Must All Good Things Come to an End?

8/30/2011:  11:14 AM



happy birthday, drew!



Davis had an awesome weekend. On Saturday, he was able to get out and about a bit. He saved all of his energy to hang out with his buddies for a few hours.  When I picked him up, I asked him if he had a good time.  He dramatically answered, "Mom, it was absolutely amazing." A good Saturday led us into a good Sunday. We had Friends Sunday at church. Davis sang in the children's choir and ran around a bit outside afterward.  We all had a great time visiting with family and friends.  Then came Sunday night.

Davis felt a bit warm to the touch and was complaining a bit of a headache. I took his temperature.  101.5. Kyle and I immediately jumped on every fever reducing wives' tale we had ever heard: bath, drink cold water, strip off clothes, sit up in a chair, etc.  The fever did manage to come down but it was still low grade. We called to Children's and luckily his ped. oncologist was on-call.  She advised us to go to Sarah Bush ER and get a CBC (blood count) and wait for further instructions. Since day one, Children's told us that this day - or night - would come, and the first trip to the ER is scary. Children's, along with many other parents who have been at this longer than we, tell us that ER visits become routine.  Sad, huh.



er trip #1

So we spent four hours in the ER on Sunday night. Everyone there did a fantastic job tending to us despite being busy.  Davis was given an antibiotic through his port to prevent a possible port infection. Port infections are what we are constantly trying to prevent. If a port becomes infected, it could cause sepsis in the blood, which could be fatal if not caught and treated.  That is why fever watching is critical. We waited for a good while to know his counts.  If his ANC (absolute neutrophil count, aka: immune system) was below 500, he would be transported to Children's. If it was above, we could go home.  The verdict: 770.  Yes. We were home by 10:00 PM.  Unfortunately, Davis still had a low grade fever and severe headache and nausea.



finishing homework

while waiting on radiation

Davis woke up on Monday and wanted to go to school.  I was going to let him sleep in, but he didn't want to miss school. He was a bit late due to some stomach upset but made it in time for one of his favorite subjects: reading. Kyle and I picked him up after lunch, and we headed to St. Louis for his first radiation treatment. 

before radiation



Radiation went well.  Only one parent was allowed to walk him back to the room, so Kyle went. The mask was really tight, but apparently, it is supposed to be that way. He was a bit nervous, but did great. He took our church's youth choir CD, and the music was piped into the room.  This helped to pass the time. After his treatment, we met with his radiation oncologist for a few brief minutes and then we were free to head home.

As soon as we left the hospital, Davis developed a severe headache accompanied with nausea. There was a lot of crying and whining and moaning coming from the back seat. Nothing seemed to make it better.  He refused to eat and drink as well.  Eventually and thankfully, he fell asleep right after Collinsville.



after radiation

It just kept getting worse from there. We finally made it home at 7:45 last night.  Davis's headache and nausea still hadn't subsided, so we tried to ignore it and follow a routine. We can't give him Tylenol because it masks fevers and other over-the-counter medications can react with his chemo, so often he is left to suffer, and our only means of treatment is prayer. He took a bath because he struggles to stand without severe head pain, and then he finished up some math and geography homework.  Another temperature read proved that his fever was once again up to 101.5.  So another call to Children's landed us back at Sarah Bush's ER at 9:30 PM. 



only cody could muster a smile
from davis

Again, we were well cared for. Another CBC and blood culture was done. He was given morphine for his headache and was soon asleep.  Cody, a friend from church, was his nurse. Seeing a familiar face relieved a ton of Davis's anxiety. Cody was so kind and stayed with us long after his shift ended. While we were waiting the results of his CBC, Davis was given a bag of fluids to prevent him from dehydration. Davis's counts revealed somewhat good news. All of his counts had increased. His ANC, which was 770 the day before, was now over 1600.  Despite the fever, migraine, and nausea, we were sent home. And as for the symptoms, no known cause.

We stumbled in the door at 3:30 this morning. Davis took another bath, and then I tucked him in. I hit the bed at 4:00.  Kyle, who stayed home with Annakate, got her up and ready and out the door allowing Davis and I to sleep in until 8:00 AM. Davis woke up with yet another severe headache- so severe, he couldn't sit up to take him medications. He was running a fever of 101+ again. I called the oncology clinic, and Kyle and Davis are on their way now for Davis to be examined.  He will be seen by the oncologist at 1:00 PM and then have radiation at 4:45 this afternoon.

Annakate has been struggling with homesickness and has developed symptoms of her own. She has tummy aches and headaches. Kyle and I are trying to split our time between the two of them. Kyle stayed home with Annakate the last two nights while I was with Davis in the ER, and Kyle is taking Davis to St. Louis today, so I can be home with Annakate. We are still trying to find the balance.  It's not ideal; that's for sure.



er trip #2

Please pray for Davis. He is in a great deal of pain. And it feels that the health professionals are dragging their feet.  Every time I hear that phrase, "Let's just watch and wait. Touch base with us tomorrow.", the mama honey badger in me comes out. I know that I am exhausted and frustrated from watching him suffer; I can't even imagine how he feels. We know that there are peaks and valleys in every cancer patient's road to recovery, and we know that we have been beyond blessed to have Davis healthy and well for so long. But knowing doesn't make it easier. We are praying that whatever this is is an easy fix and Davis will be well soon.

We still continue to pray off all side effects, both short and long term. We are praying that the doctors find the root of the fevers and headaches and that nothing is overlooked. We are believing with every ounce of faith we have and with all of our hearts that God is going to heal and CURE Davis, and that even with this illness, we are still trudging strongly forward in the right direction. We can't thank and praise God enough for the abnormally high ANC right when he needs it the most. God has some great timing.

Thank you for the continued support and prayers. We love and appreciate them and you.

We will keep you posted.