THE DREADED "L" WORD

Recently I posted a very short article and briefly mentioned a family emergency. I didn't go into any detail as my husband and I decided it would be best if I didn't post an article. Today we discussed it again and I have decided to share with you what has been going on in our lives. I am writing about our experience and I am asking you to please keep us and our little boy in your prayers.

It all began a little over a month ago. My six year old developed a fever of 102.5. I gave him Tylenol and the fever broke but returned four hours later. He didn't have any symptoms other that neck pain later he began vomiting. I took him to an urgent care as our Doctors office was closed for the weekend. They said it was a simple stomach bug and he should be well in two days. The vomiting ceased and he was again able to hold liquids but the fever returned. I took him to our family Doctor; they ran a throat culture and diagnosed him with strep. They released him to return to school in two days but when that day arrived he awoke with a temp of 104.5. I rushed him back to the Doctor, the strep was aggressive they prescribed a stronger antibiotic and kept him out of school for the remainder of the week. He returned to school and after the third day of attending he came home with a fever again. This time it was 102.5, I immediately called the Doctor and they told me to bring him right in. They ran a CBC; his white cell count was extremely high. The Doctor told me they had to admit him to the hospital, The Doctor also told me he would have an oncologist come in and see him the following day. The Doctor suspected leukemia. Upon hearing the L word I hit the floor. At the hospital a specialist talked to me about St. Jude's and Kosairs children's hospital. I couldn't understand how this had happened; I couldn't understand how my baby could be so sick. I was frantic!

 They ran a series of tests and the pathology report said his red blood cells looked good. While in the hospital it was discovered that he had strep pneumonia. They treated him aggressively with two antibiotics. He was released after three days and given a week home to rest and recuperate before returning to school. He has been fever free for a week. Through the entire month he began developing other symptoms; his legs, neck and stomach were hurting. Although he is no longer running a fever he is still complaining about pain.

I was encouraged by the pathology report and tried to get the Doctor to confirm that Jack does not have leukemia. He said he couldn't rule it out completely. On Jack's follow-up visit with the Doctor his white cell count was below normal. The Doctor told me they have done all they can at this point and they want to run another blood count in five weeks. I am still encouraged that the pathology report was good but I am also still worried. I can't help but worry. Over the past five weeks my kid has been given many rounds of antibiotic and each time became ill again. I pray this time he is really well and that there is no underlying disease.

Please keep Jack in your prayers as well as St Jude's and Kosairs. They do wonderful work for sick children and their families.

Blessings

Apryl