Last Friday saw us at the Pratt Center for a final dose of AraC. Such a relief for us to finish up the week strong. She was tired that day, but she was able to attend school Monday thru Thursday that week. Madi really doesn't let the leukemia hold her back much at all!
While we were waiting for CBC results that day, I was talking with one of the other parents. We have met so many nice people/families that are going through the same struggles we are. While 'comparing notes' the this mother was telling me about the hospital trips, headaches, delays and other trouble her daughter was having with her treatments. She then asked how Madi was doing. I always cringe when this question comes up. (We have been so very blessed with the way Madi's body has handled everything so far, so I always feel like, at some point, something bad is just waiting to happen.) I told her that Madi's treatment was going as planned and we haven't had any hospital runs, sickness or delays- definitely answered prayers. As soon as the information left my mouth, I thought 'now something will happen'.
Fast forward to Sunday. Sawyer woke up with a croupy (is that a word?) cough and some labored breathing.
Monday morning, his cough was worse, he had a fever, and he was really struggling to breathe. A trip to the pediatricians was in order after the older 3 got on the bus. Sawyer tested negative for RSV and was put on Zpac to help clear him up. Lots of prayers on my part that this didn't travel to anyone else. Monday night Liv was feeling tired and cuddled up on my lap. Yep, she had a nice little 102° fever going on. *sigh*
Tuesday morning both Sawyer and Liv were fever free and seemed fine. (Well, S still had his cough, but he wasn't struggling to breathe.) We had to head in to the Pratt Center for a CBC and a weekly checkup. Quick in and out, right? Ha! Madi was in need of platelets. No biggie, really. It just adds about 2 hours to our time, so we got the platelets ordered and picked out a couple of games.
A little later the nurse came back to let us know that her hemoglobin was down to 8.5, meaning she would need blood soon, but we could put it off a couple of days. Also, Madi was due for her second round of IVIG. Blood takes about 2 hours. IVIG takes about 3 to 4 hours. Total of 6 hours since they have to do one at a time incase of a reaction. I decided to push these off until Friday when I knew Kevin would be off work and I could go solo with Madi.
We always try to keep an eye on Madeline's temperature. It's one of our first indicators that something is going on in her body that isn't right. We left the Cancer Center with a last temperature check of 99°. As she sat staring at her plate at supper time Tuesday night, I realized I should probably check and see where she was. Quick trip to Walgreens to get a new thermometer for Madi, since I used the other on Sawyer and Liv, and we discover she is at 101.8°. Wait a few minutes for a second check and she is at 102°. Time to call the doctor.
Okay, I'm getting tired of typing.....Long story short time.
We headed to the ER to get a blood culture and spend the night in the hospital. They started her on antibiotics and were also able to get the unit of blood in her system that night while she slept. The next day she got a chest xray and another CBC. Kevin and I switched out that night so I could get some sleep. (Madi has a tendency to go to the bathroom a lot when hooked up to IV fluids - day and night.) Thursday, we were given the green light to go home right after lunch.
Did you know she didn't have a fever the whole time she was at the hospital? A little frustrating, but I wouldn't change what we did. All of it was for the best for Madi, and that's all that matters.
We are keeping a close watch on her now. Today she was able to go in for her scheduled IVIG therapy and that should help her immune system a lot. Next week we will go in for a weekly CBC and I'm pretty sure she will need platelets again. I'm just very thankful that these needs can be met whenever they come up. Plus, even though she had to spend some time in the hospital, she is still on track for treatments in two weeks to start up again.
She continues to be in good spirits as the day goes on. Hopefully, she will be able to have a full week of school next week.
Keep up the prayers - we appreciate them so much!!
1 comment:
Wow, wouldn't you know it, as soon as you said it. LOL. That's the way things seem to work, sometimes. Actually, with your kiddos in school I think it is really impressive that Madi has been able to avoid getting sick more than she has. Seems like Someone is watching over her...and we are still praying!
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