*%$# - doc just called my sister and now his blood (the preliminary smear same back already) is showing that he has leukemia on top of whatever RBC blood issues he has. He's being admitted now. My sister has now officially fallen apart.

Oh Nori. I'm so sorry to hear that. I will keep him and your family in my prayers.

Oh dear god, why these things happen, I will never understand. He is too cute for words; I'm so sorry, Nori.

Jaime, we all thought it was a tattoo bc someone here complimented you on your new tattoo when you posted your new avatar (anna!) and when you didn't respond, we all just labeled you as a freakishly pain-absorbing she-woman!!! lol I'm glad to hear it is a necklace, as I'd worry about all those arteries right in that vicinity! Unless of course you are into the Twilight series and your tattoo artist is a vampire!

Nori - I'm so sorry. I can't even begin to imagine what your family is going through.

Nori I'm so sorry. You guys will pull through though.

Thanks ladies. Everyone is rallying and being as positive as possible. I remember when he got his first transfusion on the hem/onc floor and my sister was so thankful that he wasn't one of the CA patients. And now it's all changed. The doctor said he has never been so shocked either as when pathology called him with these results. They totally did not expect this since his wbc's and platelets have been in the normal range. It appears to be early leukemia. Plus whatever else with his rbc's. He told Amy to pack lots of clothes because she and Lucas will not be leaving the hospital until they know exactly what is wrong. Thank God they live so close to Portland and a great children's hospital. It makes it convenient for Daddy to keep working and still go up each night. This has been going on for 3 months now. His health benefits are through her job and they are just going to continue her on salary and continue her benefits. So nice. She is actually in the process of getting set up to work from home (same employer) so that will be nice too since daycare will be out of the question with his compromised immune system.

JAMIE - I so thought it was a tattoo, now that you mention it though, I do see the chain.
WHERE THE **** IS JILL!?!?!?
Nori- Yeah, plurk is really overloaded.
On another note, your nephew, I am so sorry. I have to say my nephew has PUV's and one kidney works at 10% and the other one 60%, his urethra was badly damaged and bladder as well. He has to cath every 3 hours, as well as everynight to make sure they are getting all the urine out of his bladder. He has had over 10 surgeries, but is only 8 years old, he is an angel, and BY FAR - the bravest person I know. Only GOD knows why these things happen. We'll be thinking of you. My sister has been through so much as well, she participates in a lot of support groups online and I'm sure could help your sister get in touch with a great group if she's interested. I'll be thinking of you.
As for the BF, he has not found anything yet. Keep the prayers rolling in as he had 2 great interviews last week, and one set up for Thursday. We were really praying for something by now, but we are trying to stay positive, and he is being very proactive. Also, his side business is picking up nicely.
As for myself, going to work is still very hard (we worked for the same company). Everyday there is a hand full of people that ask me how he is, and I so badly want to tell them to stick it. I really need help dealing with that... I mean it's all how's Phil? Is he working? Like WTF am I to say there?
Sorry to rant.

I worked out today and yesterday, and am dying to see that 159 before our last weigh in!

Aw, geez. I am so sorry for you and your sister. I cannot imagine the pain she must be in.

Nori, that is so very sad to hear. He's so cute. Hugs to you and your sister.

Awwww jeeze, more bad news for the little tyke. I'm so sorry, Nori, that's just awful. Life is so unfair.

Awww Nori that's rough. I'm so sorry. Saying a prayer for him and your family!

Nori, he is insanely adorable! I actually had a little cousin who was diagnosed with leukemia when he was a baby (he actually became a poster child), and he was able to fight it and went into remission until he was 14. It may be a fight, but there is still a good chance he will be okay!

whoa, whoa...I'm here

I may be not here so much for the next few days. I've been crazy busy with work, which is why I haven't been around as much lately, but then yesterday afternoon, my mother called me at work. My father had been having bouts of vomiting for a few days at a time every month for about the past 4 months. We FINALLY convinced him it was NOT just "a bug," and he went to a clinic, who referred his to a gastroenterologist. My mom called the gastro, and they couldn't get my dad in until August 20.

Well, my dad's body couldn't wait that long. He was puking so much he couldn't keep ANYTING, even water, down, so my mom took him to the ER yesterday. While there, he also started vomiting some blood. He was admitted, and today they will do an endoscopy to see if it is a ruptured gall bladder, a major bleeding ulcer, or a diverticulitis in his upper small intestine. Regardless, he will be having surgery tomorrow--they just want to see if they can tell before cutting him open what to expect.

Ironically enough, if it turns out to be something in his small intestine, they will have to perform a gastric bypass. He seemed to be in better spirits once he'd been admited to his room and had 3 IV bags of fluids in him and a shot for pain, so I joked with him and told him it wasn't fair, that gastric bypass is the surgery I want!

Jeff and I were planning on going down to see my parents this weekend anyway. There is now a chance I may be heading down a bit earlier. I am at work today, but I have my cell phone in my pocket for when my mother calls with updates.

I am having issues with the fact that he told her over the phone. At least it appears to be in the early stages and that should hopefully help them fight it. I can't even begin to imagine. You let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do for you. I know we are far away from you (at least I know I am), but we are here for you.

Regarding the work, you are a better person than me. I would be telling anyone that had anything to do with him being gone to take their false concern and shove it someplace really uncomfortable.

As for the weight, I know how you feel. I had a GREAT weight drop this week (3.6 lbs lost), but would need a 3.8 lb lose next week to make goal for this challenge. I may not make my 195 lb goal for the challange, but I made ONEDERLAND. I know you will make you 159

Jill -- I'll be sending positive vibes to you and your family for your dad's procedures! Hopefully the results will be that it is something completely manageable!!!

Chelle (or anyone else out there that knows) - do we know when the signups for the next challenge are going to be. I know the show starts on the 16th of Sept ( ), but was wondering when we would be doing signups and if we can stay blue if we want. Also how long is the challenge going to be?

THANKS!