Transplant Woes
So, transplant was supposed to start today. After worrying about and dreading this day for weeks, it’s finally here. I was up most of the night last night, alternating between crying and feeling like I was going to throw up. I know this is what Layla needs, but it still doesn’t change the fact that it’s very scary and there’s a chance she won’t recover. So after weeks of anxiousness, the day finally came.
I rushed around to finish packing this morning, said goodbye to Jenna, Claire and Ryan and put my game face on. We arrived at the hospital around noon. The nurses took her vitals (which were perfect) and then we waited…and waited…and waited to see the doctor. Finally around 2:00 we saw the doctor and were sent to our room.
Upon getting in the room I unpacked everything. Since we were going to be here for 6 weeks, there was a lot to unpack!! Got all of Layla’s toys organized, all my toiletries lined up how I want them, clothes in the drawers…the whole shebang. We were here to stay.
Until…
Layla spiked a fever of 100.3. Seriously, we weren’t even in the room for 10 minutes.
After much deliberation between all of Layla’s doctors, they decided it was better to hold off on the transplant until we’re positive she doesn’t have any kind of infection. The chemo that she’s getting is extremely harsh and will cause her immune system to be destroyed. Destroyed beyond repair. The entire purpose of the transplant is to save her immune system after the chemo destroys it. There will be a period of about 2 weeks where she has no immune system at all. Any infection is potentially fatal. Sending her into this with any kind of illness would be catastrophic. She needs to be at 100%.
And she’s not. So we wait.
Waiting is good, right? Wrong.
The transplant is most effective when it’s done 6 weeks after the last round of chemo. Layla’s last round of chemo was 7.5 weeks ago. There were delays because of infections and new lines. In order for the transplant to still be successful, it needs to be done this week. So there are many risks to be weighed. Do we press forward knowing she might be getting sick, or wait to make sure she’s at 100%, knowing that each day that goes by is one more day the transplant might not be successful? We decided (well, I had no say – the dr’s decided) that it was best to wait.
They have taken blood for lab work and cultures, done a nasal swab and tested for H1N1. She is getting blood right now then she’ll get one dose of an antibiotic. Then we go home.
Once those results come back negative (please God, let them be negative), we come back to start this process all over again. Hopefully that will happen Wednesday or Thursday.
I’m so thrilled to have her home another day or two, but at the same time, this has been so emotionally draining and I wish we could just get it over with and put it behind us. I know God’s timing is perfect so I’m trying to remember that there is a reason this is being delayed. As much as I don’t like it, there has to be a reason.
Hope they can figure out soon what’s going on and get her better so you can start!
Know that I’m here praying!
Isaiah 43:1-3a: But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.
Prayer Bears
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I’m in tears reading this – trying to fathom what this must be like for all of you. I will pray every day for you. I pray for health for Layla, strength for Shanna and Ryan, and comfort for Jenna and Claire. I wish there was something else I could do, but for now I will turn all my energy into thoughts of healing and comfort for your family. Hoping to see you soon.
Thanks for taking the time to update the site. Praying for you guys. I am so sorry to here about the change of plans. However, I am so glad that the fever arose BEFORE things got started as opposed to during or after.
Thinking about you all and hoping that whatever spiked Layla’s fever is gone soon. Let me know if you need anything, I’m here for ya’lL!!
I’m so sorry! You must feel like your going crazy. As if transplant isn’t stressful enough. Praying for a good nights sleep, and of course, praying for Layla.
peace
Jessica
tuesday’s mama
Assuming no news means nothing happened today? The Lord knows everything that’s going on and is always there, working. I’m here praying!
Hebrews 4:13-16 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Prayer Bears
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Hope this beautiful Gospel passage gives you comfort! Praying!
Titus 3:4-6 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Prayer Bears
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You are so amazing–a true warrior mom! Sharing your story gives us all a deeper sense of gratitude for the normalcy or another ordinary day. What your family is experiencing is so extraordinary. Most of us cannot fathom the frustration, sadness, worry and confusion that your family has to endure. I think of you all and Layla everyday and pray.
xoxo
Natalie
No transplant yet?! Keep hoping to come here and read that transplant has started!
Continuing to pray in Seattle!
Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
Prayer Bears
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My heart is breaking for your little girl and so much for you. You should get an award for being the best Mom in the whole wide world. Things look grim, but I truly believe deep down in my heart if you just put all of this in God’s hands he will bring you through. Enjoy every second of those six weeks in isolation with Layla. She will make every moments special. I know you will get there and I know you will make it through. Many Many prayers from Pennsylvania.
This passage is going to be in Ed’s sermon on Sunday. Wanted to share it with you. Praying so very hard at this end!
Philippians 4:19-20: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Prayer Bears
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I’m so sorry for all these draining wait emotionally and physically.
You have a wonderful family and a strong faith that will keep you going to understand all these frustration.
Sending love and prayers for Layla and your family.
All things work for good to those who love God.
C.O.L.E. Prayer Team
(Caring Openly, Loving Eternally)
http://www.colesfoundation.com
Know that I’m here praying!
Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Prayer Bears
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Am here praying!
Psalms 27:1, 4-5 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?…One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
Prayer Bears
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Hope you’re just too busy transplanting to update!
Lifting up prayers!
Psalms 27:7-9 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me…thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
Prayer Bears
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Know that I’m here praying hard!
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Prayer Bears
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Know that you’re always in my thoughts and prayers!
Psalm 4:8: I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Prayer Bears
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