Monday, July 13, 2009

Down, Up, Down

Ally's fever must have broken sometime in the night. She finally settled into a good sleep about 1am, and then slept all night. When she woke up, we took her temp. We were thrilled to see no fever! I actually took it several times because I thought it must be a mistake. We got a call from the clinic that they would like to see her back down there today. She was due to get another course of IV antiobiotics.

When we got to the hospital, we saw Dr French. He informed us that the blood cultures that they took Sunday when she was in the ER did grow something. This means that she has some sort of bacterial infection in her body and it was present in her blood. They had done these blood cultures three or four times before and she was always fine, so I was not happy to hear this. He said the type of infection they found can be serious, but that hopefully antibiotics would take it away. It was interesting to me to hear that they take her exact blood specimen in the lab and try different antibiotics on it to see what works. That way they don't have to give her a broad spectrum antibiotic that kills good and bad bacteria, but they can hone in on exactly what this particular infection needs. The fact that he used the word "serious" when describing the infection upset me. He even mentioned the possibility that she has developed an infection in her port and then it would have to be surgically removed and reinstalled elsewhere. I DO NOT want to do that. I had talked to two or three families that had this happen. I am hoping that is not the case. Again, I started wishing we just had a "normal" case of ALL, not high risk. I wish we could follow the "normal" treatment protocol, but we cannot. Allison is becoming known in the clinic for all of the bumps in the road that she is experiencing. I hate it.

So, she is going to remain "accessed" for the next ten days. That means she has the tubing coming out of her chest. (no swimming) Home health care will be stopping by our house daily to give her the antibiotic. I guess we will know if there is a problem if the fever keeps cropping up. She seemed pretty good today, except for a headache from her chemo, so I am hoping that the antibiotic is doing its thing.

So it has been a roller coaster ride here lately. Jerad and I felt down last night. She felt so bad, still had the fever and we were worried. Then, this morning, she was happy! Playing baby dolls with her sister, talking, etc. So Jerad and I felt really good again. Then we hear what the doctor tells us about the infection, and we feel down again. All in the matter of a day. We are seriously just flying by the seat of our pants. We could be good, and then later in the day bad. We just don't know. We continue to roll with the punches and hope for the best.

10 comments:

  1. Just want you to know that many ladies from Grace Crossing are praying for you and your family. We are thrilled to have you as part of our church family....and want to be here to support you through this difficult journey.

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  2. A crazy 2 days it has been. When I expect her to be good she is not (yesterday) and then when I expect her to be bad (tonight) she is not. She seemed so good tonight. I always consider the talkative days better days. She was SO talkative tonight. I hope the fever stays away and the infection has nothing to do with her port.

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  3. Wow, an intense day. All I can think of to write is don't forget to breathe. There are so many people who wish they could take the pain and bumps away. We are pulling for all of you everyday. Don't forget to breathe.

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  4. You guys are due many good days, and they WILL come. Let's hope soon -- today! But I know that rollercoaster feeling and how it can really be tough on your body and mind. Walk outside, breathe in fresh air, look at your plants and flowers and the blue sky.

    Janel, I've left messages on your cell phone and hope you've gotten them. I do NOT expect a call but wanted to make sure you know I'm still here for you, even through the miles.

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  5. Wish I would have taken a picture of all the kids eating popcorn together and watching Wipeout. It was quite sweet how they were all in their PJs. I'm praying for your roller coaster to find a level path instead of hills--waiting for the day when you will be safely on solid ground.

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  6. If anyone needs some good days it's you! We're praying for some good, easy days without the ups and downs. Take care, we all send our love, even baby Bryce who talks to Ally's picture every time I pull up your blog!

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  7. The good days will come and they will be more frequent, try to do just one day at a time. I know it is difficult to hear some of the words, but remember, they tell you the worst. The best will happen and the infection will be gone. We are all praying for your entire family. Take care.

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  8. So very much for one family and one mom and one dad to deal with. You are doing a great, great job - don't be hard on yourself - no normal person could possibly go on with this without a break - take breaks whenever they present themselves - you have earned the right.

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  9. I know I have mentioned this before, but I know a 4 year-old little girl with ALL, high risk. Her name is Bonnie Noj. You may run into her at the hospital sometime. She was diagnosed about one month before Ally, so her mom, Heidi, may be of some comfort to you as Bonnie is also high risk and is roughly 30 days ahead of Ally in the treatment plan. Keep an eye out for them and if you ever run into the Noj family, please tell them I said hello. Their oldest was in my 1st grade class last school year...super sweet people!! Hang in there...you all are doing great!

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  10. Well, I am so happy to read Ally is feeling better. I agree with the "posters" above - there will be plenty of time to "retrain" Ally later, when she is better, in the area of independence. Follow your heart! I've actually heard the Miley song many times and thought of Ally - it is PERFECT for her right now! So cute she was singing it herself. Love you ALL!

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