Kaitlyn now has a confirmed diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). We don't know what is ahead and I do much better just taking a step at a time. On Friday she had a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) and they installed a "pick line" which is an IV in her arm that allows them to draw blood, give medicines, and even chemo without having to poke her again.
She began 10 days of very intensive chemotherapy last night (Sat., October 27)--so intensive that one of the 3 chemo drugs is administered every 12 hours for 10 days. She has slept through most of it (they have given her several anti-nausea meds some of which cause drowsiness), but was nauseated and headachy when she woke up, so sleeping is good for now. She has vomited once and now doesn't want to have to move.
Kaitlyn is in isolation--she cannot leave her room, but she can have healthy visitors. Of course, we know very few people here--I wish she could have the support and distraction of being able to have friends visit, but that is not going to be happening very much. We do have some friends that stayed at the cabin with us in Utah this summer who will be coming to visit this afternoon and Uncle Bob has said he would be by Monday or Tuesday.
I've been staying here in the hospital with her and Casey has been at a hotel nearby (5 min. walk) that caters to patient families. Casey will probably stay here in the States through this first round of chemo.
Blessings:
- Sleep.
- That Casey is able to be here for so long.
- An incredibly skilled and kind team of medical and support professionals.
- Prayer.
My heart goes out to you guys! Send our love to Kaitlyn to stay strong and keep her positive spirit!
ReplyDeleteThank you for creating this blog that we might be updated on Kaitlyn's progress. Love your whole family and we are praying for all of you. Ezra and Eden looked like they were in good spirts on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteIs chemo a medication given through her IV?
ReplyDeleteYes, the chemo is given through her pick line.
ReplyDeleteKaitlyn you are in our thoughts and prayers ... God is in control ~ I remember the day Isaac was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma ...I remember feeling so shocked and numb and frightened, but within minutes, literally by the time we left the doctor's conference room and got on the elevator, I felt a calmness settle over me and this one thought - it was in God's hands and there was no better place for it to be ...we had done all that we could - and God would do the rest, no matter what the outcome, it would be His will. The kind of man that Isaac has grown into is directly related to his experience with facing his own mortality. He is kind-hearted and sensitive to others, empathetic, patient and soooo close to the Lord - so spiritual, and so positive! The room lights up when he enters it - truthfully! I believe the Lord used his experience to help form him into the person he has become and I also believe that when a child gets cancer, they are among God's most elect and God has great plans for them. Your entire family will be in all our prayers - we love you! - you are so loved, Kaitlyn - let that 'peace that passeth understanding' settle over you. Think only positive thoughts - increase in faith, turn your will over to the Lord and trust in Him. Love you sweetie...
ReplyDeleteThank you for starting this blog, MariLou. I'm thankful we will be able to check on Kaitlyn's progress. Our prayers are with Kaitlyn and all of your family. I wish we lived closer and could pop over to visit you at the hospital.
ReplyDeletePICC lines are awesome- I've got one, too! It's sooo nice not to have to have poke after poke and it helps to dilute some of the nastier chemo drugs in your veins (I've got a couple that scar prety badly).
ReplyDeleteYou could also ask about an IVAD (implanted venous access device). It's more long term and has less risk of infection or needing to be reinserted. It's completely under the skin and only shows as a little bump on your chest. You do get a bit of a poke to use it but they have numbing agents they can use.
Thinking of you all!
Jocelyn