It all seems like such a long time ago. Most of you know the story, but in order to cut down on the game of 20 questions, I have decided to start this blog.
It was almost time to get packed for vacation to New Mexico. Grandma Pankretz had come to visit and take the trip with us to meet the new cousins. (And of course for them to all meet Odette!) Late Thursday evening of June 18th Kendall noticed that Odette had some "rash" on her legs. (We now know it to have a technical name, pitichae.) I had figured it was from putting socks on her that were a little small, or my worst fear chicken pox-this would mean no vacation to the new babies. We figured we'd better be safe so friday morning we were scheduled for a doctor visit. The doctor knew right away what the "rash" was and sent for blood work, but told me he wasn't worried since Odette hadn't been sick. Four hours later the doctor was calling and apologizing for dropping a big load on me but that we needed to rush up to Primary Children's Hospital, that they had a room for us and that our lab work had come back very abnormal. Then he said the word leukemia and my heart stopped. We grabbed the diaper bag, which only had stuff for Josselyn in it, a package of diapers and left. Thank goodness that Grandma was there to be with the other children.
The next couple of days are a blur. Odette was poked with more needles for more blood work. We were told that she would have a Central Line put into her chest in the morning so that she could get chemotherapy without an IV and this is where they could also draw blood as necessary. The diagnosis: Pre B ALL in an infant, extremely rare and just a random act of nature. Nothing we did or didn't do could have prevented or caused this cancer. It is just Odette's trial that she has to go through and just dumb luck. (When she is older we are going to have her buy a lotto ticket!)
After making it through surgery and having a spinal tap, it was onto chemo. We were still pinching ourselfs and praying that we would wake up from this awful nightmare. However, with a lot of blessings, prayers(thanks to all of you!) and faith, we made it though sleepless nights, being covered with puke, fevers, lots of crying(from everyone), 27 days of the most expensive "hotel" living and the first round of chemotherapy!
Odette came home to everyones happy faces on Thursday July 16th. This is one of the first times she has truly smiled, laughed and been happy since the day we left. We feel truly blessed to have such great family and friends who have done so much for us....meals, babysitting, cleaning, phone calls. It will be a long two years, but we know that we can make it through with all of you!
Hopefully between 20 minute diaper changes, feedings and drugs I will have time to keep everyone posted on Odette and of course our other three balls of fire!
It was almost time to get packed for vacation to New Mexico. Grandma Pankretz had come to visit and take the trip with us to meet the new cousins. (And of course for them to all meet Odette!) Late Thursday evening of June 18th Kendall noticed that Odette had some "rash" on her legs. (We now know it to have a technical name, pitichae.) I had figured it was from putting socks on her that were a little small, or my worst fear chicken pox-this would mean no vacation to the new babies. We figured we'd better be safe so friday morning we were scheduled for a doctor visit. The doctor knew right away what the "rash" was and sent for blood work, but told me he wasn't worried since Odette hadn't been sick. Four hours later the doctor was calling and apologizing for dropping a big load on me but that we needed to rush up to Primary Children's Hospital, that they had a room for us and that our lab work had come back very abnormal. Then he said the word leukemia and my heart stopped. We grabbed the diaper bag, which only had stuff for Josselyn in it, a package of diapers and left. Thank goodness that Grandma was there to be with the other children.
The next couple of days are a blur. Odette was poked with more needles for more blood work. We were told that she would have a Central Line put into her chest in the morning so that she could get chemotherapy without an IV and this is where they could also draw blood as necessary. The diagnosis: Pre B ALL in an infant, extremely rare and just a random act of nature. Nothing we did or didn't do could have prevented or caused this cancer. It is just Odette's trial that she has to go through and just dumb luck. (When she is older we are going to have her buy a lotto ticket!)
After making it through surgery and having a spinal tap, it was onto chemo. We were still pinching ourselfs and praying that we would wake up from this awful nightmare. However, with a lot of blessings, prayers(thanks to all of you!) and faith, we made it though sleepless nights, being covered with puke, fevers, lots of crying(from everyone), 27 days of the most expensive "hotel" living and the first round of chemotherapy!
Odette came home to everyones happy faces on Thursday July 16th. This is one of the first times she has truly smiled, laughed and been happy since the day we left. We feel truly blessed to have such great family and friends who have done so much for us....meals, babysitting, cleaning, phone calls. It will be a long two years, but we know that we can make it through with all of you!
Hopefully between 20 minute diaper changes, feedings and drugs I will have time to keep everyone posted on Odette and of course our other three balls of fire!
Awesome job on the blog! Odette is an amazing and special little girl(as is her mommy). Are the kids still on for the beginning of the "church adventures with the Baileys?" Take care.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea. I'm SO sorry! I'm glad you are home now. She is such a cutie! I'm also glad I can keep up with you here and on FB! Take care and I'll keep you in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteI love that you made a blog! I am glad Odette is doing good. She is adorable! She has such a different look then your other kids (at least to me)...... When things slow down a bit for you, we really should plan a get together!
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