Andrew was diagnosed with Erythroid (M6) Acute Myeloid Leukemia on November 4th, 2010 when he was almost 5 months old. Andrew is currently in remission from his cancer, after finishing his 5 rounds of chemotherapy. He is a healthy, happy toddler.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Things are Hard

I'll try to write a quick update on what's been happening with Andrew. His fever has gone down with the help of Tylenol every 4 hours, but it returns to 39.3 (around 103F) quickly without it. Andrew is having more and more trouble breathing. He has what is called third space, which means fluid accumulates in places it shouldn't. He's become very puffy, his abdominal cavity is pretty large, and he is starting to look like the michelin man we had back in round 1. His chest X-ray this morning was clear, but about an hour ago, it showed fluid accumulating in his lungs. This is not good news. We are borderline PICU at the moment, so we're hoping and praying things will turn up.

He's on Zosyn and Vancomycin (antibiotics for the infection), TPN & lipids (intravenous nutrition), benadryl, ondansetron (for nausea), dilaudid (for pain), Tylenol (for his fever and pain), maintenance fluids with dextrose, and his normal anti-fungal and anti-pneumonia medications (voriconazole & septra). We've had a few scares with low saturation and his lips turning blue, and he's also hyperventilated at 80+ breaths/minute, but he's with it enough to constantly push away the oxygen and even sit up in his crib occasionally.

I'm worried because we're only a week out from his last chemo, and it'll be at least another 3 or 4 days before his counts even begin to come up. In other words, he's still bottoming out. I've never seen him get over infections before he starts coming up pretty significantly.

Please pray for Andrew right now that he'll be able to clear the fluids and the infection, keep his fever down, and take deeper breaths. And Mom, he'll be okay, I'm sure, so don't freak out or anything.

7 comments:

  1. Dear sweet Lizzie...I read your post and couldn't help crying. I know this is all pretty serious stuff and that it must be so scary. We will pray specifically for all the things you mentioned in your post. We will also pray for all of you to have peace and calm during these recent challenges.
    We love you!
    --Maire

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  2. I will keep Andrew in my prayers constantly! I hope you have peace and comfort as well.

    -Tori

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  3. Lizzie and Stew never give up hope, never give up on the future. Andrew has angels attending to him and guiding him every moment, we have experienced it on more than on occasion. Hang in there, you can handle this. never forget to be "forever strong" and to "keep running"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Love
    Robert

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  4. Lizzie, we will specifically pray for Andrew. This has to be so scarry and your family has been through so much the last 6 months and I know that you guys are tired and drained. Have they considered Neupogen shots to up his white blood count? It brought Erin's ANC up within a day or two and helped tremendiously with her cellultis. I am so sorry that it is hard right now. You are so close. Andrew is a fighter. We love you guys!

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  5. Hi Lizzie, Thank you for the post and letting us know how things are going with Andrew. We'll be adding our prayers to yours.

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  6. boy you guys are so close and now this! those cancer treatments aren't going out the door without a fight, are they?! i am so sorry that thing are so hard right now! i can only imagine how worried and drained you must be right now. we pray for andrew and for your comfort and strength every night. we'll be anxiously awaiting updates!

    on a happier note, i was in walmart yesterday and guess who was on the little advertisement at the checkstand for children's miracle network hospitals and PCMC?? andrew! i couldn't believe it! i was like, "hey, i know him!!" and everyone thought i was crazy. :) it brightened my day - i REALLY do think andrew is one of the cutest babies i have ever, ever seen. he is ADORABLE! and i just want to give him a big hug every time i see him. :)

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  7. Lizzie-First off, let me remind you who I am. I was your visiting teacher in Livermore for a couple of months. I gardened with your mom in her backyard, and I adore your family. Warren White told me this morning of your son's condition. I have spent the morning reading through your blog, and want you to know that I am here for you. We currently live in Pleasant Grove, and if there is anything I can do for you, I will. I would love to help out in anyway that I can. Your blog has lifted me, and filled my heart with love. Stay strong. Love, Jennifer Lignell

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