Brinley got a blood transfusion today because her hematocrit was 22 yesterday, very low. Her platelets had actually gone up, so she didn't need any platelets. So we went into clinic for the transfusion and it takes pretty much all day. She did fine and hopefully will be a little happier now, she's been very grouchy. Someone from church offered to bring us dinner tonight and I am sooo grateful, because I am pooped. Jade has been crying since we got home and is being very mean to Brinley. So there is a lot of girl screaming going on. Frustrating.
The infusion room was totally full. There were a few older kids in there getting their chemo and they were very sick. One little boy next to us was probably about 8 or so. He wouldn't let the nurses near his line. He was crying and saying "I don't want that stupid chemo! I don't want it!" over and over. Who can blame him?? It took them quite a while to calm him down and convince him to let them give him the chemo. One thing I'm grateful for is that Brinley doesn't make the connection that going to clinic getting the chemo is what makes her feel yucky. One of the blessings of her being so young going through this.

I hate seeing all these kids suffer so much. Brinley is doing quite well at kicking cancer's butt, and we are so happy with her progress, but it is such a horrible disease. I've been following a blog about a young boy named Cody who is not going to win the fight. It is heartbreaking to read the words of his Dad. You can read about him at http://deckapes.blogspot.com/. He is in such pain, his liver is failing and the cancer is all over his lungs. They can't treat it anymore because it has ruined his liver and any more chemo would give him liver failure, see the problem? They now have to tell his siblings that their brother only has a couple more weeks to live. No one should have to lose their child like that. No child should have to suffer like that. He has been through 4, maybe 5 years of this fight already. It truly is a beast. If you get a chance go read their blog and add them to your prayers. It will make you want to grab your kids and hold them tight.

4 comments:

LaAna said...

I visited that blog and my heart broke. Words can't explain the sympathy I feel for them, and you. You are strong and faithful and true. I only wish my words could fill you up and lighten your burdens. May my prayers do what my words can't.

Ali said...

Daisy has RSV and we were at the Dr.'s office yesterday getting her breathing treatments and they were telling me how I would have to do it three times a day plus all these other meds and they just kept telling me and I just kept nodding and saying "Ok." Finally, they just stopped and said,"Thank you for taking this so well. Other parents, especially of babies like Daisy, tell me they won't or don't want to do it and give me a really hard time." My only response was that we know a toddler with cancer and it puts everything else into perspective. I can handle some breathing treatments. They were so thankful and I was glad to pass the thankfulness along.

I'm so sorry that this is happening to you but thank you for sharing. It helps us all suck it up a little and remember that life is pretty wonderful...breathing treatments and all.

anonymous said...

I have been visiting Cody's blog for a couple of weeks now. I can't imagine how devastating this is for a family. I have been praying so hard for your little girl, Cody, Abby Riggs, little Tuesday's family, Cora's family...there are just so many little ones suffereing and it's so hard to understand WHY. I don't know any of you personally but I find myself bargaining with God anyway..."God, if you can heal these kids I'll do this..." I wish I could do something. Please know that there are people out here in the world praying for your little girl and others who are suffering. Just because I haven't met you doesn't mean I don't care.

Kristine said...

I just found your blog through the Riggs site this evening. Your Brin is just BEAUTIFUL!! I read all of your posts and felt compelled to tell you what an inspiration you are. I know there are ups and downs, BUT you should be proud of the mom you are and I'm impressed with your strength!

Our daughter Katie is only 14 months old...just little. :) We almost lost her at 18 days old from GBS Meningitis. I'm still traumatized today and love reading about strong moms. Thank you!

We'll follow Brin from now on. :)