Friday, April 13, 2012

Day - 3 - I should have knocked on wood

 The protective gear that is worn when dealing with any bodily fluids

Today should have been easier. It should have.... but it wasn't. Maybe it was just her body catching up with yesterday. Not only was she sick this morning especially, but she started to swell late morning. Her poor little eye lids were so swollen she could barely open them. Her jaw and cheeks were swollen and there was a slight rash developing on her left cheek.

This morning, I thought we were off to a good start. Kayla was playing Mario Cart on the Wii and seemed to feel "ok". She would stop, get sick, and continue playing. It was comforting to see that she could keep playing despite how sick she would get. Mostly, she slept today which was fine by us! Physical Therapy came in to do some work with her. We went fishing for these little magnetic fish that had been carefully strewn all around the 2nd floor. Kayla wobbled as I carefully walked beside her to make sure she didn't fall. It was really hard for her to see because of the swelling in her eyelids. After the slow fishing trip, we walked over to the physical therapy room to work on a puzzle. There was a balance strip placed with a slight step up and then another strip. The goal is to walk along it toe to heel. It was wobbly and slow and painful for me to watch. She clearly just wanted to sleep, but we kept up the hard work for a little bit. When I saw that she had given it all she had, the therapist asked her if she could do five more for her. Each trip up and back the strips earned her one puzzle piece. I could hear it in Kayla's breathing that she just didn't have it in her. I told the therapist that I would be fine with one more. Kayla looked very relieved.  I don't see the big deal. She was throwing a foot ball the other day. She was running and playing. She will bounce back. I understand the importance of movement, but there will be time for all of that. What she needed today was sleep! Poor kid.

About an hour or two later, I went over to rub Kayla's head and noticed she felt very hot to my touch. I grabbed the thermometer and took her temperature. Sure enough, she had spiked a fever of 103.0. Yikes. Then, she started throwing up again..... Torture. So sad to watch. We called in the nurse and they ordered blood cultures, Tylenol and 1 dose of an antibiotic. We kept the cold wash cloths coming and she slept and slept. It is now after 7:30pm. Kayla's Temperature is currently 101.  It's coming down! We hope that tomorrow will be a better day. We hope the temperature stays gone and that the cultures come back all negative. There is never a dull moment around here! 




Sleep my baby, sleep.





10 comments:

  1. It is difficult to muster words to describe feelings.
    Kayla's beautiful face and your words are so powerful and humbling.
    God bless all of you. We pray that you all sleep well and that tomorrow is a better day. Thank you and love, Mary and Frank Hoburg

    ReplyDelete
  2. God is watching over all of you! Keep the faith and we will send love and prayers <3<3

    ReplyDelete
  3. Poor Kayla! We will say extra prayers for her tonight. Betty Criesco

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sending healing thoughts and prayers. Don't know you or Kayla but been avidly following the blog, checking in almost every day. I'm a mom to a second grade girl and I can't tell you how often I think of and pray for Kayla, you and your family, as well as the other children at St. Jude's. Wishing you some good rest and a better day for all tomorrow. Huge hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sending healing thoughts as well. We are hoping Kayla rests well tonight and tomorrow she wakes up fever-free! Love you all!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hoping you have woken up to a better day and good news about the cultures. Sending gentle hugs and love, Auntie Ann

    ReplyDelete
  7. Awwe poor Kayla. I hope that better days come to follow. Hang in there, all of you. Sending prayers your way. Love you

    ReplyDelete
  8. Annie, we are here for you if you need shoulders to lean on, strength to pull from, or just listening ears. I love you all so much!!!--Nicole

    ReplyDelete
  9. Annie, I am sending prayers your way for a better day for Kayla today. Praying that the chemo will do it's job and there will be minimum side effects, if at all! Hoping for great family times together with your friend there. here's to a NO fever day :). stacy

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sending prayers and healing thoughts to you little KRose...

    ReplyDelete