Friday, May 29, 2009

Remission! What?!...Yes, REMISSION!!!!

As many of you know last Monday the 18th we got the discouraging news that one of Bree’s tests still was positive for cancer. Last Friday she went in for a two hour surgery to remove the last bit of the tumor in her abdomen that showed up on the scans. They then ran tests to determine if the tumor was active or not.

Two days ago, May 27th, Dr. Williams came in to our hospital room and told us that Bree’s tumor biopsy showed no active cancer cells were found! That was the news we were hoping to hear. What a blessing. That same morning Bree’s 5 oncologists plus the radiologists, pathologists and nurse practioners met together for a ‘Tumor Board” where they discuss what is next etc. As a group they unanimously agreed that Bree has shown a complete response (CR) to the treatment she’s received. Yea!!! They declared her to be in remission now! No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you! Yes, REMISSION!!!!!

When he told us this news, Justin and I just basically sat there with our jaws dropped on the floor. We didn’t even know that would be an option at this time. We thought at best they would say to “observe” and at worst recommend a bone marrow transplant. We were almost in disbelief because she still had the MRD bone marrow test show positive for neuroblast cells that previous Monday.

To explain in more detail about the MRD test, it is a new test that has been developed in the last 2 years. It hasn't been in a lot of research yet but it is a good tool to have. It tests for any neuroblast in her body. The doctor explained to us that since her tumor biopsy showed that there are no active cells, this could mean that the neuroblast cells that showed up in the first place could be slowly dying or are on their way to dying, yet will still show up because the test just looks for any neuroblast cell, whether it be active or slowly dying. Hopefully that makes sense. Over the next year, she'll be closely monitored. She'll have blood work done every month as well as an MRI and bone marrow aspiration (biopsy) done every 3 months. And the theory is that we will see a negative MRD test in the next year because the neuroblast cells that showed in the test are on their way to dying.

Initially Justin and I weren’t sure how to react. We were a bit guarded due to the MRD results explained above and because they don’t consider the cancer cured for two years. Our fears are real and valid but we decided to live by the Savior's words when he lovingly told “Doubting” Thomas “be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27). We are so grateful to our Heavenly Father that he intervened on our behalf and restored Bree to health. We believe that He has granted us this blessing because little Breezy has a lot to teach us and a lot of good to do on this earth!

Right after we were told the news we took Bree for a walk to her favorite spot at the hospital, the trains, and we called our parents and family members. As we were talking to people, it started to become more real. It started to set in…Remission. She’s finished. Done. No more chemo. No more hospital stays. No more pokes (at least for 3 months at a time). But, now she’s finished with treatment. Wow, that feels so good to say.


Just to back up a bit and get caught up, here are some pictures from our LAST (gasp!) L-A-S-T! hospital stay:

Before her surgery, posing with Daddy.
A quick picture with Mommy before they took her away to surgery.
Coming out of her surgery. She did so great!
This bracelet was given to Bree shortly after she was diagnosed. I thought the symbolism was perfect. This is a word we have come to live by day to day.
Showing off her owie...4 inch incision. She's so tough.
This is the smile I got when I told her the yucky tumor was gone and no more owies!
A quick pose as a family on our last day at the hospital. The boys came to celebrate Bree being finished with her treatment. The nurses at Banner Children's do a wonderful ceremony when a child completes their chemotherapy treatment. I will do a separate post on this later.
We wanted to say thank you to all our doctors & nurses for taking such great care of our sweet Breezy so many times. I have come to develop great relationships with these wonderful people. Our nurses are the best around. We love all of you and will miss seeing you on such a constant basis, but will come back to visit often. (But, sorry, no more sleepovers. :)) Thank you to our doctors (Dr's Shah, Panchoosihgn, Abella & Williams) who work non-stop, who dedicate so much time and energy into fighting and beating cancer. We are so grateful to you all!

Thank you to our family and the wonderful friends and readers of our blog who have touched our hearts with your comments. You have lifted us in ways you will never know. Thank you for the sweet gestures of love and compassion. Meals dropped off, flowers brought, gift baskets, visits at the hospitals, watching our kids, bows and toys for Bree, notes of encouragement and the list goes on. We love you and YOU have lifted us, so thank you!

We are so indebted to our Heavenly Father who has been with us every step of the way. We thank the Lord for this great blessing. Words are just not enough to express our feelings. We are thankful for His tender mercies, the miracles we've experienced, the Spirit that has been with us. There have been so many nights that I have spent over these past 7 months that I have felt the Savior pick me up and carry me through this. I'm not saying this was easy by any means, I just know that with the help of our Savior, He got us through it. I know He has been with Bree through her surgeries and times when she has felt sick, afraid or alone. His children are so precious and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be a Mommy to my kids.

Lastly, I wanted to tell my husband how thankful I am for him. He has been such a wonderful husband, father and friend through all of this. He's been the one I lean on, who I depend on when I've been at the hospital for several days at a time. He's been the one to help me, calm me down and let me talk things out when I thought I couldn't take it anymore. We've leaned on each other through this entire journey and I love him so much for showing me courage, perserverance and faith in our Heavenly Father.

And now the cancer-free party planning has begun! Details to follow! Our love to all!!



118 comments:

Jill said...

Congratulations! We are so excited that Bree is in remission! Thanks for the great update- your posts are always so inspiring and upbeat. your attitude and faith are a great example to us all.

Mike and Jill Schmidt

Beverly said...

What a good news and such a blessing! I will keep your sweet family in my prayers! Much love and blessings!!!

the bates motel said...

SO SO happy for you guys! miracles really do happen. you guys have been so great thru all this heartache and turmoil. you'll prob never know your example to all of us! we are so excited for the cancer free party! yipeeeee!

Amanda Jane said...

This is not the first time your posts have left me in tears.
but this time, I burst into laughter with tears! I am very suprised at the news. It is the news I was hoping to hear, but I, like you wrote, thought there was a bit more battle to be faught.

I am so happy for you and your family, and for little beautiful wonderful Breezy.

I knew there was a reason your blog and story had me hooked.
To remind me of the power of hope, love and faith.

Amanda Jane

Addy said...

Yea!!! What awesome news!!! We are so thrilled for you guys and for little Bree. It has been fun to see her at Church the last few weeks and it will be fun to see her every week.

Congratulations!!!

Lynn said...

I am so happy for your little Breezy and your family! Thank you Heavenly Father for answering our prayers!

I agree with Amanda Jane your blog is a great reminder of the power of hope, love and faith.

God Bless you all!

Debbie said...

I have been checking here several times a day hoping for a positive update but as time went by I was thinking the outcome must have been bad. I am sooo glad that I was wrong! What a wonderful blessing. I'm so happy for your family. I will continue to pray for Bree to have great results at her check-ups. I'm so relieved for you.

Anonymous said...

I am in tears---of happiness for sweet Bree. I am so happy to hear this wonderful news. Glory be to God in the wonderful miracles he can work.

Travis and Marie said...

yahoo! So so excited for you guys!

Rachel Spence said...

WOOO HOOO!!! I am so happy for little Bree! I knew she would beat it she is just SUCH a strong little girl to have seen so much in her short life. I am SO glad it is over for her. Yay for the cancer-free party! Can't wait to hear about it. Congrats to all of you and God bless you all!

Sommer said...

WONDERFUL news... I'm bawling my eyes out!

Michelle said...

OMGosh! That's awesome news!!!!
YAY! Go Bree!!!!!!!!


:)

dustin and amy said...

What exciting news!! Our kiddos were so excited when I told them that the little girl we've been praying for, for so long, is cancer free! We are so happy for you guys!

Jacie Wright said...

Praise God!! What a miracle and a huge blessing. REMISSION :) I have followed your blog for several months now. I have a 1 year old daughter, so my "mommy heart" can only imagine your recent pain. What an awesome God we serve, I am so incredibly happy for you and I don't even know you :) I just can't stop thinking about how good, merciful, mighty, astonishing, and wonderful our Lord is. Congratuations!! Let the party planning begin :)

Gina said...

I am shedding tears of happiness for all of you right now. Such wonderful news. Go celebrate, you all deserve it!

Nurse Jill said...

Kari I am so excited about the great news about Bree!!! I will miss seeing her shake her head "no"!! I look forward to seeing you guys for her 3 month checks!!

Castle Family said...

I am in tears!!! HAPPY TEARS!!! So, so happy for you and especially for Bree. What a little fighter! The Lord hears our prayers.

Lana said...

What amazingly wonderful news!! I definitely got teary-eyed reading your post. What a blessing to have wonderful doctors, nurses, family, friends etc. to help buoy you up. I'm so excited to tell Porter. We've been praying for your family through this process, and I'm most grateful to Heavenly Father for the miracle he brought to you guys. Bree is such a beautiful blessing and her story is going to inspire many people.

{jennifer} said...

So excited that you got this HAPPY news! I am glad Bree's surgery went well and she so cute with that big yellow flower on her head:)

Kimberly said...

Wonderful news. Your family is so young and beautiful, it breaks my heart you have been through so much. It looks as though you are an inspiration to all who know you! I will pray that all continues to go well!

top knot extensions said...

i am So happy for you guys! You guys have been through so much,what an emothional rollercoaster! what a relief and what a blessing.

Summertime Designs said...

Kari, congrats, congrats, congrats! I was in tears when I found out and had called my sisters immediately to tell them as well as some friends here in Tucson who keep asking. I am just so happy for you! What a weight to be lifted off of your shoulders. Bree looks so happy...almost like she KNOWS she's conquered this! She has been so strong, such a fighter. You and Justin have had such amazing faith and have had the best perspective possible in this situation: to have faith in the Lord, and to lean on each other. It's time to celebrate!!! Love you!

Morris Mama said...

Yay!!! Remission is now my favorite word ever! What a miracle! What a special family you have. Thank you for sharing everything with us! Good job, Bree!

Anonymous said...

Whoooooo!! Our family is living proof of REMISSION too!! We are so grateful for the miracles you have been blessed with. Hopefully you can enjoy "a normal" life now!!
aprel barney

Steph said...

When I read "remission" on your facebook, I was so excited I wanted to scream out loud! Now reading your post, I am just crying. I am so happy for you. You are so blessed. . . so lucky. It is so wonderful. I am so glad. I just can't express to you how heartbroken I was when I heard Bree had cancer. You can probably imagine my thoughts, my fears for you. I almost couldn't bear thinking of the possibilities for you. Your family hasn't been far from our thoughts over these months. And now. . . this is the best news I've had in such a long time! I'm just so relieved and so happy. We love your family and are always here for you. We can't wait for that cancer-free party!

Christina said...

Oh Kari!!! This made me cry. You guys have been so faithful and optomistic. I'm so glad the Lord blessed you in what you desired most!!! What wonderful news. I'm glad my prayers weren't useless afterall.

Funny you mentioned Bree's word "hope". I wanted to send you guys a little gift that was along the same lines, but now I wonder if you already have one. Congrats!!! I'm so happy to hear this news.

jmutchler said...

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!

I'm so happy to hear that little Breezy is in remission.

You are a true inspiration to so many...to never give up HOPE!

The Scotts said...

I just keep smiling whenever I think of Bree or hear her name. I am so happy for you guys! She looks so old compared to when you started this long journey. You have a beautiful little girl!

Dana Lynne said...

SO, SO excited for Bree and your family!!!! I can't wait to go wake up my husband and tell him the wonderful news! Have an awesome weekend and a fun time planning the cancer-free party!!!

Can't wait to see pictures of Bree enjoying life outside of the hospital! :)

Jaime said...

I think I've posted before, but I am here from Summer's Digital site. But her sister Shanons husband is my husbands cousin. (if you caught that) lol Anyhow our 5 yr old had cancer when he was 2.5 and I couldn't be happier for you right now. Reading your post brought back SOOO many memories and feelings and thoughts-the whole swing of emotions and I'm truly ecstatic for you right now! July will be 2 yrs off treatment for us and we will have checkup scans. It's definitely an anxious time for us, but we continue to have faith and move forward. The tender mercies of the Lord are upon all that are faithful. KEEP THE FAITH and you'll be right there with us in 2 yrs!! p.s. we got some jumping castles for our little guys off treatment party. It was a huge hit for the kiddos and especially for the kiddo we were honoring! Sister McElhaney in Queen Creek donated them for us to use (if you know anyone that lives in Queen Creek). Crazy thing was she donated it for us to use and then a few months later her 19 yr old son was diagnosed with cancer (and is doing well now). But it just goes to show you how small the world really is and how things do come full swing! CONGRATS again!!

Tiffany Webber said...

I came to your site from Summertime Designs and I have been following Breezy's story. I can't tell you how incredibly happy I was to hear this news for your family! It has brought tears to my eyes! The tender mercies of our Father In Heaven are so real! He is truly a God of miracles! Thank you for sharing your testimony with me. Bree is an amazing little girl! Sending her a big kiss and a hug! So so happy for her and your family!!! :)

Unknown said...

What a blessing for you and your family.... and especially Bree!! I'm so happy that things are going so well after such a test. Hugs to all of you for your perseverance, your hope, and your steadfastness in all of this. And great big hugs and butterfly kisses to Bree for being such an angel!!

Mitchell 5 Family said...

Praise God for whom all blessings flow!!!!! I have been following your family through Summer's blog. Thank you for letting us see the journey of hope you have for Bree. Praise God for miracles!!

Ruth said...

I an only think of 2 words to say: PRAISE GOD!

MoniqueAnne said...

I'm relatively new to your "story", following from the Summertime Designs blog, but I just wanted to share a THANK GOD! I continue to pray for your family, for your continued strength, health, faith, hope and love.

I'm currently a medical student who wants to be a pediatrician, and stories like these remind me every day why I wanted to go this route. Thank you for being honest, open, and inspirational. I think that there is something we can ALL learn from your family.

All the best!

Adam and Sariah said...

Wow...CONGRATS! What a miracle. I was so happy to hear of your wonderful news. Your family and little Bree have touched so many. Way to make it through this and come out the other end stronger. Not many can say that when a trial comes. It definitely shows your dedication to the Lord. You have all been blessed for your unwavering faith. I hope the best for all of you and especially little Bree. May the next two years go by fast and cancer free!

Jana Nielson said...

What a fabulous miracle for your sweet family! Thanks for sharing your journey, and for the great news that brightened my day!

Clay's gal said...

Oh Kari!!! When Kristin called me I did what every pregnant woman would do.....BALLED!! I think I scared Clay! He thought that someone had died! But, I explained to him that it was the good tears! Tears of joy! What a complete and utter blessing and miricale! Love you guys!

Carissa said...

You don't know us, but I came across your story through the Summertime Designs website. I have a little girl Bree's age and your story has really touched my heart. I'm so happy for you and your family! What a strong little girl you have. And what a blessing! You all have truly been examples of faith, perseverance, and putting your trust in the Lord. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. I know its lifted me and made me want to do better and be more grateful. Congratulations on being cancer free!

~Sophia & Noah's Mommy~ said...

I have followed Brees story and have been so heartbroken over it. I am so extremely happy and thankful that she is in remission. I have asked others to pray and truly believe she has been blessed. THANK YOU for sharing your story with us and giving us hope. Giving us a reason to be thankful and have faith and for being such an inspiration to so many out there. Your story has made me enjoy every single moment of my 11 month old twins life. They are healthy and I am just so blessed. Thank you and I hope you keep us posted with more stories of Bree she is the cutest little thing ever. She deserves the biggest party of the century for all she has been through. God Bless!

Kathleen said...

This wonderful news gave me the chills and brought tears to my eyes. It's the post we've all eagerly anticipated for the last 7 months. Words cannot express the gratitude that we probably all feel. Our faith, like yours, has also been stretched and has grown. We love you, Cook Family, and we are delighted for Bree and for everyone else who will ever be blessed to know her and learn from her in the many, many years ahead of her life on earth.

Jessica said...

I'm am just so excited that I can't explain how I feel! I am smiling so big for you guys, because this is one of the greatest surprises! Through this journey I have admired your strength and how to turn to your faith to get you through everything. I can't imagine how difficult this journey must have been, but I'm sure you're all stronger people because of it! This is truly the best ending, even thought that's not what it really is for you all.

I emailed Summer (Driggs) last week and told her that I would like to do something for your family. If you're interested, I'd love to design a custom blog for you free of charge. And, I would love to use the kit that Summer designed in honor of Bree. I'm not sure if you read all of your comments, but I don't have any other way to contact you. Please send me an email if you're interested (thisthatandyourblog@gmail.com). This is truly something that I would love to do for you and your family.

Annie and Clayton Evans said...

We are SO happy for you and litte Bree!!!! Congrats!!

kelly said...

I don't know you (although I feel like I do!) and you don't know me, but I have been following your families' story through Summer's blog. You have a very beautiful family and you inspire me. I have 3 little boys and a daughter about the same age as Bree (mine was born Jan 18, 2008). Your struggles have really touched me and helped me to be grateful for how "easy" I have it and to feel strength from you if I ever go through something so trying. I am in tears, happy tears, so thankful that the Lord is blesing you and your family with not only his will, but yours too! Yay yay yay!

Unknown said...

So happy to hear this wonderful news!!!! I've been praying and hope that things will only continue to get better from here! God bless!!!

Michelle said...

What wonderful news! I am so thrilled for you and your family. We'll continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers as Bree continues to recover.

Rachel said...

I have followed your story through Summer's blog, and this is the first time I've read yours. But I just wanted to let you know that this experience has touched me deeply. I had a baby girl about the same time as Bree was born, so it was really close to me to think about this sweet little girl. I am so grateful for the words I've read. You are so strong and faithful and it gives us all hope for whatever struggles we have to go through. I am so happy for baby Bree. I love her sweet smile. She is beautiful and I'm thrilled that she is in remission. I am so happy for your family.

Lee-Ann said...

Kari,
I haven't been getting many updates on Bree so I was so happy when Uncle Ken called today and gave me your blog address. What wonderful news. You have been in our thoughts and prayers. I'm sorry your family has faced so many challenges. You are an inspiration to me. You might have fun reading our blog at www.bringdmytrohome.blogspot.com I'm on facebook and my e-mail is leeannluke@hotmail.com

Love ya bunches.

Anonymous said...

I send you screams of JOY as I dance around my computer!!!!!

engineerlady said...

That is such wonderful and unexpected news! What a strong little girl Bree is. I can't find the words to express how happy I am for you and Bree. I can't stop crying I'm so excited! What a blessing!

Jason said...

We are so Happy for you all...I got Goosebumps reading REMISSION!!!
You have been thru a war, and been so srong and faithful. Our love goes out to you all. Just breath and enjoy.....Jason and Kristen

PHATT Devil said...

Amazing news! You both inspire countless lives with your courage and faith.

johnson six said...

I have followed your blog through a mutual friend, and have cried and prayed along with you, though I don't know you personally. What a privilege to be able to pray and fast for such a beautiful family. I can't wait to tell my little 8 year old daughter, who only made it through fast Sundays because she was doing it for baby Breezy! May your days be filled with peace and easier times ahead, you deserve it!

Sly Family said...

I discovered your blog through Summer's digital scrapbook blog and I have been staying up to date with Bree and your two adorable boys. I cannot begin to express how happy I am for you and your family to be done with this chapter in your lives.

I wish the best for you and your family and a cancer free Bree!!!

Kate said...

This is the best news! Congratulations -your family has been in my thoughts and prayers and I'm so happy to hear this!

pauline(UK) said...

I have read about Bree's story on Summer's blog - my heart has been with you in the last few weeks and days. Even though we have never met, and I am on the other side of the Atlantic, you have been in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so pleased for all of you, and as a survivor of a similar cancer myself I have felt for you knowing each step you have gone through. God bless you all.

The Maxsons said...

Justin, Kari and Fam,
I have been checking as usual each day for the update, and just burst in to tears reading this just now.
I can't even express to you how happy I am for you and little Bree. Its true, Cancer is cureable! My "little" brother Travis is proof of it. Miracles happen. Love you guys!
Linsey Maxson (brink)

Maria said...

I haven't been keeping up with Bree's story for very long...I just stumbled upon your blog.

Praise God!!Remission!! What a beautiful word for such a beautiful little girl! I am overjoyed for you all! With tearful eyes I'm praising God for such a report! Cancer stay gone!!!!

Tyann said...

I also found your story on Summertime Designs blog, and have followed for a few months now. What a miracle for you and your beautiful, sweet family! You and your husband are truly blessed with such precious little spirits! May we all remember the special blessings the Lord has in store for us!

Pebbles said...

That is such a blessing and I am so happy for your family. I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers!!

Fords said...

Yay! I am so happy for you and your family! Your posts just keep leaving me in tears...I am just glad that today it is "happy" tears!

The Carlsons said...

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Billy and Megan said...

I'm another follower of Summer's Digital Design blog (she is amazing :) I've been so touched by your story and faith. I've prayed for baby Bree and am so happy for you all!!!!

Marilou said...

Congratulations! Little Bree and your family have been in our prayers. We are so excited for you. (I have been following through Summer's blog)

Anonymous said...

You have such a wonderful friend in Summer. She has helped us stay in touch with your journey through her blog. Even though many of us will never know you personally, we have been allowed to pray for you and to know your family and Bree through your story of faith. You and your family have been an inspiration to many of us and I for one, feel honored to hear of your love for one another and for God. God bless you and keep you and especially Bree.

Nuestra Familia said...

We are so happy for your whole family. My kids were so excited when we heard the news. Love your post and pictures. Love everything about you guys! Love, The Rays

kelli said...

We sure LOVE YOU GUYS!

Unknown said...

I read about your little Bree from your friend Summer's Digi Scrap blog. You have an amazing friend in her! Anyway, congrats on your news! Your Bree is absolutely adorable!

EmileeandJonny said...

That makes us SO happy to hear!!! YAY! We are so happy for your family and the great news!

Kelli said...

I am in tears!!! Oh, what a HAPPY DAY! I do believe in miracles and especially that Heavenly Father is AWARE of each one of his children. I am so excited for this happy news. Bree is FREE! Free of a trial she no longer needs to endure. Congrats!
I also wanted to tell you Kari...I love you! You are such an amazing person, wife and mother! Thank you for all you do and for your example!!! We are all touched by your FAMILY! May you continue to be blessed!

crazywkids said...

Oh, Kari, what wonderful news! I am so happy for you guys. You don't know me, but I feel like I know you through your blog. I been so totally heartbroken over her ordeal, and now I am just so thrilled to hear she is in remission! Praise God!

Shelly said...

Hi, I just stubbled on your blog...what an ordeal you and your family have been going through, I can't even begin to imagine how traumatic this must have been for all of you. What fabulous news that your little girl Bree is now in remission. An inspiration to all of us, I wish you and your family all the best for the future :)
Shelly xx

Jessica said...

Kari and Justin,

I am overjoyed at the news about Bree! Praise God! I am thrilled that your little family can get back to more of a normal life, where childhood ups and downs are not life-threatening.

I will be with you in spirit at your cancer-free party. I will share the happy news about Bree being in remission with the folks at my prayer ministry group. They will remember when we lifted her up to God in prayer just a few weeks ago.

Kari, I remember going to see you at the hospital the day you were born. (I was a freshman at B.Y.U.) Your little Bree is a precious baby girl, just like you were.

I rejoice with and love you all.

Aunt Bow/Great Aunt Bow

Kelly said...

Yeah! Cancer free party here we come! I am so happy for your little family! Thank you Kari and Justin for being such examples to us all, and sharing your story and trials with us! You are such great friends and examples. We love you! Bree is such a sweet little girl. I am so Happy for her to start her life cancer free!

Cory and Krista said...

I am so happy for you. My heart broke before when I read that the test had picked up cancer cells. I have been following your blog after finding it from summertime designs. What WONDERFUL news! What a sweet, strong little girl you have. And you are right she is going to do AMAZING things in this life. She has already taught so many of us so much!

Alisa Larson said...

Oh, I was just so excited when you called. I knew when it was a call from you that it had to be good news - otherwise the dreaded text! :-) I couldn't stop crying all day and now I'm crying again reading your happy post. We are soooooo happy for you guys. Let me know what help you need planning the party!!

Melissa said...

Congratulations! That is wonderful news! She is beautiful! My daughter and I cried and cried over this post- tears of joy for you! Especially her darling smile when you told her "no more owies." Bless her little heart!

Unknown said...

Congratulations!!!

Hot Diggity Daws said...

My eyes just filled with tears of joy, relief, and happiness at your phenomenal news!!! I am so, so happy for Bree and your family. I was telling my little 7 year old the good news and he said, "I am so glad that she is now perfectly fine!" We are all so happy, she has been in my heart and my prayers.

The Gerard Family said...

OH MY!! I am in tears reading this and am so happy for ALL of you!!! So blessed that you have your faith to rely on and turn to and the power of Prayer is an amazing thing!!! What awesome news!!!! YAH!!

Jenny Bay said...

You don't know me, but I have seen your blog a couple of times and I just wanted to say I am SO HAPPY for you and your sweet daughter. She is beautiful!

Andréa Morrow said...

What a blessing.. we are so glad to hear!! I hope to meet little Breezy at the cancer survivor day next week!

JakenDebbie said...

Kari!!! I did a complete double-take when I saw the title of this post! REALLY?!? And then I just laughed and cried while I read all the details. I am so happy for you and your family!! So happy!! Love you so much!

Traeger Tribe said...

YEAH! I am SO HAPPY for you all!

Megan and Eric Barnhurst said...

Congratulations on making it through those horrific months. You must be overjoyed!

Jaimee said...

Yahoo!!! Summer called me with the good news and I felt such relief for your family. When I told my boys that Bree was okay, Spencer said "the baby we have been praying for? Wow!" Then Tye said "Heavenly Father must have heard all those people praying for her." Amen to that! Your hard work & faith are examples to us all! Congrats, Kari!

tifraouette said...

It is so great !! Je suis trés heureuse pour vous, gros bisous à la petite princesse !!
Elle est trés courageuse et je reste admirative !!

The Johnson Family said...

Kari, these pictures are priceless. We are so happy for you all. I totally want to help you plan your party, let me know if you need any help.

Aimee's Family Journal said...

I am just so happy for you! I am sitting here like a big mess of a bawl baby! You must be so proud of Bree, and I hope, so proud of yourselves. Thank you for blogging, and letting me hear about this crazy journey. You are an great example to us. We are amazed by your experience. And it is funny, but I am sure I am not the only one who knew this would turn out right!! =0) GO fam of cooks!

goofy feet said...

HOORAY!

Cassie said...

I am a reader of Summers design blog and have been thinking about you and your family! Miracles really do happen! I am so happy for your family and glad that everything is going to be okay! You and your husband are such great examples of faith and hope to readers like me!

Kandi said...

WOW!!! You have amazing faith. What a blessing to know that your little Breezy is in remission. I have enjoyed your inspiring words and faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Mhari said...

Kari,

That is such great news for you and your family. I'm so glad that the thoughts and prayers and long, hard nights have given you relief.

I wish you all the best and am so grateful for good news.

Mhari Fleischman (used to be Lund from Bates street)

Unknown said...

Such wonderful news! I've been following Bree's progress and this is just the best news. We have never met before but I feel like you're all family.

Take care of each other and my love to you all.

Stewart

Brandon & Jillyn Larsen said...

oh my goodness! what a blessing! you and your family are amazing! you have gone through so much and have always been positive! what a happy looking family! bree is such a happy baby even through all of this! good for you guys! also she looks more and more like gunner! such a handsome family!
ps//looks like you have TONS of love and support!

Terin said...

Congratulations! I was hoping this would be your newest post. You have been such an example of Strength,courage and faith.

Lee & Kindra said...

I have followed your story through Summer's Digital Scrapbooking blog. I was so excited to hear about your little Breezy being in REMISSION! The Lord truly does answer prayers and your faith has been such an example for many people. Congrats!

Maggie said...

I have been following your blog since my sister, Mary Johnson, told me your story. Your family has been in my prayers constantly. This is the post that I have been waiting to see. I am crying tears of JOY at this moment that your sweet girl has been restored to health. This testifies of the power of prayer and faith. I am SOOOO happy for you guys!!!!!

Mia said...

YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We're so happy for Bree!!!!! I had goosebumps the whole time I was reading your post. What a sweet relief!

Wendi and Eric said...

You did it Bree! We are overwhelmed with happiness and love for your family.

Jan said...

Praise the Lord. God Bless you all!

Kristine Thompson said...

I am so happy for you guys!! She is such an angel! You guys deserve the best!!That is wonderful news!!!

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to say how overjoyed I am for Bree and your family! I have continued to follow your family's journey after learning about Bree's illness on Summer's blog.
I am inspired by your faith and pray that God will continue to bless you all.
Take care!

Bethany said...

I realize that there are so many posts you may not even see this one. I just HAD to tell you how happy I am for Bree and your family and I don't even know you! You made me cry with your sweet post. Bree as well as the rest of your family were in my prayers. What a blessed woman you are, so strong. Heavenly Father must have some awesome trust in you " ) You are a wonderful example to many, to keep the spirit's up and hopes high! Feeding on the comfort that our Heavenly Father and Jesus offer so freely!
YAYY BREE!!!!!

Anonymous said...

There are no words to describe the utter JOY that I feel for you and your sweet family! I have cried tears of pain for you, and now cry tears of joy for your most wonderful news. What wonderful parents Breezy has. What wonderful family and friends she is surrounded by. What a blessing to be her mother! What a blessing you are to her! I am so very happy for you. The experiences you have shared on this blog have taught me faith, patience, persistance in prayer, and simply enjoying the "little" moments with my four children. Thank you and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Brooke said...

Where have I been??? I missed a lot!! Oh I am all choked up sitting at my desk at work!! What an amazing thing!!! Could not be happier. Thanks for sharing this amazing journey with us!!!!!! Can't wait to continue to watch her grow. Way to go Breezy!!

Jenna said...

Hi Cook family, I came across your blog a while back, thinking I found a cooking blog, lol. Instead I found a very inspiring story. I'm so happy for your family. I have a little girl myself, about the same age as Bree, and not once did I read one of your posts with dry eyes. I truly wish your family the very best, and thank you for sharing your story.

chrislet said...

Congratulations. My eyes tear up with wonder at your story. May God continue to bless you in new and exciting ways!

icedlatteprincess:) said...

With tears streaming down my face, I can look up and thank our Heavenly Father for His grace, love and healing for Bree!!! I am so ecstatic for you and your family and especially for Bree. What a courageous family you have been and an amazing Christian example of FAITH~HOPE~LOVE...of these the greatest is love:) Take care and I will continue to keep you all in my prayers. We are rejoicing with you!
The Sweeney Family

The McNeil Family said...

My friend Kelli Hatch posted about Bree on her blog. I am so happy that bree is in remission. My thoughts and prayers our with your family.

Emily said...

I am so happy for you, Bree and your family. I've been following your story for a while. You are a true, great inspiration to me!!! Can't wait to hear more, Bree is such a beautiful baby girl. My prayers are with you always!!

Melissa Bosen said...

Kari,
It was so fun to spend some time with you today. I love you so much! Please give Bree hugs & kisses from me!

Dizzy Kate said...

Kari! I am soo relieved and excited for your beautiful family. I pray for Bree every night, how could I forget her? I don't even know her, but her story says it all. What an amazing, strong spirit! You have been an inspirational example to me of faith. This story broke my heart, but your words would always uplift me even when I could tell that you were in pain. What a wonderful mother! I can feel the love you have for your kids every time I read your posts. Again, I am so excited for your family. Congratulations!!

Suzy said...

Congratulations.

jasmin said...

This is my first time visiting your blog and I just wanted to say hello and tell you what a beautiful family you have.What wonderful news about your baby girl.Our prayers are with you.

The Dey Family

Yvonne said...

I came across your Blog from another blogger.
I am so please to hear your little princess is in remission. She is such a sweet heart.
Your family are totally beautiful. and the strengh you have had is amazing.
I have cried laughed reading this.. and of cause smiled loads at your beautiful children. Keep the faith xx

Anonymous said...

Dear Justin & Kari,
I have been relying on Jayne and Summer Driggs to keep me updated on little Bree. I found you blogspot by accident and am so glad I did. I am so thrilled for you and this miracle in your lives!! I am gushing tears as I type as I remember about 20 years ago when our Jake was fighting leukemia. I remember hearing the word remission after about 9 mos. and like you, I wasn't sure what they meant. Long story short, Jake just turned 23 on May 15th. May Heavenly Father continue to bless and keep you all and please know how happy I am for you! All my love,
Lisa Randall

Cam and Hol said...

That is an answer to prayer for our family who has never met your precious Breezy baby. What an angel. Thank you for making our day.