Save Jodie Gee

No News is Good News

2009-09-23T22:51:00.001-07:00

Wow, how time flies, it's almost been two months since our last
update. Let me quickly get to the good news I mentioned.

Praise God, Jodie has been doing wonderful, as part of her recovery
though she continues to take a cocktail of different medications to
help her body fight viruses and bacteria and to prevent the Graft vs.
Host disease I mentioned in our last email. She sees her doctor on a
weekly basis to monitor her overall health and recovery. Her white
cell counts could be higher, but her red cells and platelets are doing
great. The big plus is she's been able to stay healthy since being
home. Before the transplant, she would get sick every few weeks and
usually end up in the hospital.
Jodie's also been very busy doing normal mommy stuff picking up the
kids from school, going grocery shopping and cooking dinner for the
family.

Regarding my dad, remember he was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer
two days after we found out about Jodie's aplastic anemia. Well, he's
doing great too! His doctor has been treating his cancer with a
targeted kidney cancer drug called Sutent. The doctor is really
excited about the drug's effect on the cancer, it's working very well
in reducing the existing cancer cells and preventing it from spreading
any further.

Awesome, awesome, awesome!!!

Thank you all again for your ongoing prayers and support.

All glory be to God,

The Gees

Welcome Home Jodie!!!

2009-08-01T08:12:00.001-07:00

Welcome Home Jodie!!!!

116 days ago Jodie left Dallas for Houston's MD Anderson hospital for a life saving bone marrow transplant, because of God's grace and faithfulness and your never ending prayers and support, she is now home. She returned on Thursday night, but actually didn't stay at home until Friday. Tyler had strep throat, so an extra day on antibiotics was needed before he was not contagious.

Jodie is feeling great! The last couple of weeks in Houston were a breeze. Her doctors even stopped her 3 visits per week to the hospital. She only went in for a couple of follow up visits.

As for Jodie's overall recovery, she is still in the early stages. She still has a lowered immune system so we'll focus on preventing sickness and infection and watching for signs of graft vs.host disease. GVHD happens when the new immune system (donor cells), sees Jodie's cells as foreign and begins to attack them. Her recovery is expected to take a couple of years since GVHD is most common during that time and her immune system will need that time to mature. Since she's starting all over, Jodie will need to get immunization shots again too. Maybe her and Elizabeth can finish them up together:)

That's it for now, just a quick update. Got to get back to pancake breakfast with Jodie and the kids, God is so very good!!!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"

Jeremiah 29:11

Day 70

2009-07-01T01:31:00.001-07:00

Well we've just returned from another great weekend in Houston visiting Jodie and her sister Joyce. Jodie's parents joined us for the drive down. Boy that 4 hour drive is a lot easier with extra hands to help with the kids. I tried to go it alone a couple of weeks ago and let's just say I'll probably wait until the kids are about 18 before I try it again.

Before the weekend even started there were a few health concerns with Jodie and my dad. First off Jodie's blood counts have slowly started to decline over the last couple of weeks. Even requiring her second blood transfusion and another shot to boost her white cells. The nurses weren't even sure what was causing the drop.

And then my dad developed some kind of cyst on his chest that had to be drained and cleaned. His doctor thought it could be a bacterial infection, but would not know until further tests. Maybe the worst part of it all was the doctor said it could be contagious and advised that he not see Jodie or the kids this weekend for risk of passing it on to them.

Another little scare, a rash developed on Jodie's hand after lunch on Sunday. Just to be safe, she went to the ER to get it checked out. All part of keeping an eye out for Graft vs. Host Disease.

I did mention it was a "great" weekend in Houston right? We really did have a great time, we stayed at the Rotary House hotel, it's attached to MD Anderson by a huge sky bridge. That sky bridge was really all we needed, we ate there, napped there (me), read there (not me) and best of all let the kids run around while we relaxed. We also had some friends come and meet us to catch up and get a chance to see Jodie.

Tuesday brought some really good news for both Jodie and my dad. Jodie's low blood counts are probably being caused by one of the drugs she it taking for a virus, well that virus is now gone and the medication will be stopped. It will take a week or two for her counts to start moving back up again. Her rash, nothing to be concerned with the doctor just prescribed some cream for it.

My dad's wound is healing and there's no longer a concern of him passing it to someone else.

So we are on day 70 after the transplant, we hope to have Jodie home at the end of July. And my dad will have another appointment with his doctor next week to take a look at his kidney cancer. We're hopeful that the medication has continued to reduce the cancer.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for our family.

Blessings to all!!!

-The Gees

Day 46 - Together Again

2009-06-07T22:15:00.001-07:00

Has it really been 46 days since Jodie's bone marrow transplant? Amazing, just amazing.

We were in Houston this weekend to see Jodie. What a great time! We also got to see my parents, Jodie's sister Joyce and our good friend Cindy. Praise God for Joyce and Cindy as they shared caregiver duties for Jodie this week.

Jodie is doing just WONDERFUL!

Her blood counts look pretty good, they are still on the low side of "normal" so there is still more to look forward to and hope for.

Her pneumonia is still there, but each time they check, it looks better and better.

Her hair is still there tooJ We thought the chemo would take her hair away, but so far it has only been thinning.

Jodie has improved enough that her doctors have even relaxed her scheduled visits to the hospital. Until recently, she's been at the hospital every day, even the weekends. But a couple of weeks ago the doctors started to give her the weekends off and this week she got Thursday off too.

We cannot thank you enough for all the encouragement since last November when we found out about Jodie's Aplastic Anemia. The walls in Jodie's apartment have all the evidence of your support as they are covered with cards and notes from so many of you.

Until next time…

Blessing to all,

The Gees

Day 30

2009-05-23T01:22:00.001-07:00

Day 30, that's right it's been 30 days since Jodie's bone marrow transplant. WOW, God is good, so very good!!!

Jodie's blood counts are improving.

Her white cells were at 4 today, they've been as high as 7. Normal range should be 4 to 12. Remember, her white cell counts were 0.01 prior to the transplant.

Her red blood cells, 8.4 today. Normal range should be 7 to 10.

And lastly platelets, they were at 116 today. Typical range is 150 to 400. Prior to the transplant, Jodie's highest counts were around 50 and that was after a platelet transfusion.

Praise God, all of these new numbers are a result of her new bone marrow.

Jodie has been out of the hospital and in a local apartment with her sister Joyce for almost two weeks now. She's still at the hospital everyday for blood work and IV medication, but she's normally done by the afternoon.

She's really been enjoying a more normal life since being in an apartment, eating out once in a while and trip to Target every now an then too. She just uses some caution when going out, wearing a mask and going out during less crowded times of the day. Earlier this week we got more good news on Jodie's pneumonia. "Considerably better" in the words of the doctors and nurses.

My dad continues on his regimen of chemo drugs, 2 weeks on 1 week off. Overall he is doing well too. While we were in the hospital, he was our main errand person, food, laundry, transportation whatever we needed. My dad gets around so well most of the time, I sometimes forget about his cancer, I think that's the way he likes it. He wants it less about him and more about taking care of Jodie and everyone else, that's how he's always been.

Prayer requests:

-We praise God for Jodie's improving health, pray for her new bone marrow to continue making blood cells.

-We praise God for my dad's response to his cancer medication

-We praise God for Jodie's sister Joyce who is her full time caregiver

-Pray for our health in Dallas. Elizabeth (ear infection and pink eye), Tyler (pink eye)

While typing this update, a movie called The Rainmaker was on tv. It's a lawyer drama and the main story is about a family whose son dies because their insurance company denies coverage for a life saving bone marrow transplant and sadly they had no other resources to help pay for the procedure. Oh how blessed we have been.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you."

Indeed it is,

The Gees

Day 20 - Jodie Leaves the Hospital

2009-05-13T00:24:00.001-07:00

Good news continues for Jodie.

Jodie was released from the hospital on Monday. She will now spend the next couple of months in a local apartment in Houston. The apartment complex is minutes away from the hospital and also provides a shuttle service for convenience.

She will have daily visits to the hospital for blood tests, visits with her doctor and continued IV medications.

The doctors say it takes 2-4 weeks from transplant to see signs of engraftment. Praise God that we are starting to see signs of it with Jodie. Today (Wed), will be 1 week since her last white blood cell transfusion and her counts are beginning to normalize. What we really want to see are those counts increasing and not falling off.

Despite a couple of restless nights this week and some nausea, Jodie is feeling well overall.

Blessings everyone!

The Gees

Day 14

2009-05-06T23:58:00.001-07:00

14 days after the bone marrow transplant and Jodie is doing great!!! She remains in the hospital as we wait for her new bone marrow to show signs of grafting. She's been receiving white blood cell donations every other day, but the doctors are going to discontinue it for now to see if her bone marrow is starting to graft. They say it typically takes 2-4 weeks for grafting to start. - We pray that Jodie continues to feel well and shows no side effects from the chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant or blood transfusions. - We pray that Jodie's new bone marrow grafts soon and starts to produce normal blood cells. - We praise God for surrounding Jodie and our family with a loving community of supporters. Blessings to all,

The Gees

Day 5

2009-04-27T15:18:00.001-07:00

We are now on Day 5 post bone marrow transplant. Jodie is doing great!!! The only trouble so far was on Day 1, she had a very severe sinus headache during the night, the congestion and sinus pressure even caused swelling in the right side of her face. But after some pain medicine, Benadryl and a good nights rest she was feeling better by the morning.

Overall, Jodie has a good appetite and her energy level is up. She's usually good for a couple of walks during the day too. We can't get her outside or around crowds of people yet, so she's just walking around the bone marrow transplant floor.

For now, Jodie will remain in the hospital for at least a couple of more weeks, the doctors need to see the bone marrow start to graft and watch for something called Graft vs. Host disease. If all goes well, she will then get discharged from the hospital, but stay locally in Houston for another couple of months for regular visits to the hospital and follow up with the doctors.

A few praises and prayer requests:

-Jodie's mom visited us in the hospital this weekend, it was great to see her.

-White cell donors, thanks to all of you who have considered and are even going through the process of donating white cells for Jodie

-We praise God for the skill and expertise of the doctors and nurses here at the hospital.

-Pray that the new bone marrow starts to graft soon and shows signs of producing normal blood cells.

-Pray for good health for our kids back home in Dallas. They are well taken care of by Jodie's sister Joyce and their mom.

Blessings to all,

The Gees

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

John 10:10

Day 0 - Transplant Day

2009-04-22T16:34:00.001-07:00

At 12 CST today Jodie started her bone marrow transplant and at 4 CST it was done. The actual procedure is just a blood transfusion given in the room, there is no surgical procedure at all. Seems a bit anti-climactic after everything that its taken to get us here.

The transfusion went smoothly, the next few weeks are really important.

Starting with tomorrow, Jodie will get white cell transfusions to fight the pneumonia she got prior to the transplant. Thanks to some very loving friends and family here in Houston who are donating their white cells to Jodie.

And then in 2-4 weeks we hope to see the new bone marrow producing new blood cells.

What a great day!!!!

God is Good,

The Gees

Day "-1" (The Day Before Transplant)

2009-04-21T16:19:00.001-07:00

Sometime today, in a place unknown to us a 46 year old woman has donated her bone marrow in hopes of saving a life, Jodie's life.

We trust that God is overseeing the entire process and every detail. From the donation procedure, the transport of the bone marrow to Houston and the bone marrow transplant tomorrow.

The day of the transplant, Day 0, is tomorrow. But we've spent today relaxing and resting. Jodie is feeling great! Praise God there are no fevers or rashes to worry about today.

Thank you for praying specifically for Jodie.

-Pray the bone marrow donation has gone smoothly today.

-Pray the bone marrow arrives as planned to MD Anderson

-Pray the bone marrow transplant goes well tomorrow for Jodie

-Pray there is no rejection of the bone marrow

-Pray the bone marrow grafts quickly and begins to produce normal blood cells

Thank you everyone for the love and care sent from near and far.

In His care,

The Gees

Day 3 of Chemotherapy

2009-04-19T20:22:00.001-07:00

3 down, 1 to go. Monday will be the last day of chemotherapy for Jodie. Day 2 and 3 have been much easier for her. After the allergic reaction on the first day, Jodie has done much better, no fevers, rashes of chest pains since. Tuesday will be a day of rest for her and then the bone marrow transplant on Wednesday the 22nd. We continue to be blessed and strengthened by your continued prayers and support. God is good! The Gees

A Restless Night for Jodie

2009-04-18T07:52:00.001-07:00

The allergic reaction to one of the chemo drugs continued to progress through the night and continues still. A combination of chills, shortness of breath and most concerning a fever right now of 105. Jodie is getting some steroids now and laying down with bags of ice under her arms and legs to bring down her fever. We know you all are in continual prayer for Jodie, just add her high fever as the latest request. In His care, The Gees I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

Chemotherapy Day 1

2009-04-17T22:25:00.001-07:00

Today was Jodie's first day of chemo. She has a regimen of 3 drugs, administered separately one after the other. Jodie handled the first two just fine, but the third caused an allergic reaction. A rash and shortness of breath so far, some additional benadryl and steroids seem to be helping. What a blessing to be at a hospital like MD Anderson, the nurses and doctors here seem to be prepared for most everything. It's reassuring when they can anticipate and are prepared for all types of side effects and drug reactions. It's been a long day, but Jodie has handled it great. Oh my gosh, now the bed is broken, it won't go up or down, tilt etc... They're getting her a new one. God is good, always! The Gees

Expect the Unexpected

2009-04-10T11:34:00.001-07:00

This week was supposed to be filled with tests and pre-transplant procedures and meetings with the transplant team. Tuesday went as planned, but after a review of a chest x-ray the doctors saw an infection in Jodie's left lung, they suspect pneumonia. Our doctor admitted Jodie immediately on Wednesday (not really, we had a 5 hour wait in the ER before her room was ready) to start treating the infection.

They don't anticipate the infection delaying the transplant, in fact to get rid of the infection completely Jodie's body needs to start producing white blood cells and that won't happen until the bone marrow transplant is complete and the marrow starts to produce it on its own.

To prepare for the transplant, Jodie will need a central line, it's a 3 port tube inserted under the collar bone directly into the vein leading to her heart. This is how she will receive the chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant and other medicines. A standard procedure for many patients, it's been complicated for Jodie because her blood is not clotting like it should. So she's been given extra plasma and platelet transfusions to improve her clotting.

The good news, Jodie is feeling GREAT! Good appetite, she's in great spirits and ready to get the transplant.

Every step we take we are assured that God is right here by our side. We were comforted today by one of the transplant nurses that heard of Jodie's story on a local Christian radio station. She was aware of her story even before meeting us and Jodie being admitted into the hospital, yet another person among so many lifting up Jodie in prayer.

-Thank you all for continuing to pray for Jodie and our family.

-Pray for the infection in her lungs to improve

-Pray for minimal side effects of the chemotherapy

-Pray that Jodie's body remains strong enough to endure the treatment

-Pray the bone marrow transplant is a success.

-Praise God that the kids are at home being cared for and loved while we are apart from them.

Jodie's Wait Is Over!!!!

2009-04-06T23:49:00.001-07:00

Praise God!

We received word that the donor has given final consent and is healthy to donate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The transplant date is scheduled for April 21st. Prior to the transplant, Jodie has a week of tests and procedures to go through plus another week of chemotherapy all in preparation for the bone marrow transplant.
We thank you all for your ongoing prayer support. Please pray that the next few weeks go well for Jodie, she is battling an infection right now that is causing a fever, we hope that it does not delay the plans for the transplant.
We are blessed that we can share this God given moment with all of you.
Joyfully,
The Gees

2009-03-16T01:13:00.001-07:00

Our wait continues… Since our last update not much has changed. We continue to wait for the donor's final consent and a transplant date. The transplant team at MD Anderson, remain positive and say that there is nothing unusual about the wait. In fact, the donor recently attended an information session on the bone marrow donation process and is still interested in donating. What has changed is Jodie's overall health. She's been feeling great over the last few weeks. Sinus pressure from allergies has eased considerably. Her energy level is up too, it's allowed her to take a couple of walks in the park and exercise a little more which has helped here control her blood sugar. Thankfully the kids and I have been healthy during this time too, that's really given us a lot more time together as a family. This week my parents are in town visiting from Houston. My dad continues to take medication in hopes of further reducing his kidney cancer and the growth that had spread to his lungs and ribs. Eventually they hope to remove the kidney all together. Psalm 13 captures David asking God four times, "How Long?" David struggled with how long God would allow him to endure hardship. At end of the passage though, David remained faithful and hopeful in God's plan for him, so do we. "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me." Psalm 13: 5-6

Still Waiting...

2009-02-23T01:31:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who continues to lift our family up in prayer! The health of the bone marrow donor looks good, and now we are waiting on insurance and the final consent to be official!

We are so grateful that God brought us the donor when He did. Jodie's body was getting more tired and it was increasingly difficult to fight the many germs that surround her.

The amazing thing is that God knew all along what He had in store for Jodie. His timing is always perfect!! This donor did not come from one of our drives, as our first donors just got on the registry a few weeks ago. We are very mindful, now more than ever, that God is using our situation to help someone else in need.

As we have said before, there are still many patients searching. God was so gracious to us in bringing Jodie a perfect match within 2 months! Many patients have been searching for over 1 or 2 years.

Here are some of them:

Rohan Karer is an 18 month old boy who has a rare primary immune deficiency called X-linked Hyper IGM syndrome. The only permanent cure for this deficiency is a bone marrow transplant. Until Rohan receives this life saving transplant, he must go to the hospital every 3 weeks for IVIG infusions to build his immunities. This is in addition to the multiple times that he has been hospitalized fighting infections that couldn't be prevented using IVIG alone. Rohan's outside activities and interaction with others is limited in order to avoid exposing him to potential infections.

Maile Lamela (3) is half Filipino and half Mexican/Puerto Rican. In 2007 she was diagnosed with and infant form of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). She was able to reach remission through chemotherapy, but her leukemia relapsed in June 2008 and she is now in an urgent need for a marrow/stem cell transplant. Because she is mixed, it will make her search that much more difficult.

Jisong (15, Korean) from Queens, New York was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) in February 7, 2008. She is an active member of the Korean Catholic Church, the cross country team, swim team and her school orchestra.

In 1998, Wincheng organized a bone marrow drive, trying to save the life of a young Chinese American MIT undergrad. Now she needs your help to find her a match! On June 9, 2006, 26 year old Wincheng Lin was diagnosed with AUL, an extremely rare combination of AML and ALL with a tumor the size of a grapefruit in her chest. Although she is completing several rounds of chemotherapy, doctors believe this might not be enough. Due to the rare form of Leukemia she has, a bone marrow transplant is her best bet for a cure. Neither of Wincheng's two sisters are bone marrow matches for her. So far, no match has been found.

Zhonglin Li (37) and his wife Nianliu are from China. They came to the United States in 2001, and studied in the University of Arizona. On March 13, 2007, detailed blood and bone marrow test results confirmed that Zhonglin was suffering from acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). In the following months, Zhonglin received a course of initial chemotherapy and two courses of consolidation chemotherapy. He was in remission in July 2007. During this period, their second daughter was born in June 2007. Unfortunately, before long after the youngest daughter’s first birthday, in July 2008, they found out Zhonglin relapsed.

Many thanks on behalf of these patients and many more who may benefit from one of the Save Jodie Gee drives.

"I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples." Psalm 77:11-14

Praying and BELIEVING,

JoAnn Wu

God Delivers a Bone Marrow Donor!!!

2009-02-17T11:24:00.001-08:00

Shout for joy to the Lord!!!

God has delivered a bone marrow donor for Jodie!!!

We've been notified that a bone marrow match for Jodie has been found. We are overjoyed with this wonderful news.

We need your prayers. Although a donor has been found some unresolved items remain:

> Additional test results are being reviewed right now on the donor to determine their overall health and ability to donate.
> Appropriate approvals (insurance and hospital) for the bone marrow transplant
> Donor consent. The donor has already submitted to additional bloodwork and the additional testing, their willing participation so far is a good sign.

Regarding the upcoming bone marrow drives, please continue to plan and work toward a successful drive. Although a match has been found for Jodie, anything can happen that could jeopardize the plans for a transplant. And like with any transplant there could be rejection of the bone marrow and another bone marrow donor may be needed. And lastly, the drives have been in honor of Jodie, not only hoping to find her a donor, but the thousands of others like her that need a life saving bone marrow transplant. Since starting the bone marrow drives back in December, over 1,200 new donors have registered directly through one of Jodie's drives. Please help continue this awesome work.

Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!

-The Gees

Gee Family Update 2/16/09

2009-02-17T09:03:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone!

Our family is doing very well. All of us were together this weekend for the first time in a while. We enjoyed time together on Saturday and Sunday. Jodie and I even got to spend some alone time together without the kids.

Jodie continues to feel well. She still has sinus headaches once in a while, but other than that she still remains healthy enough to stay out of the hospital. Today was a normal Monday for Jodie, complete blood work followed by a platelet transfusion and then a long nap at home.

This was a big weekend for bone marrow drives, 4 in Houston and 1 in Dallas. There were more than 350 new bone marrow donors added to the national registry from these drives alone.
We praise God for all the new donors and all the people that helped to coordinate the drives in honor of Jodie.

Thank you all for continuing to stay connected with our story and Jodie's search for a bone marrow donor. Your prayers for Jodie and our family are a blessing.

In His care,

The Gees

2009-02-17T01:45:00.000-08:00

Our family continues to be amazed at everything that God is doing through Jodie's need for a bone marrow donor! It is an honor to be a part of a cause that can potentially help not only my sister, but thousands of other patients around the world.

As we learn of other patients and their needs, we keep them in our thoughts and prayers and continue to believe that God has a wonderful plan for Jodie and for those patients as well.

We are speechless as we see the many, many people who are coming together to support Jodie and this very important cause.

So far, our campaign has resulted in over 1200 new donors!!! God is good!!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

JoAnn Wu - Jodie's sister

Separate Lives

2009-02-06T10:43:00.001-08:00

It has almost been 1 full month since Jodie's last hospital stay. That is by far the longest she's gone since being diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia.

Living apart from the kids and I has obviously been good for Jodie's health, staying at her mom's house and being cared for by her has been a wonderful blessing, but it's been very difficult on our family too. The kids and I have been sick a lot lately, first normal coughs and runny noses, then a stomach virus and the latest has been a cough with congestion. I'm even using a breathing machine on Elizabeth right now so she can inhale some medication.
All of this means that we can not see Jodie. She's probably been with the kids for no more than 4 hours over the last 2-3 weeks. It's hard on me too taking care of the kids on my own, but as soon as I get tired or frustrated I quickly remind myself that I can hug the kids anytime I want. Jodie can't!

Although Jodie has not been in the hospital, she still battled some other health concerns. Severe sinus headaches from a sinus infection, high blood pressure and early onset of diabetes. She's still getting regular transfusions of platelets and blood too.

We are also still waiting to hear from the transplant team on potential donors. There are 3 left out of the original search and we are still waiting on test results from them. We pray that God would make one of those people the perfect match for Jodie.

BUT, with all that going on, we press on. We press on with the hope and strength only the one true God can supply.

We press on too because there is still so much to be done and we thank many of you for doing most of that work on Jodie's behalf.

- Right now there are 13 bone marrow donor drives scheduled into March and more are being coordinated.
- Numerous stories have already been published in asian newspapers. Jodie will even be on the front page of a local korean newspaper here in Dallas.
- The Houston Chronicle and the Dallas Morning News will also be publishing stories on Jodie.
- A local TV station in Houston is also planning on doing a story to help publicize the drives scheduled for next weekend.

We pray that all our efforts help find Jodie's perfect marrow donor match soon and bring more awareness to the need for minority marrow donors.

Take a look at Jodie's new website, www.savejodie.com.

In His care,
The Gees

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matthew 11: 28-30

Bone Marrow Drives for 1/31

2009-01-30T17:23:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, just a quick note that there are 2 bone marrow drives going on tomorrow. See the details below and forward on to anyone you know in Richardson or LA.

Jodie is getting a platelet and blood transfusion today. The sinus pressure and headaches are going away too!

We hope to see Jodie this weekend, its been 2 weeks since she has been able to be with the kids.

Take care!
The Gees

-------------------------------------------
Saturday, January 31, 2009
8:00am - 10:00am

Chinese Christian Herald Crusades Street
110 N. McKinney Street City
Town: Richardson, TX
(972) 690-0100 - www.dallascchc.org
-------------------------------------------
Saturday, January 31, 2009
10:00am - 6:30pm

Chinatown Los Angeles Street
Broadway Street (call helen for booth number)
Los Angeles, CA
Contact Info: (626) 616-6765, HWU@LTSC.ORG

Gee Family Update, 1/28/09

2009-01-28T00:32:00.000-08:00

Lots of ups and downs last week, but for now Jodie is doing really good!!!

Jodie's blood pressure returned to normal levels last week so she was able to resume her Cyclosporine treatment on Monday. Cyclosporine may help Jodie's bone marrow recover temporarily while we wait for the transplant.

Right now she's fighting a sinus infection that is giving her headaches and painful pressure, but allergy medicine and Tylenol Sinus provide some temporary relief.

On a lighter note, Jodie has started doing pilates to keep her strength up. Our doctor also told Jodie that she can eat fresh fruits and vegetables as long as they are prepared at home where they can be washed thoroughly. She's cautious about this one, but really enjoyed an apple yesterday for the first time in a long time.

Bone marrow drives, to everyone that has coordinated, set up tables and chairs, publicized, made announcements, put packets together, taken pictures, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! And to those that have actually gotten swabbed and registered, WOW, praise God!
Thanks to everyone at Plano Chinese Alliance Church, almost 80 people got registered last Sunday.
If you missed that one, there are 7 scheduled marrow drives coming up in the next few weeks, plus potential drives at Jodie's treating hospital and my workplace, AT&T.

I mentioned the "downs" from last week....they don't really seem that bad right now:)
If you really want to know, just imagine me and the kids all with a stomach virus this past weekend.

We ask for your continued prayers that God would deliver the perfect marrow donor match for Jodie, we are hopeful that it is one of the 3 remaining donors from the original search.

Full of hope,
The Gees

For a video and more information about Jodie
> www.savejodie.com
> Facebook - Save Jodie Gee (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=49735991409)

"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:13

Update for Jan, 20, 2009

2009-01-20T00:52:00.000-08:00

Today started out just fine. The kids were home from school for MLK day and my sister-in-law Joyce (a teacher) was able to watch them all day at home.
For Jodie, Monday's usually mean blood work in the morning, doctor's visit to review blood work and a trip to the hospital for a platelet transfusion. But today she had to get a blood transfusion too, that usually adds on a few extra hours in the hospital in outpatient services.

Around 4pm is when things started to get a little crazy, Elizabeth threw up in her crib after an afternoon nap. I rushed home in a panic hoping it wasn't something more serious. There was no fever, just a little extra cranky, but all in all she was fine.
By this time Jodie was just starting her second unit of blood, with still a platelet transfusion to go. At this rate she wouldn't get out until 8 or 9 pm (she arrived at 12:30 pm).
Already feeling helpless that I couldn't do anything for Jodie, I didn't have much patience with the kids so it was a rough night.
After getting the kids down for bed, I got a call from Jodie that she was having an allergic reaction to the platelets (first time). She had just walked out of the hospital, but could not go back to Outpatient services because they were already closed. She can't go to the emergency room because the risk of germs, viruses etc. She was breaking out in hives and all she could do was rush home and wait for our doctor to call us back. I met Jodie at her mom's house and we spent the next hour praying and calming each other down waiting for the benadryl to do it's job.

It's midnight now, Elizabeth and Jodie are both doing ok, they are resting comfortably. Thank you God!

-------------
Regarding bone marrow donors, the 22 potential donors is now down to 3. The other 19 were either not a good enough match or were unavailable for further testing and typing.
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We prayed a lot today. We prayed that He would deliver Jodie from her SAA. We prayed that he would lead a perfect match marrow donor to us very soon. And we prayed that God would keep watch over the kids.
We approach the throne of grace with hope and confidence, but the hard part remains the waiting. But we wait on the One that can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, the One that can and will move mountains.

We praise God for every head bowed and knee bent for us in prayer.

In His Care,
The Gees

Gee Family Update, 1/15/09

2009-01-15T01:15:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

Let's start with GREAT news. Over the last few weeks my dad has been taking a drug called Sutent, it's a targeted drug that specifically treats kidney cancer. He met with his doctor today to discuss the effectiveness of the medication, "significant improvements in all areas" were the words from the doctor. Praise God!!!!
The medication is having wonderful success on my dad's kidney cancer, in fact one of the masses has shrunk to half the original size! The doctors are very encouraged by the results and have asked my dad to continue the medication and come back for another visit in a couple of months.

Now Jodie, she's been on a drug called Cyclosporine. It's supposed to help her bone marrow recover and start to produce blood cells by suppressing her immune system. But today she stopped taking the drug because it is elevating her blood pressure and causing increased levels of bilirubin in her body. To treat the high blood pressure the doctor prescribed another drug for her, but that has brought on another side effect, severe nausea.
She continues to stay at her mother's during this time. But it's difficult being apart, especially right now since I can't do anything to help her. But we're hoping this measure reduces her exposure to germs, viruses etc and improves her chances of staying healthy.
Jodie has been feeling well otherwise, no fevers, good energy and a good appetite.

Just a few prayer requests:
-Praise God for my dad's improved health!
-Pray that Jodie's blood pressure and bilirubin count return to normal levels
-Pray that the nausea goes away and she's able to rest comfortably
-Pray that our kids continue to adjust well and stay healthy

Thank you all for walking along side us, we praise God for His love and grace.

In His care,
-The Gees

Very Busy Monday Morning

2009-01-12T11:52:00.000-08:00

The kids started their new school today. Elizabeth did fine, but Tyler had a rough time getting started. Daddy had a hard time saying goodbye to them too:(

While I was dropping the kids off, Jodie went with her mom for blood work and then I met them at our doctors office for a weekly visit.
She will need platelets again today.

We just ask for your continued prayers for Jodie as she gets platelets today and for her to keep feeling well.

We also ask for God to protect the kids in their new school. Help them to feel loved, secure and nurtured in this new environment. Give their teachers extra patience as they care for the kids.

We PRAISE GOD that almost 100 new donors signed up yesterday at the Bone Marrow Drive at Austin Chinese Church. We are blessed by everyone that participated and helped organize.

Blessings to all,
-Alex

Jodie is Home!!!

2009-01-08T01:32:00.000-08:00

After 13 days in the hospital Jodie was discharged today and allowed to come home. Actually, she went to her mom's house. Since the kids are in school and I am back at work, it's safer for her there and less likely that she will be exposed to germs and viruses.
We feel the Lord's blessings covering us right now. Both of Jodie's parents are here from Taiwan, her sister JoAnn is here from California and her sister Joyce are all together tonight. And staying with me and the kids helping out is my sister-in-law Jennifer from Arizona.

And if that was not enough to encourage us, we know that so many of you are praying fervently for Jodie's health and lifting up our family to the Father.

So much has happened since the last time I shared with you all, good things. I've returned to work, Tyler returned to school and Elizabeth went to school for the very first time on Tuesday. She did very well! We praise God for orchestrating the kids schedule, they will be in school 5 days a week. That will allow me to work a normal schedule. Plus, Jodie will be cared for by her mom to get her to doctor appointments and hospital visits.
My dad is doing well too! The fluid that was collecting in his lungs has all but gone, so he no longer needs the use of a catheter.

Where we need your prayers:
-Jodie's ongoing health as we wait for a bone marrow donor
-Health of those surrounding her, the kids, me, Joyce, her parents
-The kids would continue to adjust and handle all the changes that come our way
-A BONE MARROW DONOR! There are 22 potential candidates that could match Jodie's tissue type. They still need to be contacted (harder than you would think as many people have outdated information listed), agree to donate and go through add'l testing.
-The search for more potential matches, pray that we can quickly develop material that anyone can use to bring awareness to Jodie's need and urge others to become a bone marrow donor.
-Wisdom for our doctors and nurses to give Jodie the best care available

"The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Exodus 14:14

This verse give us much confidence and comfort. We know that God alone is sufficient. Sufficient to heal and sufficient to relieve burdens that make our way easier.

In His Care,
The Gees

Gee Family Update 12/30/08

2008-12-30T21:22:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, thank you for your outpouring of love and support for Jodie, my dad and the rest of our family.

Here is the latest, plus some other important updates.

Jodie:
Jodie was checked into the hospital on Friday (12/26), her fever that started on Tuesday was not improving plus she needed a blood and platelet transfusion. Jodie is still in the hospital, her fever will not stabilize and the doctors have not been able to determine the source of the infection. She is good spirits overall. Holding down food has been a problem though, so she has not had much of an appetite.
The latest news from our transplant team at MD Anderson is that we have 22 potential marrow donor matches for Jodie!!! Additional testing and typing is still needed from this short list of donors, but we remain hopeful and confident that God will deliver the perfect donor for Jodie in His time.

My Dad:
He is on his last round of medication to treat the kidney cancer. He will visit his doctors in a couple of weeks to see if there have been any improvements with his kidney. Praise God that he's had minimal side effects from the medication. Besides feeling a little extra tired and dry skin, my dad has felt well throughout the drug treatment.

Prayer Requests and Praises:
Jodie - quick recovery from her current fever and infection and a return home
Jodie - that God will provide a marrow donor very soon
Jodie - Praise God, Jodie's white blood count improved to 0.1 (up from 0.0). 0.1 does not sound like a lot, but we'll take it! Normal range is 4.5 - 11.
Jodie - pray that the immunosuppresive drugs (ATG/Cyclosporine) help improve Jodie's blood counts
Family - Praise God for the many helping hands He sends us, especially Jodie's sister Joyce and now her parents who just arrived from Taiwan.
Family - we need God's direction in setting up the best situation for the kids after the holidays. Full time school, nanny or a combination?
Family - pray for continued good health and strength (if one of us gets sick, Jodie will get sick)
Alex - pray for a smooth return to work
Dad - pray for great results from the medication
Mom and Dad - They are feeling well, let's pray that it continues
Mom and Dad - Praise God that my brother Brian and his family (Jennifer and Kendall) are in Houston visiting from out of town.

Blood Donor Information:
Many of you have asked about donating blood in Jodie's name. Here is the information you will need.

> Dallas and surrounding area (a Carter BloodCare facility, http://www.carterbloodcare.org/)
- provide Jodie's sponsor number, spon047378

> Nationwide
- center should be affiliated with the National Blood Exchange
- then provide name, treating hospital and city
Jodie Gee
Richardson Regional Medical Center
Richardson, TX

Facebook:
- Visit our Save Jodie Gee Facebook page.
We'll post updates, donor event details and other important information.

Upcoming Bone Marrow Drives:
Sunday, January 4, 2009 - Bread of Life Church (Torrance, CA)

Sunday, January 11, 2009 - Austin Chinese Church (Austin, TX)

Sunday, January 18, 2009 (tentative) - Chinese Baptist Church (Houston, TX)

What is Severe Aplastic Anemia:
http://www.marrow.org/PATIENT/Undrstnd_Disease_Treat/Lrn_about_Disease/Aplastic_Anemia/index.html

Always in His Care,
The Gee's

Merry Christmas From The Gee's

2008-12-26T21:22:00.000-08:00

We must say this Christmas was unlike any other in our lifetime. Jodie's battle with Aplastic Anemia for one and the overflow of blessing we feel as family, friends and complete strangers cover us with prayer. Although Jodie is sick, we know that it is part of God's perfect plan for our life and His plans are bigger and better than what we could ever imagine for ourselves. So we choose to trust in Him and His promises.
On Christmas day were thankful to be at home all together. Today, we are in the hospital getting a blood and platelet transfusion plus some antibiotics to help with a fever that Jodie started a couple of days ago.

My dad continues to do well, he is on his second round of medication to treat his kidney cancer. Praise God that the side effects to this point have been minimal. He'll have a doctor visit in January to see how effective the medication has been on the cancer cells.

- Visit our "Save Jodie Gee" Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=49735991409
We'll post updates, donor event information and other information to keep you all posted.

- Upcoming Bone Marrow Drives
Sunday, January 4, 2009

10:30am - 1:30pm

Bread of Life Church (Torrance, CA)

www.breadoflifechurch.org

------------
Sunday, January 11, 2009

11:00am

Austin Chinese Church (Austin, TX)

Blessings and a Merry Christmas to all!

The Gee's

Today a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11

Gee Family Update, 12/15/08

2008-12-15T21:21:00.000-08:00

So sorry it's been a while since the last update, here is the latest.

- Jodie is at home now and feeling well. We continue to do all we can to keep her healthy until a transplant.

- My dad is at home and feeling well, he's finished the first couple of weeks of medication and side effects have been minimal. We hope the cancer cells on his kidney are destroyed, plus the other growth on his rib and lung.

- Jodie spent 12/5 - 12/12 in the hospital getting treatment for her tonsils. She also received platelet and blood transfusions and also started a treatment called ATG/Cyclosporine. It will hopefully help her bone marrow recover and start producing new blood cells. It's a temporary treatment that will help until God brings Jodie a bone marrow match.

- We had a bone marrow drive at our church this past Sunday, 77 people joined the National Marrow Donor Program. Wow!!!

While I am here at home caring for Jodie and the kids, there is a movement already in progress that is trying to register more marrow donors, not only to help Jodie, but maybe to save the life of someone else too. Look for more details in the future on what you can do to help.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Last thought....

We hope this message finds you all well, but we know many of you may be in your own season of brokenness. In fact, many of my dear friends and colleagues at AT&T have recently lost their jobs through layoffs.
And get this, I even saw my old manager visiting his dad at the same hospital where Jodie is being treated, he was having a pacemaker put in.

Whatever your need, God alone is more than enough.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;

Psalm 34: 17-19

In His Care,
Alex, Jodie, Tyler and Elizabeth

Bone Marrow Donor Testing for Jodie Gee

2008-12-05T21:17:00.000-08:00

Jodie was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia on November 10th. Her bone marrow is not making any of the cells she needs for her blood. As a result, she is very susceptible to infections, she can bleed easily and she feels tired. The recommended treatment for a full recovery is a bone marrow transplant. The best chance of a match comes from a donor with a similar ethnic background (Jodie is Taiwanese), but a donor of different ethnicity could still be a match too, just less likely.

Many of you have asked about getting tested to see if you are a match for Jodie. Below is some important information for you to consider if you are interested in getting tested. Getting tested is easy - it only involves swabbing the inside of your cheek with a cotton swab.

TESTING OPTIONS:

Option 1. Join the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) national registry. By joining the national registry, you become a potential donor for Jodie as well as others in need of a bone marrow transplant. Becoming a donor is easy, find an affiliated donation center in your area, fill out a registration form and then get a cheek swab, you will then be added to the national registry.
Jodie's doctors at MD Anderson monitor the registry regularly for potential donors.

For more info on the NMDP and local donor centers, visit www.marrow.org/ or call 1-800-MARROW-2.

Other important information:
• FAQs about joining the registry
• Medical Guidelines for Joining
• Myths & Facts about Bone Marrow Donation

Donor centers:
Houston
Dallas
Austin

Option 2. If you would like to be tested for Jodie ONLY, meaning you do not want to be a potential donor for anyone else, then you can get privately tested. You will need to request a test kit from Kashi Clinical Laboratories (KCL) at www.bonemarrowtest.com

-Test kit fee, $165
-Kit Includes: Two cheek swabs, a consent form to KCL and label for return of the sample to KCL.
-Please complete the consent form with the information below to direct a copy of the results to our MD Anderson search coordinator.

Michele Alvarez
Lead Unrelated Transplant Coordinator
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd. Rm R8.1602
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: 713-745-3216
Fax: 713-563-8037

If you have additional questions, please contact JoAnn Wu, Betsy Wong, Karen Chin or Connie Chuan.

In His Care,
Alex, Jodie, Tyler and Elizabeth

Gee Family Update 12/4/2008

2008-12-04T21:16:00.000-08:00

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
-Lamentations 3: 22-25

God reminded us of this passage through a friend the other day and it came at the right time.

Since our last update we had GREAT week of Thanksgiving, Jodie felt well and we had a nice Thanksgiving lunch at home with her sister Joyce and a couple of friends. But this week has brought us some new challenges. Monday, we found out that neither JoAnn or Joyce are a bone marrow match for Jodie. Also on Monday, Jodie started to run a fever and her throat started to feel sore. It turns out she has tonsillitis.

Because we have not yet found a match and the process could take months or even longer, Jodie will start a drug treatment next week called ATG/Cyclosporine. We hope it helps her bone marrow recover and start producing new blood cells, but ultimate cure is still a bone marrow transplant.

We fight every minute of the day to try and keep Jodie and our family healthy. Limiting visitors, frequent baths and hand washing and attention to the food we eat. Plus the other concerns of finding and unrelated donor, care for the kids during all the doctor and hospital visits, trying to work when I can (Alex). All of this is overwhelming at times, BUT that is why God sends us his Word like the passage from Lamentations. It sustains us and reminds us that God alone is sufficient.

An update on my Dad: He and mom are doing well. Mom even returned to work earlier this week. Dad started a drug called Sutent which is supposed to reduce and kill the cancer cells in his kidney, lung and ribs. The hope is to treat all the cancer and remove the diseased kidney. They will evaluate his progress after 6 weeks of treatment.

We thank you all, family, friends and even strangers for your prayers and support. God continually uses his Word and you all to encourage us and lift our spirits.

Here are a few things you can specifically pray for:
-Jodie's immediate health.
-Dad's (Jon Gee) Suntent treatment, pray that it is effective and side effects are minimal
-Jodie's ATG treatment works quicker than normal (typically 2-3 months)
-Health for my mom, Tyler, Elizabeth and Alex.
-A bone marrow match for Jodie
-A fun birthday for Tyler, he will be 5 years old on 12/5

We are deeply touched by the overflow of your love and care, from preparing a simple meal to wanting to be a bone marrow donor. Look for a couple of follow up emails, one on "Helping Hands" an online calendar and resource we've set up for local folks to help with meals, grocery shopping etc. and the second on what to do if you are interested in becoming a bone marrow donor.

Thanks for taking the time to keep up with our family.

In His Care,
Alex, Jodie, Tyler and Elizabeth

Gee Family Update 11/23/2008

2008-11-23T21:15:00.000-08:00

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

We finally made it home this Satuday after spending last week hospitalized in Houston. Jodie's fever caused some concern for the doctor, so he decided it would be best to admit her last Monday.

My dad has also been at home resting, while still visiting the hospital for more tests and meetings with his doctors.

Our family continues to be strengthened and encouraged by your thoughts and prayers.

Praises:
-Both Jodie and my dad are both healthy enough to be at home.
-Our family has been SO blessed by friends, family and complete strangers that continue to lift us up in prayer
-Meals, rides to the hospital and childcare from friends and family
-God continues to make Himself real and evident especially during the tougher times.

Prayer Requests:

-That God would bring healing and allow Jodie's bone marrow to start producing platelets, white and red blood cells.
-If a bone marrow transplant is still God's plan for us, that he would provide a match soon from one of Jodie's sisters Joyce or JoAnn.
-While back at home, that God would shield Jodie, our family and home from any infection, virus or sickness
-That God would protect Tyler and Elizabeth during all the changes to "normal" family life
-For the logistics of child care for the kids before, during and after the bone marrow transplant
-Pray the God would bring a supernatural healing to by dad's body
-Dad's doctor's are suggesting a fairly new drug treatment, Sutent. If successful, this will allow the doctors to treat the cancer without immediate surgery or chemotherapy.
-That the cancer does not spread to any other parts of his body

Thank you everyone for your care and concern for our family, God is good.

In His Care,
Alex, Jodie, Tyler and Elizabeth

Gee Family Update 11/17/2008

2008-11-17T21:14:00.000-08:00

God continues to show us that our plans are sometimes a little different than His, but in the end they are for our good.

We planned to be in meetings this week at MD Anderson and doing outpatient test to prepare for the Stem Cell Transplant (Bone Marrow Transplant). Instead, we were admitted into the hospital today b/c of a fever that started to spike yesterday. Although I would rather not be in a hospital, it is the best place in the world for Jodie to be right now. Her fever has gone down, she is resting and in good spirits, the antibiotics are making a huge difference as well, something I could not give her outside of the hospital.

God continues to provide even in the lowest of times, short waits for lab work and tests even with a room full of waiting patients, admission into the hospital w/o complicated paperwork or red tape, meals for our family from friends in Houston, Jodie's mom and Joyce caring for Tyler and Elizabeth are just a few reminders of God's neverending love and faithfulness.

My dad was also released from the hospital today, he will be admitted into MD Anderson on Thursday. But he is feeling well and is enjoying being at home for now.

MD Anderson is an amazing place to see. I've only really seen it from the outside all these years growing up in Houston, but I really appreciate the work that goes on here. There are some really sick people getting cared for at this hospital, unfortunately we are one of them right now.

In His care,
The Gee family

Gee Family Update 11/15/2008

2008-11-15T21:11:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone for lifting up our family in prayer and holding us close to your hearts. We praise God for the friends, family and even complete strangers that are praying for us.

Here is an update and some prayer requests. Also, below is an email from my brother Brian on specifics on our dad.

Our whole family is headed down to Houston this week along with Joyce (Jodie's sister) and their mom. The plan is to meet with with Dr. Richard Champlin and his team at MD Anderson.

Jodie
-Pray for a supernatural healing from God
-pray for wisdom and clear understanding from our doctors on the right treatment and care for Jodie
-pray that Jodie stays free of infection, sickness and any cuts and bruises.

The Family
-Tyler and Elizabeth adjust well to all the changes
-Tyler and Elizabeth and Alex stay healthy and strong
-PTL for Mrs.Lin and Joyce, they have been caring for us keep them strong and healthy
-If bone marrow transplant is the path, that Joyce or Joann would be an exact tissue match and that God's care is over them during the process.

PRAISES.
-God has given our family peace and a strength that can only be from Him.
-Family, friends and even people we do not know are praying for us and are walking beside us, near and far.
-That Tyler has been able to experience some normalcy this week by going to preschool twice and celebrating the end of his soccer season with a pizza party with his soccer team.
-Our friends and family in Houston that are helping us with housing, meals and general love and care.
-Your messages and emails, they continue to be a key source of strength and encouragement.
-Psalm 121, this passage has been extremely comforting for us these last couple of days.

God is Good!

-Alex, Jodie, Tyler and Elizabeth

Our Hearts are Broken, But Our Faith is Strong

2008-11-13T16:09:00.000-08:00

posted by Gee Family on November 13, 2008

I don't really remember dates very well, but November 10th and 12th, 2008 will be hard ones to forget.

One Monday the 10th we found out Jodie is battling something called Aplastic Anemia (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aplastic-anemia/DS00322/DSECTION=causes).

And then on Wednesday the 12th our family received more devastating news, my dad Jon Gee has cancer (Kidney)

Both events were sudden and unexpected (like being able to prepare for them makes it any easier).

But we send this note today to give glory to God. Although we are devastated and broken, we feel a peace, comfort and strength that can only be from God. Our faith journey is just beginning, but we trust in God's sovereignty and will for our lives.

We'll send more updates and prayer requests for sure, but we wanted to take this one moment of complete brokenness to give praise, honor and glory to God for his promise to never leave us or forsake us.

Thank you all for your love and concern for our family. We continue to covet your prayers.

-Alex, Jodie, Tyler and Elizabeth

"For this reason I kneel before the Father... I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19

Aplastic Anemia - The beginning of it all

2008-11-10T16:02:00.000-08:00

Aplastic Anemia - The beginning of it all
posted by Gee Family on November 10, 2008

This is our original email that explains how we have arrived at this point in our Faith Journey:

Last Wednesday I had to make a trip to the ER due to a low platelet count. Backing up a couple of weeks ago, I had a routine physical done and my doctor had asked me to come back in for a follow-up. He told me that I may have an issue with my thyroid and that he wanted me to get some extra blood testing done. Also, my platelet levels were slightly lower (113000 -- normal is a minimum of 150000) than they should have been and since I had been experiencing some abnormal bruising, he wanted me to see a hematologist.

The day after my follow-up blood test (done for my thyroid), my doctor called and wanted me to go immediately to the ER for a platelet transfusion because my platelet count dropped to 6000 in just two weeks. I thought I'd be back at home that evening in time to make Tyler's lunch for school the next day, but I was wrong. I ended up being admitted into the hospital for safety (low platelet levels = blood not being able to clot). The hematologist also decided to start me on steroids to help my body produce platelets on its own instead of the platelet transfusion.

Initially, the doctors were thinking that I had something called ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura), where antibodies produced in my body attack my platelets. However, the following morning, not only did my platelet levels go down to 1000, but my red and white blood cell counts were down. My understanding is that with ITP, only the platelet levels are affected. Due to the decline in my platelets, red and white blood cells my doctor decided to do a bone marrow biopsy for more comprehensive test on what was going on. Basically he wanted to find out if I had Leukemia or aplastic anemia.

By Friday morning my body had responded well to the platelet transfusion, rounds of steroids and a round of Neutroplast (to build up my white blood cells) AND we found out that I am not fighting Leukemia. I was able to go home for the weekend and spend it with family. However at my follow-up visit today, we were told that I have severe aplastic anemia (my bone marrow is not producing any blood cells). Initially, we were going to go the route of medication to see if my body would regulate itself and then a bone marrow transplant if the medication did not work.

After my doctor consulted a colleague at MD Anderson, he wants me to go ahead and pursue the bone marrow transplant ASAP. We will most likely be traveling to Houston in the next day or two so we meet with the doctors there.

My family and I would cherish your prayers as we embark on this journey. We know that God is in control of all of that is going on in our lives and that His plan is perfect. A few prayer requests that we have are:

- Praise for God's perfect timing in all that is going on (going in for my physical - which I had been putting off, my mother is here from Taiwan and has been able to help watch our kids) and friends that God has put into our lives to encourage us and help us through medical questions we have.

- Thankfulness that the prognosis is 80% survival.

- We would find a bone marrow match for me ASAP. The two most likely matches for me would be one of my two sisters, JoAnn and Joyce.

- That he would keep me healthy since my white blood cell count is low and my body would not be able to fight any infection.

- Strength and peace for Alex as he has the extra burden of caring for the daily household tasks and Tyler and Elizabeth, as well as work stress.

- That our children, Tyler (almost 5) and Elizabeth (1), would be healthy during this process so I may be in contact with them. Also that they would have a peace about any changes will occur, even though they may not understand them.

We cannot thank you enough for lifting us up in your prayers!

In Him,
Alex, Jodie, Tyler and Elizabeth