My daughter, Haylee Kate, was diagnosed with APML Leukemia, which is a rare form, on November 21, 2011 at 8 years old. I thought this would be a good way for me to get my thoughts and feelings out and to let others know about her ups and downs throughout her treatment.

August 15, 2012

Haylee's first day of school and August clinic visit

Haylee started school this past Monday and had a GREAT first day!  She is in the same class as our neighbor and really likes that.  The only complaint I have is that she didn't get off the bus until 5pm Monday because of the school times and the buses not getting back to the elementary school in time after dropping off the middle and high school kids.  She only stayed until 12:15 yesterday because she had a clinic appointment.

The clinic appointment went good as well.  Her counts are great but her ANC is higher than they want it to be.  Yesterday, it was 3560 and they want it between 500-1500 so that her bone marrow stays suppressed.  The 6-MP she takes everyday has to be taken at a certain time in reference to meals and we haven't been sticking to that very closely.  That could have a little to do with why the ANC is higher than they want.  Dr. Abdella said that the first cycle is like a trial cycle and it shows them what they need to do with her meds.  They will most likely increase the dosage of her 6-MP and Methotrexate to bring her ANC down but not at the same time. 

The creator of Lilybands and owner of 'Lilycares Foundation' left her a present at clinic as a thank you for sharing her story and allowing them to interview her.  Some of the girls are wearing their Lilybands "Haylee style", which is around her ankles.  The Lilyband girls got her 'duct tape' art and some other artsy stuff.

When we were leaving yesterday, Layne (clinic CL) stopped us with an invition from Danielle (inpatient CL) to play a kickball game at Atlanta Motor Speedway with Jeff Gordon Labor Day weekend!!  We accepted, of course but I think I was more excited than she was!  How fun will that be for her and the other kids there!!  Makes me wonder if other drivers will be there, too.

Have a great week!

August 6, 2012

A much needed vacation!

We had a great time in Daytona last week!!  We were busy every single day, spent time at the beach almost everyday and enjoyed our time away from all of the troubles we've had this past year.  We are back to reality today...first day of PreK for Mason, back to work for Adam and I, and Haylee's last week of summer before school starts.  Enjoy a few of the photos from vacation! 

Ah, serenity :)

Walking over A1A

Tallest lighthouse in Florida - and scary!

Feeding some alligators

Chocolate factory

Night walking and name writing on the beach

Side of the road turtle in Canaveral National Seashore
Playing at the beach
Go Kart time with Daddy
On the tram getting ready for our All Access tour of Daytona Speedway
The kids are in the grandstands somewhere!
Mini golf
Beautiful sunrise off our balcony :)

Petting stingrays at the Marine Science Center