On Sunday afternoon Kenna wasn't feeling as "good" as she had been. By Sunday evening she started running a fever. The doctors are very serious about having the cancer kids come in immediately to the hospital if they run a fever of 101 degrees. When their white blood cells are so low they are unable to fight the simplest infections. Because McKenna has what is called a porta-cath implanted in her side to access her vein easily for chemotherapy, they always check to make sure there is no bacterial infection there. (Among many other things.) Since her throat was very sore when we came in they think that it is probably related to that.
McKenna will probably be in the hospital for 7 - 10 days. I was disappointed when we found that out. I almost felt guilty that I hadn't kept her "sterile enough" to not have to return to the hospital so soon. The doctors assured us that it is very common for kids to spend a lot of time in the hospital during these intense stages of chemotherapy. They would rather have them in the hospital where they can monitor their blood, fever, etc. and still continue with the chemo.
She got all decked out today. Showered, did her hair, put on make-up. She looks gorgeous. Jacob and I are at the hospital today with her. We will challenge her to a Scrabble tournament later today. (She killed me yesterday.) Thank you all for your love and support!
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Kenna,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you have another "extended stay" at the hospital. That stinks! We would love to visit you this weekend though! I hope you have lots to keep you busy. We're thinking about you!