Well, Geli’s been feeling a little lower than usual, but we just chocked up it to the fact that she was at the end of a very brutal and intense chemotherapy treatment. We were (and are) looking forward to moving on from this stage and starting the next (every day down is one day closer to end, right?).
When she got a transfusion on Tuesday, she felt a bit warm when the nurse de-accessed her and so they took her temperature. She rang in at a 37.5 which is a whole degree higher than her average of 36.5 degrees but they don’t worry until it is over 38 degrees so they sent her home. She barfed on the way home on the side of the highway….fun times there. Her temp was still up a bit when they got home, but by bedtime it was down to 36.9 degrees and so she went to bed and had the best sleep she’s had in a while.
She felt ok yesterday but just not very hungry and her temps were well within normal range when we did take them; but at dinner time she felt hungry but was nervous that she might throw up if she did eat and she also she was complaining of being freezing cold.
We took her temperature and it was 38.3 degrees. Seeing as her white blood count is almost non-existent, that is a scary number and so we had to take it half an hour later and then if it was not below 38 degrees – a quick trip into BC Children’s was necessary.
Half an hour later, it was up to 38.4 and so they packed up for a 3 day stay and quickly headed in.
Because her counts are so low, BC Children’s had a room (in the ER) ready for her when she showed up and she was ushered straight past all the other sick children in the ER and straight into a room, mask and gowns and all. It’s pretty serious.
They drew some blood for a culture and gave her a dose of antibiotics and they relaxed in their room until the hospital could find a bed for her. Apparently, the hospital is quite busy with a huge number of flu cases. The winter and beginning of the year was quite quiet and now business is booming…..unfortunately!
They got a room (on the cardiac floor as oncology was full and overflowing) around midnight and tried to get some sleep. Geli slept pretty well, but there were NO COTS to be found in the hospital and so Jon had to sleep on a fold out chair.
This is a nasty little piece of work, but it’s all that’s available. Not fun! It’s just about 6 feet long which is a little short for Jon, not to mention the uncomfortable bump in the middle where it folds out. So, while Geli was able to get some sleep…..Jon wasn’t. Not cool!
Geli’s feeling pretty good this morning, but her temp is still up and is very possible that it’s one of 2 things….either this is a neutropenic fever or a virus. The other option is a bacterial infection, but we’re really hoping that’s not the case.
I have a request for you all to consider.
Have you ever given blood? Have you thought about donating blood?
Now would be a REALLY great time to do so…..
The blood banks are low and when Geli needed blood on Tuesday it took a while for her to get some as the blood banks are low and needing to do some juggling to be able to accommodate the need.
If you’ve ever given blood or have thought about giving blood, now would be a great time to do so. If you haven’t thought about it, give it some thought. In Canada you can call 1-888-2-DONATE and in the States I believe you can call 1-800-RED-CROSS. I’m not just asking this because of Angelica, but for all the people out there who need help. Shortages are never cool especially when we can do something to make a difference.
I’m calling today to book my next appointment because Judah is over 6 months old now and I’m allowed to give.
Could you think about helping?
I know that not everyone can give and that’s ok. I’m not interested in pressuring anyone, this is just a request.
Thank you!
I’ll post more updates on Geli as I know.
ps. Our kids were quite upset last night about Jon and Geli going into the hospital last night. It was a bit unexpected for them and a bit of a shock. If you are thinking about them, you could pray for them. Both Xani and Jeremy were up until after 11pm stressing and worrying and on top of everything else, Josiah is fighting some sort of cold or something. (It’s possible that’s whats affected Geli, but who knows… he only started feeling off yesterday) Thanks for all your love and support!
hey patti
sorry cant give blood, they dont allow people with history of cancer to donate blood. I do not qualify.
you are so blessed, Jon is a wonderful father to take Geli to dr early in the morning long drive there and back uncomfortable sleeping situations, keeping Geli company. in a way jon is like a patient too.
I am praying for both of you and Geli.
blessings
debra
HI!
What a long hard haul this has been for you all! Just know that even if you don’t hear from us all the time you are close to our hearts and in our prayers and thoughts.Geli even if you are sick it’s so wonderful to see your smile and that you can still be silly for the camera even if you feel really scared and sick and tired.I pray that you all will feel God’s arms holding you close to his heart and that His peace and strength will carry you.I remember when I was going through one of my really hard times seeing a mother eagle flying. All her chicks were flying just barely above her back, so that even if they faltered they would land in her care.I’ve never forgotten how safe that made me feel knowing that God cares for us that much and even more.Love to you all Aunty Judy
I came across your blog on my friend Trisha’s facebook page. Your words have moved me out of my world and into yours. I am awed by the beauty and strength in this family despite all of the pain and uncertainty swirling above your heads as you somehow make it through the days that keep coming at a neck break speed. I am facinated by your candor and grace and I wonder if you realize just how powerful your voice is in the midst of your weakness. Thank you for allowing us to have such an intimate look into your heart and your fears and your joys and your pains. As you all continue on this journey, I will be cheering for you, praying for you, and loving you from Wisconsin. I feel like I have discovered a nugget of blessings here. Thank you…Melissa
I am unable to donate blood anymore, but I know how important it is. For a long time, I donated platelets. It was quite a feeling to know that someone was upstairs waiting for my lifesaving donation..that I was the match for them. Giving blood is much simpler than platelet donation. I urge anyone who can, to donate blood. It is an amazing gift!