#HealingForHaylie-Post 55

From Haylie's Mom:

First day of school for Haylie! Her home bound teacher came over today and got us started. Now it is up to me until next Wednesday. 😬. Wish us luck.

#HealingForHaylie-Post 54

From yesterday:

It’s been a big day! Haylie was selected by NBC5 to be featured on an upcoming Courageous Kids segment. Childrens hospital also is featuring her in a commercial that will run this fall. Today was filming day! It was amazing to see everything that goes into making one short commercial. It should start running sometime in October. Haylie had so much fun!

with Steve Lemonds

#HealingForHaylie-Post 53

Haylie update - August 20

We had a week off of chemo to let her body recover and it was so good for all of us. It was amazing to see how much better and stronger her body got each day. By mid week, she was walking great and climbing the stairs. She even did a few push ups just to prove to me that she could. She went swimming on Thursday and we even made a trip to the lake so she could fish over the weekend. We finally made it back to church and got to eat out at her favorite restaurant, Olive Garden. It was so great to get out of the house again. But today has been the best day yet! We had to go back to the hospital for labs and to start her next round of chemo (that part was not fun) but this is the first time she walked in on her own and we didn’t even need a wheelchair. I am so excited to report that her ANC was at 1970!!! That far exceeded our expectations. When she left the hospital she was at 110. Doctors were hoping to get her above 750 in order to continue the next round of chemo. She surprised us all by coming in with such great numbers. Her platelets were at an incredible 346 and hemoglobin was at 10.9. I was thrilled!

Her doctor even said it would be ok for her to attend the middle school orientation today. We won’t make it back in time for the beginning of it, but we can stop by and see some friends at the end. I am so encouraged. I didn’t think attending was even possible, and now we got the ok (if she wears a mask). Great is your faithfulness God!!

#HealingForHaylie

 https://www.facebook.com/melissa.m.geraci/videos/10214210631754557/

#HealingForHaylie-Post 52

Sorry for the delay, this is from the 14th:

Just had to share this video of Haylie going for a walk yesterday. It makes this mama’s heart happy. She actually walked around the block twice. 🤗. Thank you for the continued prayers. She is getting better every day. The doctors have postponed her next round of chemo until next week to give her body some time to recover. We will enjoy every day this week.
#HealingForHaylie

Haylie walking

#HealingForHaylie-Post 51

From yesterday:

Oh happy day! We are being released from the hospital! Haylie’s ANC finally had a big jump last night. She went from 40 to 110! Yay! That is still considered very low, but doctors expect it to make big jumps in the coming days. They are putting off her next round of chemo for a week to let her body recover a little. We have so much to be thankful for today. Praise Jesus!!!

I woke up at 4:30 this morning and the verse “This is the the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it” came to mind. We didn’t have her results back yet but I realized whether or not her levels went up or down, God deserves our praise. He is a good God deserving our praise regardless of our circumstances. 

I am so very thankful for the good news today. I hope everyone has a blessed Sunday.
#HealingForHaylie

#HealingForHaylie-Post 50

From yesterday:

Today is going to be a good day! We are still at the hospital but Haylie’s ANC finally increased a little. Yay!

We are sad we aren’t able to make it to the blood drive for Haylie in Trophy Club today. We wanted to say thank you to all the donors who are donating blood to help save a life. Michael and Brennen were able to stop by, but unfortunately Haylie and I can’t.

It’s been a week now in the hospital since I had to rush her into the ER with a fever. It’s seems crazy to have to go to the ER with a fever, but for a cancer patient on chemo, we have to watch fevers very carefully since she has no immune system. It has certainly changed our summer plans because we have to be able to get her to a major ER within an hour of a fever over 100.4. They have kept her here this whole time because her levels were so low. If her levels increase again in the morning there is a chance we might be able to go home tomorrow! Haylie and I are very excited about that news! We are especially praying her levels increase because if not, they will have to change her port access again and she really doesn’t want that to happen. The doctors have agreed to wait one more day before changing her port access so we really need to make a big jump tonight.

She is doing everything to get out of here. She asked me if I thought taking a nap would help her levels. I told her it would probably would help for her body to get more rest to recover faster so she asked me for some melatonin to make her sleep. She is bored but I think she hates the hospital food more than anything else. 😂. A nurse told me about a food delivery app, so I used it for lunch today, which made her very happy. I think this is the last time we order from there with the $12 delivery fee. 😬

Yesterday was a good day too. She learned how to play chords on the piano and has even learned a song. She has been singing the worship song she learned too and it just makes my heart happy to see her doing something new and worshiping at the same time. She also started reading the required summer reading book for school. I was just thrilled she did something besides being on the iPad or watching tv non stop.

We also gave our next door neighbor some toys and coloring books. She has been asking me to paint her nails, so I was able to do that yesterday in the playroom. Due to hospital policy, I’m not allowed to go in her room without her family’s permission. I understand the policy, but I’m not sure if she does, which makes it hard. Her grandmother has been visiting more this week so that is good. She is doing better and should get to go home soon also. Please keep her in your prayers also.
It was fun to see my cousin Johnna and her family last night. Haylie and I are just chilling today. Things are really slow in the hospital on the weekends which is great for us today. There are few interruptions, so we are hoping to get some rest. I’m hoping to post that we are on our way home soon. Thank you all the prayers.
#HealingForHaylie

Getting a music lesson

Cousins!

Non- hospital food!!

#HealingForHaylie-Post 49

Haylie Update- August 9

It’s been a good day. Haylie had more energy today and had fun making crafts in the playroom. I’m so thankful for Donna, who came and stayed with Haylie today so I could run home for a few hours and wash clothes and get resupplied for the next couple of days.

Haylie’s ANC is still at 10, which is a bummer. The doctors think it should start coming back up any day now. I was getting quite discouraged because being in the hospital does not fit into my plans for this weekend, but I realize God has a much bigger plan than I do and I have to trust him. I have to admit, I wasn’t even going to post today and as I was laying down on this hospital couch for the night I heard an awesome song on the radio. I had heard it a few weeks back and the chorus really stuck with me so I looked up the lyrics to Confidence by Sanctus Real. I think it was just what I needed to hear today. 

I’m not a warrior
I’m too afraid to lose
I feel unqualified for what you’re calling me to
But Lord with your strength
I’ve got no excuse
Cause broken people are exactly who you use

So give me faith like Daniel in the lion’s den
Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness
Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense
So I can face my giants with confidence

I realize that Daniel, Moses and David had some HUGE obstacles to overcome and God was with them every step of the way. He was their confidence and He will be mine, too. Nothing we can ever come against is too big for God. If God can close the mouth of a lion for Daniel and part the Red Sea for Moses, I know He can get us through cancer.
#HealingForHaylie

She has decorated her IV pole with her crafts

Sweet hugs

One of our favorite nurses stopped by to see us.

#HealingForHaylie-Post 48

Haylie Update-August 8

Good news! We are no longer on quarantine! We were able to get to the playroom all 3 times it was opened today. Haylie is doing really good. Her ANC is still extremely low, down to 10 to be exact, so we will still be here for a few more days.

Today was her last dose of the chemo that she has to take by getting shots in her legs. These are the shots she has been having to take 3 times a week because of her major allergic reaction. They are pretty painful and cause lots of soreness. She has been having a lot of trouble walking lately. We think it is just a side effect from the shots. For some reason her knees just give out for no reason so we have to be careful she has help walking right now. 

We are hoping tonight is a good night. The fire alarms have gone off twice now. 😜 Hopefully the testing is over and we can get some sleep tonight. We look forward to getting improved results tomorrow.
#HealingForHaylie

#HealingForHaylie-Post 47

Haylie update - August 7th

Today has not been near as adventurous as yesterday. She has been put on quarantine so we are not able to go outside her room until lab results clear us. ☹️. We did go to the playroom for the first session this morning and had fun making mosaics today.

Since then we have spent all day in her room. We will get lab results back in the morning and hopefully be cleared of any infections.

We are also hoping for a big jump in her ANC. Unfortunately, it went down from yesterday, so we will be staying in the hospital for a few more days. Her hemoglobin rose slightly, and her platelets really jumped up which is great. Last time we were in the hospital, her platelets always seemed to be the first thing to bounce back. I say that is a good sign and her other levels should be soon to follow.

I have learned a few things the last few days. 1) It’s always good to have a bag ready and packed at all times. 2) I need to teach my sweet husband how to pick out proper attire to bring me in the hospital. 😂. If anyone comes to visit, please don’t judge me if my clothes don’t match.

Please pray we get good results and get cleared in the morning. It’s hard being in the hospital for days at a time, but it has been really depressing to Haylie to be completely confined to her room. She really wanted to make it back to the playroom at least. Let me just tell you that our 1 hour of iPad a day limit was exceeded by about 8 hours today. 😬. Oh well. I’m so very thankful for my sweet friend Kate, who picked up Brennen and is allowing him to spend the night to play with his friend. Brennen has a bit too much energy to be confined to one room for hours on end.

Tomorrow is a new day. I know that God is still going before us in this battle. Everyday is a battle and we must arm ourselves with the full armor of God.

Be strong in the Lord and the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11
#HealingForHaylie

#HealingForHaylie-Post 46

Haylie Update- Aug 6th

We are still at the hospital...our doctor said she expects us to be here for at least a week because her levels are so low, but Haylie and I plan to amaze her with her comeback numbers and be out of here sooner. Yesterday’s numbers were not good...she was down to zero to be exact. We figure we can only go up from there. Today her numbers have improved a bit and her ANC is up to 40. Her hemoglobin and platelets also rose without another transfusion so I figure we are on the right track. 

I told Michael that I should post that we have checked back into our summer vacation home. 😜. They have room service and I’m quite sure we will be billed more for this room than at even a fancy 5 star hotel. I told Haylie she could order whatever she wanted from hospital room service. We are living it up.

Today she is feeling much better. We have been to the playroom 3 times. Brennen has spent the whole day playing xBox or the Wii and I’ve just let him. Anything to pass all.day.long in a hospital room. Haylie even built herself a blanket fort and has learned a few new wheelchair tricks. 😂.

We have gotten to know the little girl in the room next to us. Bless her heart. I’m not sure of her whole story, but she is here by herself. Sometimes her grandmother is able to come visit, but she is pretty much up here completely alone. The nurses have been so sweet and really take extra care of her. She has been hanging out with us in the playroom today. Often, we just need to look around to realize how blessed we really are. As you lift Haylie up, please add Kayla to your prayers too.

Tomorrow is a new day. We are expecting even better numbers tomorrow. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers on our long journey to beat leukemia. Love you all.
#HealingForHaylie

Haylie wheelchair tricks

#HealingForHaylie-Post 45

Haylie update - Aug 4

Not exactly how we planned on spending our weekend. 😕. Haylie came down with a fever so we are at the ER. It started out a little rough, when the ER nurse missed her port on the first try. Haylie was in a lot of pain and the nurse was telling me it was all good. The saline was draining out so she finally admitted she missed the port and took it out. 🤦🏽‍♀️. I requested someone who was familiar with ports to try the second attempt. They finally got the port accessed and drew blood for labs and started antibiotics. Unfortunately, her levels have dropped again, so we are being admitted back to the oncology floor until things level out. She will also be getting another blood transfusion, so hopefully that will make her feel much better. Her fever and chills are now gone, praise God. They don’t know what caused the fever, but I’m sure glad it is gone. This is our first fever since we were released, so I’m learning how to navigate a new road. Hopefully this will be the only time this happens. 

On a positive note, there was very little traffic at 2am. I’m certain, we will both need a nap tomorrow.
#HealingForHaylie

#HealingForHaylie-Post 44

Haylie update - August 1

I can’t believe it’s already August. It’s been a few days since I’ve given an update. We were discharged from the hospital on Saturday afternoon, so we have been home getting to sleep in our own beds. Praise God! Friday night was a little rough because of the rescue steroids that she was given to stop her reaction and caused her breathing and heart rate to get really really low and set off the monitors all night long. Needless to say, I didn’t get much sleep at all, so I have been too tired to get on Facebook for an update the last few days.

We are beyond thankful for all the blood and platelet donations that everyone has donated. Haylie was given a transfusion of platelets on Saturday morning. That was her 3rd transfusion in just one week, 2 blood transfusions and one platelet transfusion, and each time there have been an available supply of B- blood and platelets ready for her! I actually received an email from the Carter blood guy yesterday saying the Red Cross has announced a shortage of blood, but DFW is not included in that because of all the blood drives that have been taking place. Y’all that is absolutely amazing and warms my heart! Who knows how many more lives have been saved because of all the amazing people that have been out donating for our daughter. Bless you all!!

Haylie is doing really good! She even got outside to hit Brennen some baseballs in the backyard on Monday. Her levels are probably the lowest they have ever been, but doctors are on top of it. They are expecting her body to start recovering from all the chemo treatments and start to make its own blood and platelets in the next week or two. We are pretty much home bound at this time because her body has no immunity right now. We are praying for her white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets to recover even faster than the doctors expect. Once her levels come back, she will get hit with another round of chemo that will knock her levels back down. This will become a normal cycle for us for the next few months.

Her treatments were just once a week, but after her bad reaction, we now have to go in 3 times a week for shots. 😩. Haylie is not at all happy about having to get poked so many times, especially after we thought everything could be done through her port. She has handled the extra shots pretty well so far. I’m just thankful she hasn’t had an reactions to the new medication.

This is a rough time for us as I feel like we are in the middle of a raging storm. The other morning I awoke to a storm rolling in. The wind was so strong it was pushing against the windows and making creaking noises. Then came the rain. I was reminded that storms in our life can be scary, but God is faithful and is our protector and shelter. The storm brings the rain, which will eventually bring growth and new life. I love the smell after the rain. It is so clean. I think the rain in our lives can sometimes wash us clean and allow us to see more clearly. The storm can tear down a few things, but sometimes that will allow us to see our weaknesses so we can build it back stronger. Haylie is a fighter and she will come out of this much stronger than she was before. God is growing us all right now and I am thankful for that. Jesus bring the rain...

#HealingForHaylie

Haylie big catch at camp!

Just chilling in the hospital

Thank you Gateway Church for the edible arrangement!

Making brother work

Snuggles with Peanut

Waiting for the shots

Brennen won a wheel of fortune game

Peanuts picture made it on the hospital network pets.

#HealingForHaylie-Post 43

Haylie update - July 27

Well, today has not gone as planned. I read the Bible verse of the day this morning and I took a screenshot because it was so encouraging. Little did I know how badly I would need to keep reading it throughout the day.

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3

I picked Haylie up from camp. Yay!! So good to see her and give her a big hug. We headed straight to the hospital because she had to have a spinal tap done and then her chemo treatments. She had to fast since midnight so she was a bit hungry by 12:30. Spinal tap went well and we headed up to the day hospital for her chemo after she got out of recovery. I was not aware that the chemo she was getting today could cause reactions. This was her 3rd dose. The nurse said they always watch them on the 3rd and 4th doses because their bodies have built up antibodies to the medicine. Well...Haylie had a major reaction. The nurse told me it’s the worst she had ever seen and it happened faster than she had ever seen. Definitely not something you want to take first place in. 😩
 
Thankfully, they let me know about the possibility of it beforehand and I was slightly prepared. She was having trouble breathing, lips were swollen, had rash over her whole body, nauseous and was shaking uncontrollably. It was pretty scary. They ended up giving her an epi pen and 4 other rescue meds to get it under control. Needless to say, we are being admitted to the hospital and have to stay for 24 hours for observation.

Y’all, I have to tell you, I am wearing the same clothes I was wearing the day we went to the ER and were admitted the first time. I haven’t been able to wear them until today. I thought I would overcome my fear. Now I think I’ll just burn them when I get home. 😜.

We are back on the same floor we were before, so at least I know my way around. Michael is on his way and bringing me clothes and supplies. I keep quoting the verse and know God is faithful and He will strengthen us to get through this. I’m so thankful she is ok. It was really scary but she is ok now. Thank the Lord for his protection. Thank the Lord we were at the hospital and the nurse had everything to counterattack the reaction. I’m thankful for all the prayer warriors that were praying during the reaction. God is good. I’ll update again tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers.
#HealingForHaylie

Hugs getting off the bus!

Sweet girl!

Getting spinal tap

In Recovery

One of the doctors from camp.

Never wearing this again!!

She is a trooper.