The van still rocks and is officially getting 18 mpg!
That is my good news of the day. The rest of it is really less than stellar.
This morning I gave Peyton her Valtrex for the herpes and Lactulose for the constipation. She was all crashed out, exhausted in the bed, wailing and moaning in pain. I finally couldn’t watch her like that anymore and decided to call the clinic, but before I got them called I noticed that she had a red bump on her chest, right over her heart. Looking her over, there were several on her arms and torso.
The call to the clinic led to the trip in to show off Peyton’s newest mystery symptom, which turned out to NOT be shingles, but just a viral rash. Peyton’s pain level was so bad that the decision was made to go to the hospital so that they can manage it with some heavy duty drugs. Drugs that will make the constipation worse, so they can also manage that.
Her mouth is worse, the sores in her mouth spreading across her tongue and down her throat. She is in a lot of pain, and I’m thrilled for the morphine they are giving her that is relieving it and letting her get some rest. She didn’t have a fever at the clinic, but as soon as we got here she shot up to 103.4, so our indefinite stay is going to be at least 72 hours. The blood they pulled will tell us if the fever is from a bacterial infection working side by side with the viral infection.
She’s getting:
Morphine for the pain
Acyclovir for the viral infection
Cefepime for the potential bacterial infection
Mag Citrate for the constipation
And we’re still holding all her chemo
Her counts were also discouraging. Everything dropped dramatically, her ANC was down to 300 (from 500), her hemoglobin was 7.5 (down from 9) and her platelets dropped to 27 (from 38). She’ll be getting red blood due to the hemoglobin drop and we’ll be checking counts in the morning to see if she needs platelets.
We’ll be doing the bone marrow aspiration in the morning. In knowing that all of the above could absolutely be caused by the infection rampaging through her body, the thought also remains that it could be the cancer. I’m about 60/40 and the aspiration will give me 100% clarity on which it is. Yesterday I was really consumed with the thought of the cancer being back and after a lot of prayer I realized that it doesn’t matter either way because God’s handling all of it. I can stew on it and let it overwhelm me but I know that it’s a waste of my time and energy. We’ve gotten through days we never dreamed we’d have to live. Come virus or relapse, I know God will see us through this as well.
There is no answer yet on the liver enzymes, but she did crop up with a new and interesting side effect today. Her hair is coming out again. I’m talking shedding handfuls of hair, I can already see how much thinner her hair looks and if it were to continue to fall out at the rate it’s started she could be bald by the end of the week. Some kids lose their hair throughout maintenance, some never lose a hair again, some wait until the very end to lose any. Peyton’s response to seeing her hair all over the table was “Darn it, I hate when my hair falls out!” Yes, me too.
Right now she is sleeping….lovely, deep, drug-induced sleep. No whining or whimpering in her sleep, she’s barely moved. She really needs this rest so her body can recharge and build up some fighting strength. I am going to crawl in bed with her, cuddle up and nap right along with her.
Pray for clean bone marrow results, pray for healing, pray for each of these precious kids whose bodies are fighting a battle they should never know.
f.r.o.G…fully relying on God
–Anissa
on Apr 29th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Anissa, I am praying for each of you. I hate to hear Peyton is feeling bad…. I will keep an eye on the site to see how she is feeling. Love, Tracy
on Apr 29th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
I dont even know how I found your website but I have been checking on your sweet baby girl for quite some time now. It broke my heart to see the pictures of her sweet little mouth all broken out. I will be praying a special prayer tonight for your family and your preciouse little Peyton. May God wrap his loving arms around you and hold you tight while you are having to endure all of this.
on Apr 29th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Anissa & family – Just a quick note to let you know we are thinking of you. I hope that the aspiration goes well tomorrow, that all the drops are because of this nasty virus, and that at the end of your mandatory 72 hospital stay she is back to her old bouncy self. Lori, Larry, Jordan and Kailey Smart
on Apr 29th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
I'm so sorry that Peyton (and you and the kids) are having to go through this. I'm glad they are taking the pain away for now. Let me know if there is anything I can do – even if it's just to chat. We are thinking of you all.
on Apr 29th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Anissa,
I am praying for a short hospital stay and great bone marrow results tomorrow. Hang in there!!!
Love,
Robyn
on Apr 29th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Anissa, I am so sorry that Peyton is in the hospital and feeling so lousy. I have been thinking about her and praying like crazy for her since reading your update yesterday. I am glad to hear that she is getting some much needed rest and I hope she starts to feel better and gets to come home soon. I will pray, pray, pray, for good results for tomorrow. Love you guys! Karalyn
on Apr 29th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Anissa and family,
The Galesburg, Michigan gang is sending prayers to you every second!
Love and hugs to you all,
Lisa, Dan, Cass, Leah, and Maddie
on Apr 29th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Hello Anissa,
I was so sorry to hear that your sweet little Peyton was not feeling well. I just got on today to read the updates and was shocked because my 7 year old daughter has been very sick all weekend with very high fevers and started to get mouth sores on saturday. I took her to the doctor and she also has the herpes virus, I was shocked that the doc said herpes oh my gosh thats crazy.
Caitlyn is not as sick as pool little Peyton I sure hope she gets better soon and I will say a prayer for her that all turns out well.
Just wondering what she will eat at school for lunch with the mouth sores??
God Bless!!
Darlene
on Apr 29th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Dear Anissa,
I am so glad they put Peyton in the hospital. Praying she gets the rest she so badly needs. Rest when you can. Does Grandma have the kids?
Love,
Ang
on Apr 29th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Oh Anissa!
Please know that we are lifting you up tonight . . . praying for Peyton's comfort and healing & praying for God to wrap YOU in His peace. My heart just hurts after reading your update. Give Peyton a big hug from all of us! We love ya!
on Apr 29th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Anissa,
As you know all too well, there are no words that I can give you that will ease your worries right now but know that I am praying and sending more love than I can describe. Hang in there and if you need anything from me at all, just say the word.
Love you guys!
J
Is it okay for me to post a prayer request for Peyton on my blog?
on Apr 29th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
I'm so sorry you are in the hospital with Peyton feeling so darn horrible. Sending tons of positive thoughts and prayers your way for those blood counts to rise and the aspiration to be clear!! I hope Peyton is back to her bouncy, smiley self soon!
on Apr 30th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Anissa,
I'm lifting Peyton up to our Lord who is in control even when circumstances seem out of control. I'll pray that her body gets lots of rest while in the hospital and that whatever the cause for all these terrible symptoms the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Praying for Peyton, you and the rest of your family.
Julie
Isaiah 43:1-3
"…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Isreal, your Savior."
on May 1st, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Dear Anissa,
I've been away for a while and just logged in to catch up with you all. Oh my goodness, I can hardly believe what is happening to your baby girl. I am praying for you all right now. Praying that you have had some good news from the BMA and that her counts are rising. Praying for you and Pete and for Rachel and Nathaniel, that God will take away all your fears. Praying for wisdom for the doctors. Praying that Peyton will soon be back to her bubbly self.
Sending love and hugs.
Dawn. xx