Avery and I spent the weekend with Everett, daddy, and Grammy Van Dyke. Everett has been running a fever since Friday night and his little body is using every ounce of energy it has to fight an alpha strep infection of the blood. This is no small thing when you have no immune system, and the last time Everett had this infection the doctors warned us that many kiddos end up in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and some need a ventilator to help them breathe due to the fluid that can build up around the lungs. So far Everett is doing better than anyone expected and despite feeling pretty crappy, he played with Avery most of the weekend. We are praying constantly that the antibiotics will work to help fight off the infection, and that Everett's bone marrow will recover and start making the infection fighting white blood cells that he needs to kick alpha strep's butt so he can come home.
As usual, Sunday night came too fast and it was time for mommy and Avery to go home. Leaving is always hard, but leaving a very sick Everett was heart wrenching. I can still hear Everett crying "I want my mommy", and Avery saying he "wants daddy and brother to come home too" with tears streaming down his little cheeks. I keep telling myself that, God willing, this is the last time our family will have to spend weeks apart. I remind myself daily that the hard part is almost over. But my heart breaks into a million pieces every time John and I have to tell the boys that Everett has to stay in the hospital and one of us has to go home with Avery. We've had to say goodbye so many times in the past nine months that I've lost track of the number, and it never gets easier.
On the day that Everett was diagnosed, the doctor told us that "the next 8-12 months would be hard and to remember that fighting cancer is not a sprint, it's a marathon". "Hard" was a pretty big understatement, but as we get closer and closer to the end of this marathon, I am so grateful to God for giving John and I the strength to get up and face each day, nomatter how difficult. Cancer doesn't ask you if you're up for the battle ahead. One sentence changes everything, and whether you're ready or not, the choice is made for you. We have been fully relying on God to get us through this time and as always, he has been answering our prayers daily. God is good!
Mommy
I am so sorry for what you are going through, yet so proud of how wonderfully you are caring for each other through this difficult time. With my mom, when she gets those fevers it is the absolute worst. I know from experience how hard it is to sit and watch and feel completely helpless. The strength you and John have shown through all of this is amazing and inspiring. Your two little boys are so lucky, yes, both of them. They have two parents who love them with all their hearts and who will always cherish every moment. My thoughts are always with you. Big Hugs, Victoria Sallade
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