Caitlin had platelets over the night & more fluids. With her not eating, they have to make sure that she has all the nutrients she can get & this is the easiest way to do it.
Caitlin has had chemo in the form of Peg (injection in the leg) & Vincristine (give through her Hickman. Sorry couldn't make that rhyme) today which is another good sign that Addenbrookes aren't too worried about the infection. She still has the rash but that isn't the primary concern. Caitlin's lack of eating & drinking prompted what came next... A feeding tube.
It's something we've been dreading, it doesn't seem fair that this little girl could be subjected to so much stress & torture but inevitably it was going to get worse. A feeding tube is a tube that goes in through her nose & down her throat to give her nutrients & protein. As she's Febrile Neutropenic (no immune system) she desperately needs any little bit of help she can get to build her up & fight the infection, as well as resume the chemo to fight the leukeamia. It's a traumatic experience & the first resulted in Caitlin ripping it out & made her cough up a bit of blood. Our worst fears realised.
It was here that Addenbrookes show their class & amazing high standard in dealing with poorly children. The nurse sat down with Caitlin & explained to her with baby Caitlin (a baby doll, who happened to have the same name!!!) & how the tube went into baby Caitlin & would make her better. After going through it with her they tried again, this time with no fuss, no stress. Amazing!!!
On a much brighter note, Caitlin had a visit from Nanny Jane today which she absolutely loved. She loves her Billy & Bella the dog & especially loves seeing Nanny Jane who really made her day.
Caitlin is having her "dinner" overnight as the feeding tube starts at 7. It's been a traumatic day for all involved & its at this point I'd like to mention my girlfriend.
Alisha has been in hospital(s) with Caitlin since Thursday. She's had to put up with sickness, illness, tantrums & sadness & she's still going strong. She's seen her daughter go through the worst experiences & stayed up through the night with her. Alisha has gone through the worst three months of her life & has remained strong, even though she says she is lagging. If people could leave her a message of support, I think she'd really appreciate it.
Tomorrow, my parents, Jessica & I are going to see them & bring them food, clothes & some well earned rest. I'll update again then.
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Oh yeah, the title of the post. Caitlin is in a room that's next to the lovely outdoor play area. The only problem is she's barrier & can't leave the room. Nice to see irony hasn't left us.
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Thinking about you every minute of every day! All of you!!!! Can't wait to give munchkin a huge cuddle. Always at the end of the phone alisha, anything you need just shout! Keep smiling for that beautiful little girl. love you all xxxx
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that Caitlin had to have a feeding tube but once in they aren't too terrible to get used to, I can sympathise with this small part of her treatment, I have said it on more than one occasion I can not imagine how any of you are feeling. I'm sure the predominant feelings are anxious and scared....I can honestly say Leesh you are 100% beyond inspirational and amazing for what you have been for you're daughter.
ReplyDeletePlain and simple you are a rockstar! It is ok to feel like its too much, you just call or text me (i'm sure you have my number still) if you want to blab about nothing miss
Luke and you're family are so proud of you and how you are dealing with this, words cannot describe how brilliant you are hun
The only goal you need is to keep you're little munchkin smiling OK and you smile with her, cuddles - I've seen the cuddles you give your babies they are very good mummy cuddles (nothing beats a mummy cuddle!) u make sure u hand out lots of cuddles to everyone and get lots cos u deserve some of the biggest!
And don't forget she doesn't mean a lot of her tantrums, sometimes she might see if she can get away with a sneaky one :) :)
Love you so much Leesh, always will keep your chin up you're doing a fantastic job with what you're up against and don't forget.....we ALWAYS win :)
Cuddles and love to everyone,
Key
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