March 2, 2010
We didn’t escape the fever. Tanner developed one this morning and we headed into clinic after dropping Jake off from school. We’re still here. She’s receiving a dose of IV Rocefin (a powerful broad range antibiotic) and then she’s getting an IVIG infusion. That’s the antibody infusion I referred to in my last post. IgG is an antibody that should normally be between 600 and 1,000 in a blood sample. Tanner’s was 478, which is really not especially low for a kid on chemo. The chemo, along with killing cells, kills the antibodies in the blood. But, she has been sick so much, especially with coughs, ear infections and pneumonia, which are indicators of a low IgG level. They hope by giving her an infusion of IgG, she will feel better and her immune system will improve.
The IgG she will receive is compiled from the plasma of up to 100,000 donors, so she will have the combined immunity of lots of people. AMAZING… DOCTORS AND RESEARCHERS ARE AMAZING. Just yesterday, the guy putting the countertops in our kitchen said his wife was a researcher at a local cancer center. I told him to tell his wife we thank God for her and others like her every day.
It’s a little unnerving to have this transfusion; there is a low risk of her having a reaction (much like someone could react to a blood transfusion) and it concerns me that she is receiving a product that is donated by so many people. But, the doctors have assured us the risks are very low, but the possibility of a reward of an improved immune system outweighs any risk.
She feels lousy and is just done. She has broken down in tears several times over small things that wouldn’t normally have rattled her so much. We are tired of being here and tired of the rollercoaster. It’s almost too much for me to bear today, so I don’t know why a six-year-old should have to bear it either.
The nurse just came in and hooked her up for the infusion. Should take several hours and then we will get to go home.
I’m telling you… this is one wild ride.
Love,
Beth
Tanner is so beautiful. I love the delicate picture of her in the formal dress.
Beth, I am thinking of you and your family and praying for you all. Please remember that if I can do anything, I want you to call. If I knew what to do I would do it without your asking.
Give Tanner a big hug for me and tell her I am rooting for her everyday.
Love,
Paula
Jake had a wonderful day today playing and laughing with his friends. We repeatedly raced the cars on the big parking garage and he thought that was just awesome. Hope that can bring you a moment of happiness in an otherwise terrible day. I am so sorry you guys ended up there today.
Sorry to hear that you are back at the hospital. Praying for you all.
Love ya
Ms. O’Hara 🙂
Love you and sending you many hugs and prayers!
Pat
I almost said a naughty word when I opened the page and saw a hospital bed. Whoops…now I did say it. I hope that she does bounce back quickly…and now, in addition to all of us already pulling for you guys, you’ve got another 100,000 folks joining the team!