UPDATE Just got off the phone with my sister. Cassidy has to have a CT scan at 6:30 am after a chest x-ray revealed "something" in her lower lung. Her condition hasn't improved(in fact her blood counts have worsened) after a round of antibiotics, ruling out an infection. This is bad news since the doctors presented an infection as an alternate cause of her symptoms. I know I should stay positive(and I do when talking to family), but just the word leukemia scares the living hell out of me. I'm going out of my freaking mind!
You gotta be strong for that kid, dude. Whatever fear you're experiencing isn't even 1000th of what she is. Her family is her rock. It's her sole source of strength. Be strong, because she can't be, and she needs you to be. She doesn't need your tears. She needs your strength to absorb her tears. Keep yourself together for her. -- droxford
Be strong, and be as positive as you can. You know the possibilities. Concentrating on the worst case scenario won't help you, and it won't help your niece. It also won't make it easier should the worst come to happen. It is best to be strong, and positive, and search for every opportunity to be positive. It can really help your niece, and will be better for you as well. Then just deal with events as the happen. Don't make up nightmare scenarios and try to deal with them a million different ways in your head. If you it is really hard to stay positive all the time, allow yourself 5 minutes a day to worry, and fret, as much as you possibly can. Then for the rest of the day be strong and positive, because your niece, sibling, and everyone else will need it. Try to keep them as positive as possible too. I know it is hard. I have a critical medical situation going on with my father-in-law right now, so I definitely feel for you. I'll be praying for you and your family.
Your niece probably has a tough road ahead. Hope treatment goes well, she gets cured and has a long and happy life.
Here are some links for a couple orgs I work with: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society http://www.lls.org Children's Leukemia Research Association (CLRA) http://www.childrensleukemia.org Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute http://home.ccr.cancer.gov/oncology/pediatric/ ------------- your niece is in our hearts
Htownhero, Her symptoms sound a lot like mine. I was first taken due to problems breathing (heavy sounds, and my head had to be pointed up in order so recieve enough air). The doctors put a syringe in my back and to the left lung to see if there was fluid, and infact there was. That was how they knew it was lymphnode related (It had been leaking). Thats most likely what they found in her lung. droxford, Thanks so much for giving him more info. I wasn't able to get to a computer until today. You really do have a way with words. Thanks to you and to everyone offering their support. It truly is about being strong for the child, no matter what kind of fears you may have. Htownhero, just remember that its very possible to get through this all (see the 70 percent cure rate droxford posted), but you gotta be the one whos strong, for her, you and the family absolutely have to be strong for her. She is far to young to comprehend fully what is going on, all she can do is feed off of the vibes that she is getting from those around her. Make her laugh, or anything else you can do to keep her feeling as happy as possible. She will be in my prayers, as I'm sure she will be in the prayers of all who have read this.
Also I forgot to mention, any chemotherapy she will be on will make her moody and cranky. Its normal. When it starts you may want to inform the rest of your family. It really is yall that have to stay together and support each other and her because she will most likely not be able to control her mood.
your niece and you and your family are all in my prayers. I pray for a speedy recovery and strength for your family.
thanks for all the kind words. cson, those links are very helpful. Thank you for posting them The CT test came back and she has a mass on her spinal cord. She is shceduled to have surgery later this week so they can take some of the mass, along with some bone marrow, to run a biopsy on.
Damn, DaDa- my dad got it around 55- lived for another 7 years, but the end wasn't so smooth. his was chronic lymphocidic leukemia. he was a doctor, and the speculation is he got it doing x-rays at walter reade in the early 60s w/ no protection. still Htown, i feel for you and your family. it's certainly not easy- at least there's some of the best cancer doctors in the world in houston.
Good news. The doctors now think that she doesn't have leukemia, but another form of cancer called neuroblastoma. According to the doctors, neuroblastoma will be much easier to treat and her chances of reoccurrence will drop drastically. Won't know for sure untill they do the biopsy but my mood is now the highest is has been.
That is real good news. I'm glad that her treatment will not be as rough, and relapse is less likely. I'm not at all familiar with neuroblastoma, but I'm glad that it is less severe than previously thought. She will still be in my prayers, and so will you. You take care of yourself and try and get a good nights sleep...you'll know the results from the biopsy soon. God bless (and do please keep us updated).
