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Haylie update - July 24

We haven’t been allowed to have any contact with Haylie while she is at camp, which I understand because kids and parents both will be doing fine and break down when they hear the others voice. I know camp is super fun and they don’t want parents causing tears and ruining all the fun.

Tuesday is the day they run labs. I didn’t schedule anything today because I know Haylie’s levels are still going down and there was a pretty large chance she would need another blood transfusion. I waited all morning, but didn’t get a call so I assumed no news was good news, so Brennen and I loaded up to head to Costco for lunch and a long overdue tire rotation. We had a good lunch and still had about 45 mins to burn so I checked my email. I was a little shocked to find an appointment scheduled for a blood transfusion at 1:15pm. It was currently 1:30pm and my car had zero tires on it. Not a good position to be in.

I was told before she left for camp that if she needed a blood transfusion, they would call us to let us know, they would transport our kid back for the transfusion, we could meet them at the hospital and we could have lunch with our kid while they got their transfusion and then ship them back to camp. I promised her I would be there if she needed one. I was feeling like a major mom fail. I called the emergency line at the camp and they said yes, she did need a transfusion and was on her way but they had just left camp so I had time. Whew...

Haylie’s doctor called me back and gave me an update. Haylie is having a great time at camp and went fishing this morning. She caught 5 fish!! 4 catfish and 1 bass. Her granddad’s will be so proud. He doctor said Haylie is doing amazing and always has a smile on her face. I think the medical staff was a little shocked when they got labs back too because of how well she seemed to be doing. She is one tough cookie. Unfortunately her levels are really low so we need some prayer. Her white blood count is down to 0.2. That is not good. She basically has no immunity right now so we need to pray for protection over her and for her white blood count to come back quickly. Her platelets also took a major hit and are down to 24. Her hemoglobin was at 7 so they are transfusing right now.

I was told not to come to the hospital because 3 other kids are also having to get a transfusion and their parents can’t make it. Y’all it is so hard to stay away because I promised her I would be there and I don’t ever like to break promises. She gets very upset when I don’t attend her school events, so I’m praying she will know I wanted to be there and I didn’t abandon her. I know she is having fun at camp and will have even more fun when she gets back tonight.

Michael was working downtown and has decided to stop by the hospital on his way home. 😳. I’m hoping all goes well, for Haylie and him. I guess he is more of a rule breaker than I am.
On a positive note, we are so thankful for the available B- blood again for her much needed transfusion. The doctor said her levels are super low, but that means the chemo is doing its job. I just hate the side effects. Please continue to lift us up to have strength, guidance, and wisdom as we fight cancer.

I know God has big plans for Haylie. We continue to trust in Him and look forward to where He leads us. Jer 29:11
#HealingForHaylie

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Proof that he loves his sister. ❤️. He kept giving her hugs before she left.

And just like that, Haylie is off to camp. Praying she has a wonderful time. I miss her already.

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Haylie update - July 19

Haylie had her spinal tap this morning and she did great. They did labs today to check her levels and her hemoglobin came back at a 5. 😳😬. That is not good. I can’t believe how well she has done over the last 2 days with her level being so low. She had been complaining of headaches and was getting really tired so now we know why. The chemo she had last week is what caused her blood levels to drop so much. It is a known side effect that we were aware of, I just didn’t think it would drop so much, so quickly. It actually came at a good time so we can get her levels back up before she heads to camp on Sunday. They are giving her 2 units because she was so low, so she should feel much better after the transfusion. 

I am overjoyed that there was an available supply of B- blood today for her to be able to get the transfusion when she so badly needed it. Thank you to everyone that has donated blood to make this possible! May each of you be blessed!

I pray that the blood would bring health and healing to her body. I also pray for the person who donated the blood to help give my child life. I pray that they are blessed and feel the love and joy of the Lord today for their amazing gift.
#HealingForHaylie

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Haylie Update - July 18

The last 2 days have been really good. Haylie has been stronger and able to walk by herself around the house. She slept all night long for the first time since we started this process. It was like the first time she slept through the night as a newborn. I certainly needed the sleep. She typically gets up 3 times every night so uninterrupted sleep was golden.

We even got out of the house and made a trip to Chick-fil-a. It was a big day for us! Tomorrow we head back to the hospital for another round of chemo and a spinal tap. Please pray all goes well.

We are starting to get back in a more normal routine. However, for some reason I haven’t been able to update our dry erase calendar. It’s totally crazy, but I feel like we never got to finish May and start June. In my mind, it feels like we never even started June. Haylie was admitted to the ER and diagnosed on May 31. That is when it feels like everything normal stopped and chaos began. It may feel like chaos but I know God is still in control and has ordered our steps. When things seem overwhelming, I have to turn to scripture and read the truths that have been spoken over us. Fear is a liar, and I must not listen to it. I’ve been trying to figure out why I couldn’t erase the calendar. I have been wondering, “what are you trying to teach me now God?” I finally realized I can’t change the past and I can’t go back. The only thing I can do is go forward. In life, we all get to choose how we move forward. We can sit angry and in disbelief and miss all that life has for us, or we can pick ourselves up and choose to not just live, but to live with a new and better appreciation of things. Yes, this is a tough season of our life, but I know when we come out on the other side, we will be stronger, wiser and better people because of it. I’m learning to slow down and give more hugs and be thankful.

God has a purpose and a plan for all of us. I was laying here thinking of how thankful I am for all our doctors and the care and knowledge that they bring to us each day. I’m sure the road wasn’t always easy for them. Sure, they are amazing doctors now, but they have put years of hard work, long exhausting hours and dedication in to get there. Now, they are making such a difference in my family’s life by their expertise. They are like rockstars. Actually far better than rock stars because they are saving lives, and saving one of the most precious to me, my daughter.

Don’t doubt your ability to make a difference. Each of us has the ability to make life better. I want to encourage you that whatever your journey is, keep going. There will be tough times, but I encourage you to stick it out. God never said the journey would be easy, but He did promise to never leave us or forsake us. You may not be saving cancer kids lives, but I guarantee you are making a difference in a big way to someone. It may seem insignificant to you, but I guarantee someone is better today because of you. Don’t give up and don’t loose heart. God has something special planned for you too.

I finally just erased my calendar and put up July. I thought for a second I had completely missed June, but I realize almost every day of June is documented with journaling and pictures. I didn’t miss it. It didn’t go on without me. It was very different than what I would have planned, but I’m thankful we don’t always get to plan our steps. If we did I’m sure we would always choose the easy way and miss the character growth that we need. God has so much more for us. And yes, sometimes the training is hard, but wow, the reward will be amazing and so worth it. I saw the quote “Sometimes God will put a Goliath in your life, for you to find the David within you.”

Stand in faith like David, even when the odds seem totally against you. David came against Goliath, not by his strength, but in the name of the Lord Almighty. He believed God’s word over the circumstances surrounding him, and he was victorious.

I’m hoping to find the David within me.
#HealingForHaylie

Finally getting out of the house!

Snuggles with Peanut

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I’m a little late posting this because honestly I didn’t exactly know what to say. Our family was blown away by the love, generosity and support we received from our community on Friday night at the Haylie Geraci Pool Party! So many people to thank for making this such a fun and meaningful night for our family. Jessica Hawkins, thank you for organizing the whole pool party! Haylie was so excited to get out of the house for a bit and see so many of her friends at once. It made her whole week. She fell asleep with a smile on her face. 

Scott Ruth and Greg Fox, thank you for the amazing gift! It will go a long way in paying for medical bills. I feel terrible I didn’t say more that night, but for once I was speechless. It really took me by surprise. I wish I could have met Robyn. She seems like she was an amazing lady. Her legacy certainly lives on in her foundation. Thank you again to the Robyn Ruth foundation. You are doing amazing things and helping to make the world a better place. I certainly hope that we can one day return the favor.

Thank you to our whole community for once again showing up and loving on us. We are beyond blessed.

#HealingForHaylie

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Haylie Update -July 13

It’s been a couple of days since my last update. Haylie is doing good. Really tired from the last round of chemo so she sleeps most of the day but overall doing good. I knew she was feeling much better today when she got her humor back and had me laughing all morning. I love to see her smile and hear her laugh.

Yesterday was our hospital chemo day. It was the first time she had her port accessed again since we had it put in last week. She was a little nervous because she is still so sore, but she did great. Each time they access it, it will be easier on her. I’m putting a few pictures of the port on here since I’ve had a lot of people asking what it looks like. It’s all new to me so I had the nurse show us what they look like outside the body. 

Today I was a lot nervous because I had to give her the first at home chemo shot by myself. 😬. She told me that I did great and was much better than she expected which is a good thing, I think.

We also got her wheelchair delivered yesterday so things will be much easier for both of us when we have to go somewhere. She will get her strength back soon, but right now she can’t walk far at all. It made it a real challenge going to the hospital because I couldn’t park in the parking garage because it was too far to walk. Needless to say, I got to know the valet guys pretty well. After they lost my keys the last time, they kept my car parked right up front this time. 😂. It was nice because it was ready to go when I got there!

Brennen is especially excited about the wheelchair and wants to take it on races around the block. So if anyone sees him in our neighborhood just smile and wave. 😂. He has been a trooper having to spend lots of time at the hospital and at home being my helper. It’s certainly not the summer we had planned, but I know God is still growing and strengthening us during this time. Someday we will look back on this year and we will see how far we have come, and how God was right there, every single step of the way.
#HealingForHaylie

This is the what the port looks like that was implanted under Haylie’s skin that the access needle connects to for chemo treatments. The white cord connects to a vein in her neck so the chemo is put right into her bloodstream.

This is the access needle that is put in each week for chemo.

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From Haylie's Mom, Melissa:
Love my church, our Pastor, Robert Morris and the amazing people who made this happen. I got an email from Carter blood care and they have the highest volume on hand that they have had in over 6 years! Over 1500 people donated blood! That is a lot of lives that will be saved. Thank you to everyone who donated. Let’s keep it up so no family ever has to worry about not having blood during a life threatening time of need.

Robert Morris

Thank you to all those who gave blood so others could live. And thank you to FOX 4 News for covering this story!

About this article

fox4news.com

Gateway Church congregation gives record-breaking blood donations

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Haylie update - July 9

So thankful! We just finished up our 5th day in a row of chemo to start phase 2. This chemo was a little stronger and it has been harder on her. We are fortunate that she has not been nauseous until now. I’m hoping it will pass soon. It is hard because she still craves food and is hungry, but it all really upsets her stomach.

I’m so thankful that she got the needle out of her port today too. I was told with it accessed it had to stay completely covered under the plastic patch. If it got exposed to air, it would have to be taken out and re-accessed. We also couldn’t get it wet in any way, so we couldn’t take showers. The sticky tape around it kept coming up and made me nervous. I know I will sleep better tonight with it out. She had done remarkably well with it but we had a hard night last night and she said she could feel the needle and couldn’t get comfortable. 

I rejoice that we have 2 days of no hospital and no chemo. We have to go back in on Thurs for another treatment but we will enjoy tomorrow and Wednesday. She is so excited because she has not been able to take a real bath since we entered the hospital. She said she can’t wait to take a bubble bath tonight.

After this, we will only have to go back to the day hospital once a week. Yay! I was told that her levels will start coming down again soon and we will be home bound for a while to avoid infection. Not looking forward to that because she is just starting to feel a little better, but it is part of the process to kill all the cancer cells.

Overall today has been a good day, other than valet losing my car keys for 25 mins. 🤦🏼‍♀️. I really like the day hospital. I learned that you should avoid having outpatient procedures done over the weekend. I’m always going to request the day hospital over weekend outpatient for sure. It was a bit of a circus on Saturday and especially Sunday with almost no help. No one was even at admitting to check us in and lots of mistakes were made. I’m learning to pay very close attention to everything they give her and do. Always double check and ask questions! I have learned so much in a short period of time, but still feel rather clueless in the whole process.

I’m thankful for such an amazing support system to help me through this. I am truly blessed and strengthened by all the prayers we are getting from so many people. There is so much power in prayer.

One more positive thing to pass on, I received an email from Carter blood care today and he thanked us for all the blood drives that have been given in Haylie’s honor. He said that this is the highest blood levels they have had in 6 years! Amazing. Thank you to everyone who has donated blood and helped save a life!

Love you all.
#HealingForHaylie

Watching minions while getting her chemo

Done...on our way home!

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Haylie update - July 6th
I have to admit, I haven’t wanted to write this post. We got Haylie’s bone marrow results back yesterday and they weren’t the clear results we had been hoping and praying for. Her spinal fluid came back clear again, but her bone marrow results showed 2% cancer cells still present. 2%...oh how I hate that 2%. We were so hoping for the 0% at the end of the first phase of chemo. Her doctor said they were higher than she wanted but she explained that they were still good results. Her doctor wanted Haylie to definitely be under 5% and we were. She said that Haylie had between 95-100% cancer cells in her bone marrow when we arrived at the hospital, so 30 days later, to be at 2% is really good.
Haylie’s type of leukemia is T-cell and it typically doesn’t respond as well as the other types of leukemia so I rejoice that it is responding well to the chemo. Her doctor said that typically 1/3 of cases are not at the 0% at the end of phase one. I was so hoping to be in the other 2/3 that are at 0%, but we are still hopeful for 0% at the end of phase 2.
The side effects of the chemo are really hard to deal with. I have to be honest, if it would have come back completely clear, I was struggling with, do we continue to put her through the next 2 years of chemo, thinking she doesn’t really need it? I guess God knew it would be much easier for me to continue the treatments without any doubts, having found the 2% now.
She did great having her port put in yesterday. She is extremely sore, but that is to be expected after a major procedure. She did well today with her second treatment , and we even had little brother helping us out pushing the wheelchair.
On the way home I heard the song, Trust in You by Lauren Daigle and it hit me so hard. I knew after hearing the song, that I could come home and write this post because my trust is in Christ and not in 2% doctor reports.
The lyrics said so many of the things my heart felt. Tears filled my eyes and I knew I could trust God, even if he didn’t move my mountain or part my waters. He DOES know what tomorrow brings, and He is already there. He is my firm foundation. His ways are higher, and His plans are good! And I loved the line that said, there’s not a place where I’ll go, that He has not already stood. No matter what I face, He is by my side and I will trust Him.
Some of the lyrics from Trust in You
by Lauren Daigle
I confess, my hands are weary, I need your rest
Mighty warrior, king of the fight
No matter what I face You’re by my side
When you don’t move the mountains
I’m needing you to move
When you don’t part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When you don’t give the answers
As I cry out to you
I will trust, I will trust in you.
Truth is, you know what tomorrow brings
There’s not a day ahead you have not seen
So let all things be my life and breath
I want you Lord and nothing less.
You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
Yours ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
There’s not a place where I’ll go
You’ve not already stood
If you have a chance, listen to the song, Trust in You. I hope it encourages and blesses you as much as it has me.
#HealingForHaylie