
Later she decided, to get the best treatment available she would go to
M.D.Anderson in Houston for all the "latest & greatest" cancer
treatments available. Even though being away from Jesse & the family
would be difficult, she thought she'd have the best chance
for a cure there and could return to continue raising her son.

Julie has been through a very rough time. Although we had hundreds of
people praying for her and all the best care available, she lost her battle
with this awful disease. Saturday night around 7:30 p.m., she was called home to heaven. My Mom, my sister Sharon & I were all there with her, as well as two of her close friends. She is truly the strongest and bravest person I have ever known. At least she is no longer suffering. She
tolerated far more than most people could ever imagine. I can't tell
you enough wonderful things about her. Keep Jesse in your prayers...

[GuitarPLYR]

OMG Karen, I am so sorry to hear about this! I thought she was doing better. Our prayers are with you. Be strong.
:(

[bayougirl]

My prayers are with you and your family Karen. Please call me if you need anything.

[Bob Geppardt]

Karen,

We are very saddened by the news. Let us know if there is anything that we can do.

We will keep your family, and Jesse, in our prayers.

April & Adam

[Sue]

Karen,

My heart is very saddened by this news. You and your family have my deepest condolences. Be as strong as you can for Jesse...he needs you now more than ever. My family and I will continue to donated platelets in honor of Julie and all the others who depend on transfusions.

May Julie rest in peace. God bless her!

[love2sing]

Dear Karen,

We are so very sorry to hear of your sisters' passing. You and your family, especially Jesse, will be in our prayers.

Love,
Linda and Johnny

[ziggy]

Thanks everyone for all the prayers and positive thoughts you
have been pouring out for Julie during her struggle and now....
On behalf of my family, we truly appreciate it.

[chinarain62]

My dear friends,

I just wanted to let everyone know that my sister, Jullie came home
on Monday (from M.D.Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston). She
wanted to spend some time with her son Jesse (who's 7) and with
her family. It was a challenge getting her home on a plane in her
condition, but she was determined, and she made it.

Julie had lymphoma about 2 years ago, was treated with chemo and was
fine - for a while. Later she was diagnosed with the AML type of leukemia
which the doctors told us was caused by the very chemo that cured her
lymphoma. Julie originally was treated here at home in New Orleans.
Later she decided, to get the best treatment available she would go to
M.D.Anderson in Houston for all the "latest & greatest" cancer
treatments available. Even though being away from Jesse & the family
would be difficult, she thought she'd have the best chance
for a cure there and could return to continue raising her son.

Julie has been through a very rough time. Although we had hundreds of
people praying for her and all the best care available, she lost her battle
with this awful disease. Saturday night around 7:30 p.m., she was called home to heaven. My Mom, my sister Sharon & I were all there with her, as well as two of her close friends. She is truly the strongest and bravest person I have ever known. At least she is no longer suffering. She
tolerated far more than most people could ever imagine. I can't tell
you enough wonderful things about her. Keep Jesse in your prayers...


Karen:

StiX and I send out heartfelt sympathy and prayers to you and your family during this most difficult time. Your family will be lifted in prayer so that you stay united and strong.

Godspeed

CR

[SHOELUVRSIS]

Ziggy we have never met but that doesnt mean i dont feel your loss,
prayers for all of you!
God Bless!

[zebralover4ever]

Karen- I have also never met you but I still want to convey my deepest condolences. I'm so sorry to hear of your sister's passing. From reading your posts she certainly seemed like a very loving and courageous person who will be missed by many. You and your family, especially her son Jesse ,are in my prayers. He now has a guardian angel watching over him always.

[shoeluvr]

Karen, Greg and I are so sorry for your loss, you are in our prayers during this difficult time.

[zebrarette]

Karen...check your messages.

[rpgroupie]

Karen I'm very sadden to hear the news. Julie was a wonderful person, friend and mother. She will sadly be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your mother, Sharon, and Jesse. If I can help in any way please let me know.

Tiffany

[danny]

Karen,please Accept Our Deepest Sympathy,in The Passing Our Your Beloved Sister Julie.

May God Bless You And Your Family,during This Difficult Time.

Danny,debbie & Lindsey Luther

[OURSOOOOO]

Karen, So Sorry To Hear This, Just Remember She Is In A Better Place Right Now . Be Strong I'm Sure Thats What She Would Want My Prayers Are Still With You And Your Family.

Danny Ourso