Besides our monthly appointments, we had several unwanted trips to the clinic, dermatologist and ER. As I'm writing this blog, I'm glad that Viki's all better now but I must admit, I was taking her smooth recovery for granted. I took these setbacks as a reminder that Viki is still a BMT patient and that she still needs to be treated as one. I've woken up again!
I noticed small pimple-like rashes on her face and I insisted on coming to see our BMT doctor on 5/7/13. Dr. Haight wasn't concerned about GVHD and sent us home.
(picture taken on 5/3/13)
Even though doctor was not concerned, it was getting worse. (pictures taken 5/8 through 5/12)
some of the rash were flaky also
Looked pretty BAD, huh??
We came to the clinic again on 5/13.
Again, Dr. Elyse didn't think it was GVHD. However, she made a referral to the Emory Dermatology to ensure that we treat her rash promptly.
Emory (Pediatric) Dermatology on 5/15
Dr. Lawley examined Viki thoroughly and she confirmed that these were not the signs of GVHD.
However, she couldn't figure out what caused these rashes. It could have been anything: environmental changes, sun exposure, allergies. I was frustrated with the unknown but, at the same time, couldn't be happier that Viki was in good hands. You just can't have it all.
Dr. Lawley prescribed the meds and creams for the rash and the itching.
We were told that it could take up to 6-8 weeks to heal.
(picture taken 5/16)
(picture taken 5/17)
(picture taken 5/18)
(picture taken 5/20)
(picture taken 5/22)
Here I have my pretty Viki back, Yay!
Shortly after Viki was recovering from the rash, we had to deal with another setback: Fever. My biggest fear!
First week of June, Viki felt a little warm and complained about body aches and headache.
Then, she finally spiked up on 6/7/13.
Of course, I called the ER and they wanted us to come right away.
This is our on-the-go ER bag. In case of fever, I just grab this bag and get Viki into a car.
(I've learned from past experiences that with fever, we'll most likely be admitted for at least next 48 hours.)
Sleeping the entire time in the car
at a triage room
As soon as we got in a room, everything was up and running.
(BTW, BMT patients are a priority so there's no waiting in the waiting room.)
Nurse taking her temp.
Getting her port accessed
Drawing blood cultures
Having anti-biotic rolling
Then waiting for lab results and doctor's order.
As always, waiting for the results are the hardest part.
To our surprise, her CBC numbers looked relatively stable and the doctor decided to send us home. Wow, that's a surprise!
(WBC:3.63, HGB:8.8, Platelet:163) Thank God!!!
The next morning, Hemoc doctor called and explained that Victoria had the Para-influenza. She prescribed medicine called "TAMIFLU" for next 5 days. It was hard to find the pharmacy that carried Tamiflu this time of the year. I freaked out and called every pharmacy in our area. A newly opened Kroger about 3 miles away had it in stock. Thank God.
Compared to common flu, Para-influenza is much milder and people usually get infected during the Spring and Summer seasons. We were not sure how she was infected but, the doctor said it could take up to 5-10 days to go away. Viki had the stuffy nose, coughing and ran a fever again. Poor my little princess.
Revisited the ER at 3 o'clock in the morning on 6/11/13
Again, her labs looked okay and we were released.
(WBC:2.87, HGB:10.0, Platelet:166) God is a healer!
Now, I feel I'm slowly getting over this trauma. Just anxious and curious about her counts on our next clinic visit.
It was 6 am and we were headed back home.
This is what I did all day and night for a week.
My hero Victoria, you did well. Mommy is proud!
No comments:
Post a Comment