So, if you have been following along, you know that Evan had the past couple of weeks off. He enjoyed his time away from the hospital and away from all the pokes. He has done extremely well, except for being extra pale and a little more tired than usual (normal after the intense phase he was in).
This past Monday he went to the hospital to check labs and to see if he was ready to start the inter-maintenance II (IM2). His hemoglobin was 8, WBC 2, ANC 785. So he was good enough to start IM2 as scheduled. At 0645 Tuesday morning he was back at the hospital for another lumbar puncture and methotrexate given intrathecally. Then he went to the oncology clinic for IV vincristine and methotrexate, and another round of IVIG. He tolerated these things well but made him a little tired.
Late last night he developed a fever. We medicated with Tylenol and prayed. This morning, his fever had not gone away, so we called the doctor. Jess packed a bag knowing the doctor would say to bring him in. He is currently admitted to the hospital. Covid testing and the respiratory panel are all negative! Blood cultures are pending as we speak. He doesn't have a cough, nothing hurts, no outward signs of infection. But he is getting empiric antibiotic coverage just in case while we wait for the blood cultures and to see if anything pops up.
He is feeling pretty good with no fever at the hospital so far. He is eating well and wants to come home.
I took Alivia to PediatriCare and Associates today for her scheduled ten-year well check. Of course, she checked out fine. Interestingly, the doctor who saw Alivia today is the doctor who initially saw Evan and diagnosed him with leukemia back on the day that our lives and our world changed forever July 29, 2020. She was amazing that day and today as well. She said she reads all the reports she gets from ProMedica Ebeid Children's and thinks about us a lot, even prays for Evan and our family. I know doctors, nurses, etc are supposed to be empathetic and sympathetic and all that mumbo jumbo. But I truly believe that Dr. Shurtz is telling the truth. She really seems to care. She wanted to hear all about Evan and his journey so far. If anyone reads this and needs a pediatrician in the Toledo area, we fully recommend Pediatricare and Dr. Shurtz. She was instrumental in saving Evan's life and continues to care for him today. To medical people, sometimes it is just a job, some times they really do care too. But being on this side of the fence, once again, we know there is a difference between someone doing their job and someone who cares.
Reliving that awful day all over again on top of knowing Evan is in the hospital is really hard. We hate having our family separated like this. The unknowns of what is causing his fever is paralyzing. Neutropenic fever in any patient with cancer on chemo can be fatal if not identified and rapidly treated. But, many times it can be transient, no cause can be found and kids do well. So, please say an extra prayer for Evan today. If he is fever-free for 24 hours he can come home tomorrow. But if anything crops up between now and then, he will be in the hospital for a minimum of 48 hours.
We continue to look to our Lord and Savior for hope and comfort during these trials. We continue to fully believe there is a reason and a purpose. It is said that tough times even pain can bring strength and a deeper sense of love and respect of our God. I think that's true. During seemingly good times, fun times, care free times, we think we have the world by the horns and we don't need any help from Him (or so we think). But let me tell you that during times of pain, stress, hopelessness, fear, that is exactly when God reveals his true strength and power if you let Him.
My heart and prayers are with you all.