Some of Crystal’s viewers asked that I write a post from a parent’s point of view. The following is what I wrote the night before her first chemo treatment and the day of. It is now two days later. Crystal is extremely tired and has lost her appetite, but is starting to feel a little better. Thank you for reading and for continuing to keep her in your thoughts!
The night before chemo:
Today is the eve of my daughter’s first chemo treatment. I’m glad to get it started, but I am so nervous about the side effects chemo has.
Crystal decided to go to Sloan Memorial Hospital, which is in NYC and has a wonderful reputation as a cancer hospital. I’m glad she decided to go there. I really liked the oncologist she was seeing in Virginia, but even he trained at Sloan! We had our consultation with her new doctor last week, which included more testing. Tomorrow she has even more tests, and will end the day with her first chemo treatment. I can’t even imagine how she must be feeling. Her whole life has already changed and it will be changing even more starting tomorrow. I can only hope she’s one of the people that isn’t badly affected by the drugs she will be taking. I know so many people have been supporting her and I hope you will continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow.
As a mother, I am so worried about tomorrow. I hate the thought of knowing poison will be running through my little girl’s veins, but I know it has to be done. We thought about natural treatments, but I don’t personally know anyone who has been cured this way, and we don’t know enough about how to do it to take the chance. It breaks my heart to know how tough she is going to have to be and there is nothing I can do to help her. All I can do is give her my support and love.
Thank you for being so supportive to my daughter. I know she has said thank you, but I see how much she appreciates your cards and comments. It has helped her to be and stay strong.
To those of you fighting a battle for your health – I hope you find relief and peace from your disease! And for those of you who are healthy, I hope you never have to know the pain and stress of disease.
Chemo Day:
So today started off pretty well and Crystal was in good spirits. We were doing some silly videos, walking through the city, and we even stopped by our favorite smoothie place, The Juice Press! We arrived at the hospital and all went well – even the chemo session was relaxed and didn’t seem too bad. It was still hard to watch four different, very dangerous drugs go into her system. We left and went to eat because she was starving. It was at this point Crystal became extremely exhausted and the walk back to the bus was tough for her. It was really hot by that point and the further she walked, the harder it seemed to be for her. I offered repeatedly to take a cab, but she toughed it out. Luckily, the trip back home was quick and uneventful. She was able to rest a bit on the way and went right to bed when we got home. Hopefully being tired is the worst effect she gets from the treatments. I know she will be filling you in on a future blog, but until then I wanted to share this quick update. Again, thank you all for your well wishes and support for my daughter.
Sincerely,
Ann Harper
sunnyskiesahead.com 
Get well soon.
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Thank you so.much for the up date. Continuing to pray for you both.
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Thank you so much for updating us on Crystal’s journey. We are praying for her and sending lots of hugs her way. ♡
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Keeping Crystal in my thoughts and prayers.
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Ann, my mom had passed before I had my first chemo in 2004. I know how difficult it was for my Dad to hear what I was experiencing. We were 6 states apart, but I know it was painful for him. Sending prayers up for you and your little girl. It’s a tough road, but every sunrise is a victory .
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You are in my prayers each day know you are in God’s loving hands. You can do this girl we are all with you.
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thank you for the update. I can’t imaging how hard it is to see your daughter going through this and not be able to help her. Crystal has won over so many hearts before this problem just from her personality on TV. My prayers are continually with her and your family. KICK CANCER’S BUTT. BTY, my baby sister beat breast cancer about 15-16 years ago is is doing just fine now and has been cancer free for a number of years.
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Very well written prayers and thoughts are with you 🙏
Anita
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we are keeping your daughter and you in our thoughts and prayers..Gods Blessings
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Thank you for keeping us updated on Crystal. Keeping her and the family in my thoughts and prayers. It is tough, I know, because the entire family goes through it with the patient. It’s only been almost eight months since we lost my brother-in-law and about three weeks since we lost my sister-in-law to cancer. Much love to you and Crystal. Looking forward to having Crystal back!
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Continuing prayers for her recovery and prayers for her family as well………… cancer is hard on the whole family!
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Thank you for sharing, I can only imagine how hard this must be for all if you. Every thing is going to be fine, sending positive thoughts and hopes of strength for Crystal and the rest of the family.
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Praying that God will heal you, comfort you, and give you peace and strength.
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Thanks for this update and perspective. Taking nothing away from the anxiety and discomfort that Crystal is feeling, it is also tough to be the parent or spouse. Trusting in medicine to ultimately cure an unwelcome invader while we seem powerless to materially affect the outcome. Positive attitudes and prayerful support make a difference. So Crystal, the doctors and nurses, you and your family, and even Chloe are in my prayers. And that you will find strength and encouragement when Crystal needs a comforting shoulder.
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Thank you for the update. My heart goes out to you all, but especially to Crystal who is having to endure treatments. Crystal, we are all praying for you and we are fighting with you in spirit. Hang tough girl. You got this!!
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It is a journey the treatment of lymphoma. Crystal is strong and doing great with 1 treatment done.My daughter was diagnosed with it and did chemo in 2015. Now 2 years after I am thankful the lymphoma is in remission as my daughter is 27. Praying for health and happiness for Crystal.
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Ann, Thank you for sharing a little of your heart. I pray it comforts you to know your little girl is thought of and prayed for. God has made her to be a strong woman, and He has promised to be her strength when she is weak. He has promised to be your strength too. He loves you! And He loves Crystal!
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Ann I certainly feel your pain. Back in 1989 I watched as doctors began the process of treating my 14 month old daughter who was fighting a stage three germ cell tumor. I am proud to say, thanks to prayer and excellent care at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Renee has been cancer free for 28 years. You and Crystal will get through this, and even have some laughs along the way. Your parental telepathy will only grow as you walk this long road with Crystal.
Regina
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Thank you for the update on Crystal I have been thinking about her
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From one mom to another ” We love them with all we have and don’t let go,and Pray with the Love of Christ” many Blessings to you both and I look forward to seeing you both one day really soon in Hampton Roads smiling together on a WVEC family update of your return…
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Thank you so much for the update. I pray for Crystal that she will be cured
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Mother to mother, it is hard to see our children, no matter how old they are, to be in pain and suffering. I don’t think anyone doubts the strong bond you two have. Prayers are always on board for the two of you.
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Thank you for keeping us informed…I’m a Mom & can’t even imagine what you are going through. You said in your posted that all you can give her is your support & love. Just being there for her is a precious gift for you both!!! She is young beautiful young lady, with an amazing attitude & a loving Mom! Hang in there! I continue to pray for Crystal & her family!
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Thanks very much for your update and a parent’s perspective. My daughter went through chemo for breast cancer several years ago and I completely understand your concern. Her audience here in Hampton Roads is behind her 100%!
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Thank you for update Mrs Harper crystal sent me a good luck on my surgery on July 27 to remove a renal mass on my kidney on July 27 god bless her my family wish her well
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Thank you for an update on Crystal and chemo treatments. As a parent of 3 adult children I don’t know how I would be handling one of them going through chemo. They have each gone through rough chapters and highs and lows and each one affects the entire family, especially us, the parents. I wish you both strength and love to get through this rough time. Prayers and good thoughts to you and Crystal! Believe!
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You guys are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Ann and Crystal… I kinda know what you are going through.. watching my mom go through it the last few months… my mom is 80 and was coming through it like a champ! At your age kiddo we don’t expect this to happen but i am absolutley sure you will come through with flying colors!! The first chemo weeks is crappy.. take the anti nausea meds if you need..they do help… by the 2nd week you will feel a little better… by week 3 you will be feeling almost normal… unfortunatley then you have to start again!! But take each day.. rest.. and except the love from all who are here to support you! Rich and I are sending you lots of LOVE AND PRAYERS..getting through this difficult time!
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Ann, Thank you for sharing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I am looking forward to additional updates.
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Ann thanks for sharing your thoughts. I hope Crystal stays positive on this journey I know there will be difficult days but she can do this. My thoughts are with you all.
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Ann, thank you for telling what it was like during Crystal’s treatment. You are both in my prayers. We miss her. Tell her to get well soon, and come back to see us.
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Thank you for the update on Crystal. I too am a cancer survivor of BC. Nine years and counting. It is a whole other world but Crystal is young and chemo is doable. She should rest when her body says rest. It is a long road but there is light on the other side and she too will be a survivor. My prayers are with you all. Thank you for keeping us updated on her progress.
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You’re doing A LOT as her Mom. Just being her Mom and being there to support her is HUGE. Those of us that have had our Mom go on to Heaven know the importance of having Mom around. Nothing like it. Thank you for your perspective. I don’t know Crystal and I don’t watch the TV station that she is a meteorologist for but this story has captivated a lot of people. We can look at things that happen to others and say “there but by the grace of God go I”. There are so many people that stand in need of prayer, healing (both physically, emotionally and spiritually) and just feeling loved. Crystal is definitely loved. Rest assured she and the extended family are being prayed for.
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I will continue to keep Crystal and the family in my thoughts and prayers as she undertakes this lifesaving journey… 😉
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Thank you for your thoughts and feelings Ann. As a mother myself of 2 sons, I couldn’t imagine how I would feel if it was to happen to one of them. My family absolutely fell in love with Crystal when she joined the family at channel 13. I pray and think of her everyday. She is a strong young lady and I know in my heart she will beat this and have a long and happy life. Thank you for being her support.
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As a parent and grandparent I cannot imagine what you and Crystal are going through. I can tell you this Crystal touched the heart of so many here in Hampton Roads/Coastal Virginia she has the prayers of 10 of thousands if not hundred of thousands. She is so brave to share this experience. I know so many that are waiting for her return to channel 13. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts
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Thank you for your insight. Know the whole family is in my prayers.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab® A
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Thanks Ann, for keeping in contact with us on her status. There is lots of prayers, love and encouragement coming from Wyoming to her as well. Please pass along to her that we are rooting for her and our prayers are for all of you.
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Best of luck to you Crystal, stay strong and positive. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us all posted on your progress. Bless you.
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Thanks for a Mom’s perspective. Even though we miss her here in Hampton Roads, we’re glad she has the support of being with her parents. Continuing to pray for healing.
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Wish all of your family the best. So many of us loved Crystal in Cheyenne and lost her to the east coast. I look forward to seeing her do the weather again.
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Just read your posts and wanted to let you know that the love and support you are providing your daughter are the very things she needs most. Your presence during her journey is so vital to her—just being with her is the best medicine there is. No matter how old we are, we all need our moms and dads, so Crystal is fortunate to have you both at her side.
Sending strength and hope that the treatments will go better than expected. Make sure you take care of yourself while you are being her caregiver so that you can be there for her. Make sure she gives in to her exhaustion when it hits– even strong people need to recharge.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. It surely isn’t something you and your family ever expected to have to deal with, but you are already finding out that you are stronger than you ever realized as well.
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