Shortly after Christmas, the whole family seemed to start on a string of bad luck with colds. Pink eye, chest colds, fevers, stomach bugs, it just didn't seem to end. As soon as one of us would get better, another one would get sick. We chalked this up to the girls in daycare, and it just being a rough winter.
On Sunday February 1, Lexi started with a fever. We figured this was nothing new, just another bug. When her temp spiked above 105 on Tuesday, we went to the doctors, and they thought it was the flu, but said come back if the fever wasn't gone by Friday. That night her temp spiked again, went to the ER, and they agreed, probably flu. They got her some meds, and an ice pop and sent us home. Friday morning, her temp was still above 103, so back to the pediatricians we went.
Dr. Saltz said he definitely wanted to run some blood work on her. But she could probably use some fluids too. So he told us to go to the ER. There they took some blood, started the IV, and we waited. After a while, someone came in and said her blood test numbers were a little off, and they were going to run some more tests, and we were probably gonna be there a while. I figured we were in for a long day.
Then there is mention of a hematologist/oncologist reviewing her results. Someone starts talking numbers, something should be 12, and its below 4. Shes going to be admitted to picu. She needs a blood transfusion for red cells and platelets. Pancytopenia. The hematologist/oncologist shows up and starts talking about all the different possible causes: virus/leukemia/auto-immune. Shawn finally joins us in the ER after Kathy gets to the house to watch Annie. We are moved to the picu. They get her started on the blood.
The next day, we meet with Dr. Phil, another oncologist. Based on that days blood test, he is 90% certain its leukemia. We plan for bone marrow test, lumbar puncture with chemo treatment and picc line placement for Monday. Dr. Saltz stopped by to check on all of us, and chat for a bit. Was great to see a familiar face. Later that evening, Lexi is well enough to move up to the peds floor. She gets the room with the view of the fish tank from in her room.
Sunday, we meet with Dr. Phil again. Today's test arn't as clear as yesterdays. Only going to do the bone marrow test on Monday. We try not to get our hopes up. Its only Sunday afternoon but its a long time until Monday.
Monday, February 9, Lexi goes for her bone marrow aspiration and biopsy at 9am. Its just across the hall from her room in the procedure room. We join her around 10:30 after they are done as she is waking up. I sneak some chapstick on her lips while she's still out. By 11:30 we are back in her room and order her lunch.
Around 1:00, I see the oncologist, Dr. Felipe out in the hall. He walks past the door several times, like he's pacing, while there is a tech in doing Lexi's vitals. Quick news is not good news. He comes in and tells us. Leukemia.
Of all the types to have, she has the best. Its the most common. Its the most treatable. She can beat this.
Surgeons come by later in the day to discuss surgery for the placement of her central line port. Apparently they almost did this before Dr. Felipe came in. Thankfully, our nurse caught them at the door.
Tuesday, Lexi had surgery to place central line, and a lumbar puncture. She also got her first round of chemo. Now we double glove for all diaper changes for 48 hours. Fun.
Let the journey begin.
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