Madelyn had a CBC at Island Hospital yesterday. Her numbers were right where her doctor wants them to be. We're hoping it will stay just like that for her treatment appointment in two weeks.
The accessing was by far her easiest one yet. Very little anxiety at all! It was amazing.
WBC 2.9 Hem 36.3 Plat 319 ANC 1507
She is feeling good and still bouncing with energy. Both girls have been uber fun lately...
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"Life is about living young, being youthful and enjoying yourself everyday because every day is important." ~ Paul Smith, designer
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Sept 15
We had appointments Monday at Seattle Children's. We arrived at 7:30am, accessing and blood draw at 8am then doctor's visit at 9am. Madelyn was not able to eat that morning as she was scheduled for a spinal tap at 10am. However, when we arrived at Children's Madelyn starting acting extremely tired. As soon as we arrived they put us in a room. After accessing she fell asleep on the exam table. This is very unusual for Madelyn and her doctor noticed it.
Her blood counts came back with elevated white blood cells. This is an indication that she might be coming down with a something as her immune system is "ramping up" to fight something off. (Our white blood cells basically "gobble up" infection/germs...). The way she was acting seemed to indicate that too...
She has continued to be a little off this week, but no major sickness has manifested. It might be just a small virus, but Madelyn's immune system is suppressed so she feels it.
Hem 39.7 Plat 244 WBC 5.2 ANC 3557
Her spinal tap was canceled and will be rescheduled for four weeks from now. As soon as she ate she started to perk up so low blood sugar might have played a part as well. She still wanted to go to swimming lessons, but didn't have her usual energy and was a bit cranky.
She went to school the next day, but was asleep by 5:45pm that night. Today, Thursday, she didn't get to school until noon. She slept all morning.
She still had her Vincristine (chemo) infusion and has started her pulse of steroids. So we are seeing the emotional roller coasters...
Before I get to the images from the last week.... MORE BIG NEWS!!! MADELYN LOST HER FIRST TOOTH!!! And let me tell you she was excited. I was told to text Amy and Pat, Janet and Mathew and Luke and all the Grandparents right away. In true Madelyn fashion, she was eating a piece of cauliflower when it came out.
Her blood counts came back with elevated white blood cells. This is an indication that she might be coming down with a something as her immune system is "ramping up" to fight something off. (Our white blood cells basically "gobble up" infection/germs...). The way she was acting seemed to indicate that too...
She has continued to be a little off this week, but no major sickness has manifested. It might be just a small virus, but Madelyn's immune system is suppressed so she feels it.
Hem 39.7 Plat 244 WBC 5.2 ANC 3557
Her spinal tap was canceled and will be rescheduled for four weeks from now. As soon as she ate she started to perk up so low blood sugar might have played a part as well. She still wanted to go to swimming lessons, but didn't have her usual energy and was a bit cranky.
She went to school the next day, but was asleep by 5:45pm that night. Today, Thursday, she didn't get to school until noon. She slept all morning.
She still had her Vincristine (chemo) infusion and has started her pulse of steroids. So we are seeing the emotional roller coasters...
Before I get to the images from the last week.... MORE BIG NEWS!!! MADELYN LOST HER FIRST TOOTH!!! And let me tell you she was excited. I was told to text Amy and Pat, Janet and Mathew and Luke and all the Grandparents right away. In true Madelyn fashion, she was eating a piece of cauliflower when it came out.
Asleep on the exam table.
Waking up when the doctor came in...
This is a wall in Oncology... just a fraction of the kids being treated there. I think there should be a national "Hug a Pediatric Oncology Doctor or Nurse" Day. Talk about one of the hardest jobs emotionally...
"Oh Mommy! Check out that Giraffe! Can we have it?" Ummm... that would be No.
Checking out a painting in one of the hospital hallways.
Since her spinal tap was canceled we had a little waiting to do for swimming...
When Sophia comes with us, one of us goes in the pool with her so she can splash around too.
First day of school 2011. Sophia is so proud to be going to school with sister. There is no one better - in the whole wide world - than Madelyn.
Waiting outside to be brought in. So excited.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Light the Night on Sept 24th in Seattle
I wanted you all to know that Madelyn's wonderful swimming teacher at Seattle Children's hospital will be walking in Madelyn's honor for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Societies Light The Night Walk. When I told MJ this she was so happy. She loves Tarrah and swimming lessons. Swimming at the pool is the fun thing at the end of treatment. She deserves something fun after being poked & prodded, examined, drugs being injected in her and waiting and waiting and waiting.
Light The Night Walk:
Taking Steps To Cure Cancer
Each year, in communities all across the United States and Canada teams of families, friends, co-workers and local and national corporations come together to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS's) Light The Night Walk events and bring help and hope to people battling blood cancers.
Every Light The Night walker is encouraged to become a Champion For Cures by raising $100 or more to help fight blood cancer.
Funds raised by teams and individual walkers provide:
- Lifesaving blood cancer research
- Free educational materials and events for patients and their families
- Local programs such as Family Support Groups and First Connection, a peer-to-peer counseling program
- Comprehensive, personalized assistance through our Information Resource Center
Light The Night Walk events are evenings filled with inspiration. During this leisurely walk, walkers carry illuminated balloons - white for survivors, red for supporters and gold in memory of loved ones lost to cancer - thousands of walkers - men, women and children - form a community of caring, bringing light to the dark world of cancer.
We are Taking Steps To Cure Cancer! Join us!
- Click here to register now to become part of Light The Night 2011
- Click here to find a local team or create your own team.
- Need to find your most convenient, local walk site for time and date information? Click here.
Quick facts about Walk night:
- Illuminated balloons, Light the Night T-shirts and a wrist band entitling walkers to enjoy food and refreshments are provided to all walkers who become a Champion For Cures by raising $100 or more to help fight blood cancer.
- The Walk is done at a leisurely pace and takes less than an hour to complete.
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