As hard as yesterday was, thankfully today was better...
Wyatt came down to the hospital with me today and it was a ray of sunshine we all needed. Camryn enjoyed having Wyatt here, although she was not in much of a mood to play she did thoroughly LOVE having him here. Wyatt took a couple walks with Daddy while Camryn and I hung out playing and finishing up a puzzle...I won't lie it was wonderful to see her wanting to do some things.
We ate some lunch and then later Wyatt and Daddy headed home...it was a much needed day for the four Mikels.
This afternoon and evening has been wonderful with Camryn, granted she is not bouncing off the walls, going crazy...but there are hints of her little personality shining through. She has laughed today...a laugh we have not heard in awhile...she smiled, and it was not forced. Camryn and I watched some tv and then she sat up in the chair for awhile, something that was great to get her out of the bed.
Later as her nurse came in to finish up before rounds he told me that she had not pushed her pain button once today...yay! Not sure exactly what that means, but I am going to take it as a good sign.
All in all today held hope...hope that maybe that corner we are waiting for Camryn to turn isn't so far off. Maybe it's coming...
Tomorrow marks a week since transplant...wow!
I am thankful today that as I cried and prayed last night the Lord gave us a new day...His mercies are new every morning. I am grateful for a day with my family, even if it is in a hospital room. I am thankful that Camryn just told me that she is going to check and see if her neck (throat) is feeling better...that is a step...
A hopeful step in the right direction...
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
day +5...emotional
We are two days away from a week since transplant, crazy how quickly time goes and yet how slowly...truly a paradox. One minute I cannot even fathom that we are five days post-transplant and the next minute I feel like it was years ago. Maybe because the first transplant was years ago and I find myself daily thinking, remembering, reliving those days...in light of these days. Sometimes it's hard to separate the two.
Today has been a bit emotional, maybe it's the fact that both Jason and I are battling headaches and just tired so our emotions are running a little on edge...really there probably are a million reasons why.
Wyatt had a really rough time going to bed last night, he cried and cried as he misses his best friend. It's hard to know how to comfort him and help him understand...I feel like we are doing the best we can, but sometimes it just does not feel good enough. As Wyatt and I were getting ready this morning he was struggling some more...I don't blame him. His little world has been turned upside down...he never gets to be with his family together outside of a hospital room. His sister isn't home playing with him, loving on him and being his best friend...no she's far away to him. As I dropped Wyatt off at my parent's house he did okay, wasn't thrilled but did okay...my heart is heavy for Wyatt. People keep telling me he won't remember...but, it's hard to rationalize all of that in our hearts. I told myself the same thing two-and-a-half years ago and I'm finding that my heart is having a hard time really believing it.
Camryn continues to be about the same...struggling with her throat and mouth sores. I have noticed that she is pushing her pain button less and less...maybe she's starting to feel better? Not sure. Currently she is still fever free which is wonderful...we pray this continues. As of right now Camryn's doctors are very pleased with how she is doing...she continues to do what they expect. We keep praying that Wyatt's juice continues to work and work quickly!
We gave Camryn her daily bath and line change today...her hair has begun falling out and I won't lie it is difficult. Jason and I knew this was inevitable, but it hurts nonetheless. I decided to try to wash it today as it was a mess. We gently washed it as best we could, but due to the combination of falling out and being knotted up by laying in bed it proved to be very difficult. I swallowed hard and asked Jason if we should just cut it...it's falling out at a rapid rate and maybe it would be easier if it were shorter? Jason went to ask Barb a nurse who is now our friend for advice and scissors...he came back with scissors in hand. And I went on to cut my little girl's hair...with tears streaming down my face. I sobbed as Jason put his arm around me...and just held me.
Camryn unlike me did fine...she took it as she does almost everything, just in stride. She knew her hair would fall out...but, she also knows it will come back in time. We have pictures hanging in our home of Camryn without hair and Camryn with her hair growing back...she knows it will be okay.
I guess for me it just is a visual I am not quite ready for...it's hard for a parent of a child with cancer because their beautiful bald heads give them away and sometimes people aren't very gentle with their comments. I guess as much as Camryn's hair meant for me that she was better...her bald little head means she is sick and it hurts.
Although I will say that Camryn is BEAUTIFUL...absolutely beautiful.
With every passing day we are one day closer to the day of engraftment...one day closer to those white cells coming in...one day closer...
Closer to Camryn feeling better.
Thank you for praying for us...for praying for Camryn, Wyatt and us. We are holding up alright, day by day.
Again...
He will never let go...
Trusting, believing and hoping in that today, tomorrow and the days to come.
Today has been a bit emotional, maybe it's the fact that both Jason and I are battling headaches and just tired so our emotions are running a little on edge...really there probably are a million reasons why.
Wyatt had a really rough time going to bed last night, he cried and cried as he misses his best friend. It's hard to know how to comfort him and help him understand...I feel like we are doing the best we can, but sometimes it just does not feel good enough. As Wyatt and I were getting ready this morning he was struggling some more...I don't blame him. His little world has been turned upside down...he never gets to be with his family together outside of a hospital room. His sister isn't home playing with him, loving on him and being his best friend...no she's far away to him. As I dropped Wyatt off at my parent's house he did okay, wasn't thrilled but did okay...my heart is heavy for Wyatt. People keep telling me he won't remember...but, it's hard to rationalize all of that in our hearts. I told myself the same thing two-and-a-half years ago and I'm finding that my heart is having a hard time really believing it.
Camryn continues to be about the same...struggling with her throat and mouth sores. I have noticed that she is pushing her pain button less and less...maybe she's starting to feel better? Not sure. Currently she is still fever free which is wonderful...we pray this continues. As of right now Camryn's doctors are very pleased with how she is doing...she continues to do what they expect. We keep praying that Wyatt's juice continues to work and work quickly!
We gave Camryn her daily bath and line change today...her hair has begun falling out and I won't lie it is difficult. Jason and I knew this was inevitable, but it hurts nonetheless. I decided to try to wash it today as it was a mess. We gently washed it as best we could, but due to the combination of falling out and being knotted up by laying in bed it proved to be very difficult. I swallowed hard and asked Jason if we should just cut it...it's falling out at a rapid rate and maybe it would be easier if it were shorter? Jason went to ask Barb a nurse who is now our friend for advice and scissors...he came back with scissors in hand. And I went on to cut my little girl's hair...with tears streaming down my face. I sobbed as Jason put his arm around me...and just held me.
Camryn unlike me did fine...she took it as she does almost everything, just in stride. She knew her hair would fall out...but, she also knows it will come back in time. We have pictures hanging in our home of Camryn without hair and Camryn with her hair growing back...she knows it will be okay.
I guess for me it just is a visual I am not quite ready for...it's hard for a parent of a child with cancer because their beautiful bald heads give them away and sometimes people aren't very gentle with their comments. I guess as much as Camryn's hair meant for me that she was better...her bald little head means she is sick and it hurts.
Although I will say that Camryn is BEAUTIFUL...absolutely beautiful.
With every passing day we are one day closer to the day of engraftment...one day closer to those white cells coming in...one day closer...
Closer to Camryn feeling better.
Thank you for praying for us...for praying for Camryn, Wyatt and us. We are holding up alright, day by day.
Again...
He will never let go...
Trusting, believing and hoping in that today, tomorrow and the days to come.
Monday, June 8, 2009
day +4...comforts
Monday always marks the beginning of another week in the hospital, two weeks down...
As slow as the weekends are, magnify that a bunch and you get a Monday morning in the hospital. All the doctors rounding, all the support staff making their visits all in the morning...it honestly gets a little overwhelming.
Camryn did well with the shift change Sunday night and welcomed Nurse Joe back, she really likes him, plus Supa was on as well so that was a welcomed smile. Camryn did well with her shot as it has become her nightly routine, she doesn't fight it much anymore...just takes it in stride. Although she really likes the stickers Joe gives her afterwards! :) Camryn's weight is also holding relatively steady...one of the things they watch with transplant patients is extreme weight loss or gain. As of right now, Camryn is hovering around her norm...give or take a little bit. Camryn had a better night sleeping as the doctors have slowed down her fluids somewhat...so the bathroom trips were stretched to every 3 hours instead of 2. That extra hour really does help. She was able to rest comfortably and her pulse ox did not go off once! That is a record I believe. All in all is was as good of a night as one can have in the hospital.
This morning it felt like Grand Central Station in Cam's room and I didn't like it. I'm hoping that tomorrow might be better...she just does not feel well and wanting to interact is so not her thing right now. Maybe in a week or two. Camryn was not all that happy when Dr. M and Dr. W came to see her, we were getting ready to do mouth care and it was a battle...thankfully Dr. M and Dr. W lovingly gave Camryn the space and the encouragement she needed. They were so very sweet to her and again reassured us that everything she is experiencing is expected...and they also told us that her kidney and liver tests look good. Praise the Lord! Cam has also been fever free since Thursday morning which is a HUGE praise! If we can get through this week without major fevers that would be awesome...praying!
Grandma and Papa came down to visit and Cam enjoyed taking a nap in Grandma's lap...she's not to social, but she does like to have company. This afternoon she perked up a bit and played Play-doh with Daddy as it's Daddy's night to stay with our girl. The afternoons and evenings are Cam's best time of the day...she seems to just feel better. It's nice.
I am home with Wyatt tonight and it is wonderful...Wyatt provides such a ray of sunshine for my heart. I won't lie the last two days at the hospital have been draining, it is tough on my heart to see Camryn so miserable. So being home with Wyatt has been much needed...
Wyatt played some baseball, drew me some elephant pictures, played race cars and just let me love on him and smile. It is incredibly difficult to be home without Camryn...her room is dark and just lonely, but Wyatt certainly helps us focus on goodness instead of sadness. He forces me not to wallow and be sad all the time while I'm home...he brings a sense of hopefulness and that is something that is so needed now.
Today as Jason and I were walking back from getting some lunch I wanted to stop at the cookie shop to get something...as I was eating my cookie Jason says, "Comfort food?" "Yes, why yes it is." And that got me thinking about our comforts...the things that make the hard days just a little easier...
Yellow Blankie is Camryn's #1 comfort...it sleeps with her, covers her eyes during her shots, helps make even the worse moment a tad okay.
Blue Blankie is Wyatt's #1 comfort...it travels with him everywhere these days, he needs it as his world is quite upside down.
And I think for Jason and me it's our Savior...it's finding our rest in Him. Last night as I tucked Cam in and laid down on the chair bed I cried and prayed and cried...and peacefully I found myself asleep. Finding our comfort in Him...and what He provides...
The doctors, the nurses, the visitors, the countless people at the hospital who get it...they are a huge comfort.
And then He gives more of Himself...
And more...
Yes, today is day +4...four days post-transplant and tomorrow will be 5, then 6, 7, 8,9...and He will carry us until we get further...100, 200, 300 and a year...and even more.
He will be our comfort until the day He makes all things complete, new and whole...
Until that day we will count in a positive direction, believing...hoping...surviving.
As slow as the weekends are, magnify that a bunch and you get a Monday morning in the hospital. All the doctors rounding, all the support staff making their visits all in the morning...it honestly gets a little overwhelming.
Camryn did well with the shift change Sunday night and welcomed Nurse Joe back, she really likes him, plus Supa was on as well so that was a welcomed smile. Camryn did well with her shot as it has become her nightly routine, she doesn't fight it much anymore...just takes it in stride. Although she really likes the stickers Joe gives her afterwards! :) Camryn's weight is also holding relatively steady...one of the things they watch with transplant patients is extreme weight loss or gain. As of right now, Camryn is hovering around her norm...give or take a little bit. Camryn had a better night sleeping as the doctors have slowed down her fluids somewhat...so the bathroom trips were stretched to every 3 hours instead of 2. That extra hour really does help. She was able to rest comfortably and her pulse ox did not go off once! That is a record I believe. All in all is was as good of a night as one can have in the hospital.
This morning it felt like Grand Central Station in Cam's room and I didn't like it. I'm hoping that tomorrow might be better...she just does not feel well and wanting to interact is so not her thing right now. Maybe in a week or two. Camryn was not all that happy when Dr. M and Dr. W came to see her, we were getting ready to do mouth care and it was a battle...thankfully Dr. M and Dr. W lovingly gave Camryn the space and the encouragement she needed. They were so very sweet to her and again reassured us that everything she is experiencing is expected...and they also told us that her kidney and liver tests look good. Praise the Lord! Cam has also been fever free since Thursday morning which is a HUGE praise! If we can get through this week without major fevers that would be awesome...praying!
Grandma and Papa came down to visit and Cam enjoyed taking a nap in Grandma's lap...she's not to social, but she does like to have company. This afternoon she perked up a bit and played Play-doh with Daddy as it's Daddy's night to stay with our girl. The afternoons and evenings are Cam's best time of the day...she seems to just feel better. It's nice.
I am home with Wyatt tonight and it is wonderful...Wyatt provides such a ray of sunshine for my heart. I won't lie the last two days at the hospital have been draining, it is tough on my heart to see Camryn so miserable. So being home with Wyatt has been much needed...
Wyatt played some baseball, drew me some elephant pictures, played race cars and just let me love on him and smile. It is incredibly difficult to be home without Camryn...her room is dark and just lonely, but Wyatt certainly helps us focus on goodness instead of sadness. He forces me not to wallow and be sad all the time while I'm home...he brings a sense of hopefulness and that is something that is so needed now.
Today as Jason and I were walking back from getting some lunch I wanted to stop at the cookie shop to get something...as I was eating my cookie Jason says, "Comfort food?" "Yes, why yes it is." And that got me thinking about our comforts...the things that make the hard days just a little easier...
Yellow Blankie is Camryn's #1 comfort...it sleeps with her, covers her eyes during her shots, helps make even the worse moment a tad okay.
Blue Blankie is Wyatt's #1 comfort...it travels with him everywhere these days, he needs it as his world is quite upside down.
And I think for Jason and me it's our Savior...it's finding our rest in Him. Last night as I tucked Cam in and laid down on the chair bed I cried and prayed and cried...and peacefully I found myself asleep. Finding our comfort in Him...and what He provides...
The doctors, the nurses, the visitors, the countless people at the hospital who get it...they are a huge comfort.
And then He gives more of Himself...
And more...
Yes, today is day +4...four days post-transplant and tomorrow will be 5, then 6, 7, 8,9...and He will carry us until we get further...100, 200, 300 and a year...and even more.
He will be our comfort until the day He makes all things complete, new and whole...
Until that day we will count in a positive direction, believing...hoping...surviving.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
sunday afternoons...
Hospital life comes to a slow crawl on the weekends...Saturdays are a little more active, but Sundays well, they are a slow crawl.
Camryn had an okay night...being on pain meds around the clock means she has to sleep with her pulse ox on all the time. Yep, she loves that...not so much. Last night the lead was loose and the alarm kept going off, thankfully once a new lead was on the alarms stopped. The doctors want to make sure her oxygen levels are good since she is on quite a bit of pain meds. After the pulse ox alarms were done we settled in...until Camryn had to go to the bathroom again...then back to bed. I will admit getting her to the bathroom is quite a challenge with one double IV pole, 3 things to unplug, plus unhooking the pulse ox...doing all of that very quickly as the window to get Cam to the bathroom is a small one. She did great...throughout the night, her AM labs showed that she needed platelets and blood. So at about 5am her nurse came in to pre-medicate her for her transfusions...tylenol orally, that was the challenge. Poor Cam is really struggling and the tylenol burned going down her throat...but, like the fighter she is, she did it. After that was done, she was peacefully sleeping and did fine the rest of the night/morning.
The Dr. M and Kenji came in and talked with us about her pain levels, wanting to make sure that she is comfortable. She is on a PCA and has a pain button which she really likes as it gives her a sense of control. And there really isn't much she can control so being able to control some of her pain is helpful. They are going to cut down on some of her fluids so hopefully that will help in the almost every 2 hour bathroom trips. Camryn is doing exactly what is normal at this stage in the process, even though we hate seeing Camryn struggle, it is helpful for us to hear that this is expected. We are not fighting some crazy infection or anything...we are just dealing with the affects of the radiation and chemo. Seriously, that radiation and chemo stuff is crazy rough...it is so hard to think that this is what has to be done. Dr. M said this is the rough week and it likely could get worse as her white count is non-existent...but, he went on to say that due to Wyatt's marrow being so rich he is predicting that maybe in a week we'll see some signs that things are getting better. So, in a week...we are hopeful to see some signs of Wy's juice taking over...and killing those leukemia cells.
As we keep telling Cam...we are going to get her better...
We gave Camryn her daily bath and changed her line...got through that well and then we did her mouth care. Mouth care is a daily struggle as we need to do it at least 3 times a day and with the throat/mouth pain Cam has it hurts. But, she is doing it even though she hates every bit of it.
Right now she's awake and watching some tv...doesn't much feel like doing too much. We played a couple games last night and colored, but that only lasts so long...she is just tired. I don't blame her, her body is fighting hard. And we really just have to get her through this week...and the week's after. But, we are hopeful once Wy's juice gets to work Cam will feel much better. Work Wy's juice...work.
We are doing okay...Jason and I are both here with Camryn now. And just passing the time...Wyatt is spending the day with Grandma and Papa. Jason will head out later this afternoon and I'm sure he and Wy will have fun watching the Laker game tonight.
It's hard not being together and last night after we video chatted...Camryn was very sad and so was I. I wish we were all at home together...that our divided family life would be over. But, that's not to be...yet.
We still take it day by day...each day that passes we are closer to Wy's juice coming in. So, right now...we just keep waiting and expecting great things.
Our little survivor is fighting with all she's got...
Our little donor is doing really well...
And we are hoping that the Dynamic Duo can do it again...
Even if it is a long week to get there...
Camryn had an okay night...being on pain meds around the clock means she has to sleep with her pulse ox on all the time. Yep, she loves that...not so much. Last night the lead was loose and the alarm kept going off, thankfully once a new lead was on the alarms stopped. The doctors want to make sure her oxygen levels are good since she is on quite a bit of pain meds. After the pulse ox alarms were done we settled in...until Camryn had to go to the bathroom again...then back to bed. I will admit getting her to the bathroom is quite a challenge with one double IV pole, 3 things to unplug, plus unhooking the pulse ox...doing all of that very quickly as the window to get Cam to the bathroom is a small one. She did great...throughout the night, her AM labs showed that she needed platelets and blood. So at about 5am her nurse came in to pre-medicate her for her transfusions...tylenol orally, that was the challenge. Poor Cam is really struggling and the tylenol burned going down her throat...but, like the fighter she is, she did it. After that was done, she was peacefully sleeping and did fine the rest of the night/morning.
The Dr. M and Kenji came in and talked with us about her pain levels, wanting to make sure that she is comfortable. She is on a PCA and has a pain button which she really likes as it gives her a sense of control. And there really isn't much she can control so being able to control some of her pain is helpful. They are going to cut down on some of her fluids so hopefully that will help in the almost every 2 hour bathroom trips. Camryn is doing exactly what is normal at this stage in the process, even though we hate seeing Camryn struggle, it is helpful for us to hear that this is expected. We are not fighting some crazy infection or anything...we are just dealing with the affects of the radiation and chemo. Seriously, that radiation and chemo stuff is crazy rough...it is so hard to think that this is what has to be done. Dr. M said this is the rough week and it likely could get worse as her white count is non-existent...but, he went on to say that due to Wyatt's marrow being so rich he is predicting that maybe in a week we'll see some signs that things are getting better. So, in a week...we are hopeful to see some signs of Wy's juice taking over...and killing those leukemia cells.
As we keep telling Cam...we are going to get her better...
We gave Camryn her daily bath and changed her line...got through that well and then we did her mouth care. Mouth care is a daily struggle as we need to do it at least 3 times a day and with the throat/mouth pain Cam has it hurts. But, she is doing it even though she hates every bit of it.
Right now she's awake and watching some tv...doesn't much feel like doing too much. We played a couple games last night and colored, but that only lasts so long...she is just tired. I don't blame her, her body is fighting hard. And we really just have to get her through this week...and the week's after. But, we are hopeful once Wy's juice gets to work Cam will feel much better. Work Wy's juice...work.
We are doing okay...Jason and I are both here with Camryn now. And just passing the time...Wyatt is spending the day with Grandma and Papa. Jason will head out later this afternoon and I'm sure he and Wy will have fun watching the Laker game tonight.
It's hard not being together and last night after we video chatted...Camryn was very sad and so was I. I wish we were all at home together...that our divided family life would be over. But, that's not to be...yet.
We still take it day by day...each day that passes we are closer to Wy's juice coming in. So, right now...we just keep waiting and expecting great things.
Our little survivor is fighting with all she's got...
Our little donor is doing really well...
And we are hoping that the Dynamic Duo can do it again...
Even if it is a long week to get there...
Saturday, June 6, 2009
what's ahead...
Day+2...
Slowly but surely...day by day we'll get there. Dr.M told Jason this morning that this will be a rough week...so that is what lies ahead.
This will be a rough week while we wait for Camryn's counts to return. Right now the days are rough, but we are thankful that Camryn is getting sweet care from her doctors and nurses. They are keeping tabs on her pain levels and it is working well thus far. There have been ups and downs today...but overall it hasn't been as rough as I had imagined.
Camryn is resting now and right now that is what her body needs most of all...rest.
Her spirits seem to be pretty good today...she misses her family, misses her home, misses her brother, but what little girl wouldn't? We are trying our best to help her feel comfortable and pass the time to make the days go quickly.
Camryn is on IV nutrition now and will be until she feels well enough to start eating again...no fevers, which is a HUGE praise...far as meds she is on the normal protocol for transplant. Really, there haven't been too many surprises...she is doing what the doctors expect and that's a good thing.
Camryn's throat pain is quite a struggle for all of us as this is nothing like her first transplant...but, the first time around she didn't have radiation. Guess this is what they meant by this time will be harder. But, we can make it through this week...day by day.
Dr. M said that the first sign that Wyatt's marrow is engrafting is that Camryn would start feeling better...white cells would begin fighting the sores in her throat. So, we await that day...until then we keep our little one comfortable...
Also, Wyatt is doing really well...I would say he's a 100% recovered. The doctors weren't lying when they said he'd bounce back quickly. He's doing okay, really misses Camryn...but tonight he is enjoying Daddy time at home.
So tonight Cam is resting...and we'll close our eyes on another day and pray for a new day tomorrow.
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers...it's a long road, but we'll get there step by step.
Slowly but surely...day by day we'll get there. Dr.M told Jason this morning that this will be a rough week...so that is what lies ahead.
This will be a rough week while we wait for Camryn's counts to return. Right now the days are rough, but we are thankful that Camryn is getting sweet care from her doctors and nurses. They are keeping tabs on her pain levels and it is working well thus far. There have been ups and downs today...but overall it hasn't been as rough as I had imagined.
Camryn is resting now and right now that is what her body needs most of all...rest.
Her spirits seem to be pretty good today...she misses her family, misses her home, misses her brother, but what little girl wouldn't? We are trying our best to help her feel comfortable and pass the time to make the days go quickly.
Camryn is on IV nutrition now and will be until she feels well enough to start eating again...no fevers, which is a HUGE praise...far as meds she is on the normal protocol for transplant. Really, there haven't been too many surprises...she is doing what the doctors expect and that's a good thing.
Camryn's throat pain is quite a struggle for all of us as this is nothing like her first transplant...but, the first time around she didn't have radiation. Guess this is what they meant by this time will be harder. But, we can make it through this week...day by day.
Dr. M said that the first sign that Wyatt's marrow is engrafting is that Camryn would start feeling better...white cells would begin fighting the sores in her throat. So, we await that day...until then we keep our little one comfortable...
Also, Wyatt is doing really well...I would say he's a 100% recovered. The doctors weren't lying when they said he'd bounce back quickly. He's doing okay, really misses Camryn...but tonight he is enjoying Daddy time at home.
So tonight Cam is resting...and we'll close our eyes on another day and pray for a new day tomorrow.
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers...it's a long road, but we'll get there step by step.
Friday, June 5, 2009
pictures and request...
Life in the hospital captured by pictures...trying to capture the moments as they mean so much. Here's a few from our big week...
Visiting with our friend Joanne from Cedars...what a wonderful time Camryn had. Joanne was always been able to bring out the best in Camryn, she is truly Camryn's friend. I am very thankful for their friendship...and doubly blessed that Joanne is my friend too!
A Popsicle makes the world much better...don't you think?
Transplant Day...6.4.09
Our little hero Wyatt, after he was back in his room. I took this picture as proof for Camryn that Wyatt was in fact fine...she was so worried about him all morning.
Our fighter, survivor Camryn, right before transplant...she is fighting with all she's got...what a trooper she is.
The team looking on as everything gets prepared.
Nurse Michelle transplanting Wyatt's juice in Camryn...truly a miracle!
Sleepy Camryn
Wyatt coming to see Camryn...they were SO excited!
The Dynamic Duo
The best gifts ever...there are no words to suffice how much we love these two.
_______________________________
Please be praying for Camryn...she's hit a rough spot. She is having some major throat pain caused by the radiation, she is miserable. Please pray that she would be comfortable and able to rest...that some relief would come for her. She is currently on pain meds so hopefully that will give her some needed relief.
Also, Camryn is having a hard time being in the hospital...when she was 2 she really didn't know anything different. Now it's all together different...she knows there is a world out there of family, friends, life and she misses it. She broke down in tears when Wyatt left today, it was hard.
Camryn is tough, but right now she is struggling...please pray for protection and strength...but, also peace and comfort. She is physically struggling and emotionally struggling.
And Wyatt is doing well...pretty much 100% back to himself. I took off his dressing today and it looked good. He is recovering nicely, we are so thankful.
Visiting with our friend Joanne from Cedars...what a wonderful time Camryn had. Joanne was always been able to bring out the best in Camryn, she is truly Camryn's friend. I am very thankful for their friendship...and doubly blessed that Joanne is my friend too!
A Popsicle makes the world much better...don't you think?
Transplant Day...6.4.09
Our little hero Wyatt, after he was back in his room. I took this picture as proof for Camryn that Wyatt was in fact fine...she was so worried about him all morning.
Our fighter, survivor Camryn, right before transplant...she is fighting with all she's got...what a trooper she is.
The team looking on as everything gets prepared.
Nurse Michelle transplanting Wyatt's juice in Camryn...truly a miracle!
Sleepy Camryn
Wyatt coming to see Camryn...they were SO excited!
The Dynamic Duo
The best gifts ever...there are no words to suffice how much we love these two.
_______________________________
Please be praying for Camryn...she's hit a rough spot. She is having some major throat pain caused by the radiation, she is miserable. Please pray that she would be comfortable and able to rest...that some relief would come for her. She is currently on pain meds so hopefully that will give her some needed relief.
Also, Camryn is having a hard time being in the hospital...when she was 2 she really didn't know anything different. Now it's all together different...she knows there is a world out there of family, friends, life and she misses it. She broke down in tears when Wyatt left today, it was hard.
Camryn is tough, but right now she is struggling...please pray for protection and strength...but, also peace and comfort. She is physically struggling and emotionally struggling.
And Wyatt is doing well...pretty much 100% back to himself. I took off his dressing today and it looked good. He is recovering nicely, we are so thankful.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
6.4.09
Second time is a charm right? Well, today marked our second time...funny how I wondered if it would be different this time around? Would it be as meaningful as the first?
To say that Jason and I were in a fog today would be an understatement...I think we both felt emotionally and physically drained, but we kept going...keep fighting within ourselves.
Wyatt got here bright and early 4:45am to be exact...waited around in admitting and then in pre-op. I can't say he didn't put up a fuss, but all in all he did well considering this was all brand new. The team of doctors and nurses that worked with Wyatt were AMAZING! I can't say it enough...they took such sweet care of our little boy, it brought me to tears. As we kissed Wyatt good-bye and turned there stood Dr. M and Dr. A...and I knew that the Lord had provided, the right people for today. I won't lie tears streamed down my face as we walked out of the OR area and back to the elevators to wait in Camryn's room. Everything was full of meaning...everything.
We got back up to Camryn's room and she was doing okay...really cranky as she didn't feel good with the fever and she was refusing to take any oral meds. It's much harder convincing a five-year-old what needs to be done. Our nurse today was Michelle and I have to say that I was so happy to see her this morning. I had prayed and asked that the Lord put the right people where they were needed today and Michelle was the BEST! Her and I told Camryn that she had to take her meds when Wyatt's juice came...no fighting and Camryn agreed.
As we waited both sets of our parents were here with us...it was a tremendous support to Jason and I to have them here. They took turns watching Wyatt and Camryn and it just felt so good to have them with us. I am thankful today for our parents...it's days like this that I thank the Lord that our parents are here and such a huge support to us.
Also as we waited my phone was going off with text messages from friends and family...today Jason and I felt a support and love that can only be from the Lord. He provided the right things at the right times...never leaving us lacking, but always full.
Pretty soon Dr.M came through Camryn's door with a smile on his face and I knew that all was well...he explained that Wyatt did great. He also went on to explain that Wyatt's marrow was incredibly rich and just great. They worked slowly as to insure that both Wyatt and Camryn were getting the best. Not wanting to put Wyatt in harm's way and wanting the absolute best marrow harvest possible for Camryn. To say that I admire Camryn and Wyatt's team of doctors and nurses would be an understatement...they are truly gifts.
Dr. M walked us down to the recovery room to see Wyatt...my heart ached as we walked through the door and I heard him crying. I raced over to him and he was so incredibly agitated...he was going nuts. The nurses assured me he was okay, but he was definitely not liking any part of this. He wanted his IV out...He torn off his blood pressure cuff...He wanted nothing to do with his hospital gown. Yep, he was fighting mad...so much like my Wy. One thing that I love about Wyatt's personality is that he doesn't settle...He has definite opinions and I like that in our son. Finally the nurse gave him some drugs and he was in lala land before too long.
I went back up to Camryn and waited...
Wyatt got upstairs to his room and our parents too over watching him while Jason and I waited with Camryn...
Around 11:30 we got word that it Wyatt's marrow would be here in 30 minutes...so we got everything together and waited. Pretty soon a lab tech carrying a blue igloo came walking in...pulled out a bag of 181 mls of Wyatt's marrow and I just teared up. There is the coolest sticker on the bag and thanks to a tip from reading Holly's blog I asked for the sticker...the sticker read:
Recipient's Name: Camryn Lee Mikels
Donor's Name: Wyatt Mikels
Yep, that was a keeper for sure. As Nurse Michelle and the doctors got settled they hooked up Wyatt's juice and by gravity transfused it into Camryn's line...it was awesome! Hard to fathom that just hours early that "juice" was in Wy...totally amazing. Throughout transplant they watched Camryn like a hawk...temperatures and blood pressure every 5 minutes, she was doing great. As time went on the doctors commented that her blood pressure was holding rock steady...she was doing awesome. The transfusion started at 12:09pm and ended at 12:33pm...24 minutes...and Camryn did AWESOME!!!
The doctors smiled and said this was an uneventful transplant which is exactly what we like...good! Camryn rested for hours afterwards and just looked so peaceful. Her fever began to subside as well, which was welcomed news. As we got Camryn settled and Wyatt was sleeping Dr. G looked at us and said you need to get something to eat and take a break; Jason and I had both been going since around 3am. We took a walk and got some lunch and just took a deep breath...it's over and now we wait.
Wyatt finally woke up and ate and did all the things he needed too...Camryn woke up too and they got to hang out for the evening. Words don't capture seeing the two of them in bed together...the story behind them is just too deep. My eyes just welled up with tears...my kids...they did it.
Tonight they are both exhausted and resting...Jason and I are too. And yet my mind is whirling with the enormity of today...there was build up since February and now here we are.
We wait...
And tonight as I prepare to put today behind us I am reminded of Isaiah chapter 40...we will wait on the Lord and He will renew our strength...we will hope in Him.
Today was Camryn's third birthday of sorts...and honestly, it couldn't have been more blessed...
The Lord proved His goodness time and time again...
God is good.
To say that Jason and I were in a fog today would be an understatement...I think we both felt emotionally and physically drained, but we kept going...keep fighting within ourselves.
Wyatt got here bright and early 4:45am to be exact...waited around in admitting and then in pre-op. I can't say he didn't put up a fuss, but all in all he did well considering this was all brand new. The team of doctors and nurses that worked with Wyatt were AMAZING! I can't say it enough...they took such sweet care of our little boy, it brought me to tears. As we kissed Wyatt good-bye and turned there stood Dr. M and Dr. A...and I knew that the Lord had provided, the right people for today. I won't lie tears streamed down my face as we walked out of the OR area and back to the elevators to wait in Camryn's room. Everything was full of meaning...everything.
We got back up to Camryn's room and she was doing okay...really cranky as she didn't feel good with the fever and she was refusing to take any oral meds. It's much harder convincing a five-year-old what needs to be done. Our nurse today was Michelle and I have to say that I was so happy to see her this morning. I had prayed and asked that the Lord put the right people where they were needed today and Michelle was the BEST! Her and I told Camryn that she had to take her meds when Wyatt's juice came...no fighting and Camryn agreed.
As we waited both sets of our parents were here with us...it was a tremendous support to Jason and I to have them here. They took turns watching Wyatt and Camryn and it just felt so good to have them with us. I am thankful today for our parents...it's days like this that I thank the Lord that our parents are here and such a huge support to us.
Also as we waited my phone was going off with text messages from friends and family...today Jason and I felt a support and love that can only be from the Lord. He provided the right things at the right times...never leaving us lacking, but always full.
Pretty soon Dr.M came through Camryn's door with a smile on his face and I knew that all was well...he explained that Wyatt did great. He also went on to explain that Wyatt's marrow was incredibly rich and just great. They worked slowly as to insure that both Wyatt and Camryn were getting the best. Not wanting to put Wyatt in harm's way and wanting the absolute best marrow harvest possible for Camryn. To say that I admire Camryn and Wyatt's team of doctors and nurses would be an understatement...they are truly gifts.
Dr. M walked us down to the recovery room to see Wyatt...my heart ached as we walked through the door and I heard him crying. I raced over to him and he was so incredibly agitated...he was going nuts. The nurses assured me he was okay, but he was definitely not liking any part of this. He wanted his IV out...He torn off his blood pressure cuff...He wanted nothing to do with his hospital gown. Yep, he was fighting mad...so much like my Wy. One thing that I love about Wyatt's personality is that he doesn't settle...He has definite opinions and I like that in our son. Finally the nurse gave him some drugs and he was in lala land before too long.
I went back up to Camryn and waited...
Wyatt got upstairs to his room and our parents too over watching him while Jason and I waited with Camryn...
Around 11:30 we got word that it Wyatt's marrow would be here in 30 minutes...so we got everything together and waited. Pretty soon a lab tech carrying a blue igloo came walking in...pulled out a bag of 181 mls of Wyatt's marrow and I just teared up. There is the coolest sticker on the bag and thanks to a tip from reading Holly's blog I asked for the sticker...the sticker read:
Recipient's Name: Camryn Lee Mikels
Donor's Name: Wyatt Mikels
Yep, that was a keeper for sure. As Nurse Michelle and the doctors got settled they hooked up Wyatt's juice and by gravity transfused it into Camryn's line...it was awesome! Hard to fathom that just hours early that "juice" was in Wy...totally amazing. Throughout transplant they watched Camryn like a hawk...temperatures and blood pressure every 5 minutes, she was doing great. As time went on the doctors commented that her blood pressure was holding rock steady...she was doing awesome. The transfusion started at 12:09pm and ended at 12:33pm...24 minutes...and Camryn did AWESOME!!!
The doctors smiled and said this was an uneventful transplant which is exactly what we like...good! Camryn rested for hours afterwards and just looked so peaceful. Her fever began to subside as well, which was welcomed news. As we got Camryn settled and Wyatt was sleeping Dr. G looked at us and said you need to get something to eat and take a break; Jason and I had both been going since around 3am. We took a walk and got some lunch and just took a deep breath...it's over and now we wait.
Wyatt finally woke up and ate and did all the things he needed too...Camryn woke up too and they got to hang out for the evening. Words don't capture seeing the two of them in bed together...the story behind them is just too deep. My eyes just welled up with tears...my kids...they did it.
Tonight they are both exhausted and resting...Jason and I are too. And yet my mind is whirling with the enormity of today...there was build up since February and now here we are.
We wait...
And tonight as I prepare to put today behind us I am reminded of Isaiah chapter 40...we will wait on the Lord and He will renew our strength...we will hope in Him.
Today was Camryn's third birthday of sorts...and honestly, it couldn't have been more blessed...
The Lord proved His goodness time and time again...
God is good.
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