Hank

I don't even know where to begin. My normal day of running errands and eating lunch at Bajio took a huge detour and we found ourselves at primary childrens hospital with Hank around 4 this afternoon.

I took Hank to our pediatricians office around 1130 yesterday because his coloring was still off from his bout with the flu. His energy hadn't resumed either so they did a simple urine screening and found blood and lots of protein in his urine. We headed to AF Hospital to have a blood test after that and I was told to call my doctor back in a few hours for the results.

I don't know why but I was dreading making that call. Nothing could have prepared me for what the doctor said. I keep replaying that moment in my head and I still can't believe it. "Mrs Griffin, Hank has leukemia." What? I was in complete shock and I don't remember anything he said other than take him up to primary childrens hospital now and they will admit him.
After a few hours in the Emergency Room and several tests, we moved upstairs to a room on the immuno compromised floor. We met with the oncologist who had recently looked at all his lab work and she was very calm and reassuring. Hopefully I get all the information right because it's a lot. This is more for my record than anything.

She isn't' sure that Hank has leukemia based on the blood work she saw. The slide she looked at showed lots of red blood cells being destroyed and in leukemia it is more white blood cell destruction. She mentioned it could be something called hemolysis or HUS. The worry with that one is damage to his kidneys since his body is trying to get rid of so many toxins. She still isn't ruling out the possibility of leukemia but will know more around 10 this morning when more labs come back. He is very anemic and that seems to be one of the biggest concerns right now. They began a blood transfusion around 3 a.m. to try to boost his red blood cell count. They only gave him 100 cc's (about 3 oz) over the course of 3 hours and he had no adverse reactions. They continue to give him lots of fluid and medications to help him get rid of all the toxins in his body.

I have to find comfort in being at the most amazing childrens hospital in the country. They have an oncologist, a nephrologist, a pathologist, and countless nurses taking the best care he could possible get. They are being extremely careful to address every issue as it comes up.

Hank is being so brave. He has had more poking a prodding in the past 12 hours than in his entire life combined. He understands he is sick but doesn't know much else. I'm trying to keep it together in front of him. Randy is being the rock that he always is, giving Hank and I all the support he can muster even though he is struggling as well. I can't thank my family and friends enough for the love, prayers, and positive thoughts they are sending our way. Kate and Dan had Max last night so I know he was well taken care of. I couldn't possibly handle all of this without all of you.

I will try to keep this updated as soon as I get more information. Sorry for they typos, and confusing medical terminology. Randy, Hank, and I send our love and thanks.