We just met with Hank's new doctor, a renal specialist and he gave us a definite confirmation that Hank does indeed have HUS. He told us that based on his labs from last night, had he gone one more day without treatment he would have been on dialysis. He has come a long way since then and things are improving. He said HUS is a very serious disease but they have a very high recovery rate with few lasting side effects. He never wishes this disease on anyone but when the alternate diagnosis is Leukemia he would take it.
Hank had a second blood transfusion this afternoon with additional red blood cells infused and his coloring has become more normal. They just got his hematocrit levels back and he is back up to 29 which is great news and means he won't need more blood for now. They just took a stool sample and they are going to test it for e.coli but won't know if it has it for a few days. Most often people get HUS from eating food contaminated with e-coli however some get it for other reasons. They are monitoring his blood pressure very closely and it was quite high a few hours ago so they gave him some meds and it is regular now. They will continue to check that and make sure he stays hydrated. All his lab results keep coming back better than the last round they took. He is doing so well, he is so strong. The doctor was very reassuring and very sorry for the confusion yesterday with the diagnosis. I'm not sure why we were told the wrong thing but I don't even care at this point because my baby doesn't have cancer and he is going to beat this.
I'm not sure how many days we will be here. It's up to Hank and how quickly his body beats this. As for now he is enjoying room service and non-stop playstation with Randy. We have had lots of visits from friends and family which we all love, especially Hank. The outpouring of love and support continues to amaze me. Thank you all for your prayers. Love to you all.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Hank Update #1
The oncologist just came in and after reviewing all his tests she determined he DOES NOT have leukemia! Praise the lord, I am so relieved I don't even know how to react. He has what is called HUS or hemolytic uremic syndrome, caused by ecoli. It has destroyed some of his red blood cells but the doctor believes the damage has been done and he is on the road to recovery. She doesn't foresee any long term damage done to his kidneys since he has rebounded so quickly. He still needs more blood since his hematocrit is so low. They will be changing his medical team to the kidney specialists and possibly moving us off the cancer floor....yippee! Get me out of here.
They are continuing to monitor him really close and I realize we aren't out of the woods yet but things are looking up at the moment. He's really sleepy right now but I know he would love to see visitors. They expect him to be at the hospital for a week at the most. I will keep you all posted but please know your positive thoughts and prayers have most definitely worked! I am overwhelmed by the love and support, it is truly a powerful force and Randy and I love you all so very much. I will post more information as I get it.
They are continuing to monitor him really close and I realize we aren't out of the woods yet but things are looking up at the moment. He's really sleepy right now but I know he would love to see visitors. They expect him to be at the hospital for a week at the most. I will keep you all posted but please know your positive thoughts and prayers have most definitely worked! I am overwhelmed by the love and support, it is truly a powerful force and Randy and I love you all so very much. I will post more information as I get it.
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
In Sickness and In Health
My poor kids have had some serious stomach illness over the past few days. Max is about 90% back to normal but my poor Hank-man is still struggling. He doesn't let his throw up bowl get too far away. I can't get him to eat anything. Luckily he will drink a little here and there.
He sleeps most of the day and says very little.
This face breaks my heart. How I wish I could take the sickness away from him.
He even missed school pictures today. I just hope that he wakes up and the healthy Hank is back. I miss him. It makes me really appreciate having healthy kids most of the time because it sucks when they are sick.
Max is up to his old tricks again.
He really is missing playtime with Hank.
I realizes he has red-eye in these pictures but I didn't fix it because it just fits his personality these days. He's a bit possessed if you will.
It always amazes me when my kids or myself have bouts of sickness, it seems we have never been well, or I can't remember us feeling good. The following pictures are of my sweet Grandma Joanne's 80th birthday celebration only 4 days ago. This is to remind me of a time when things were much healthier in the Griffin family.
Max was rocking a fab outfit, skinny jeans and all.
Hank actually had some color to his face. My grandma was a bit under the weather, believe it or not, and still managed to look stylish and gorgeous as ever. I love you Grandma. Hank was just beginning his illness this day but didn't want to miss her party for anything. My kids adore her. Hopefully they didn't share their disease....nothing says Happy Birthday like the stomach flu!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Labor Day at the Cabin
We recently added a new member to our family, his name is Polaris 500 and my kids can't get enough. After countless trips around the neighborhood we were itching to get out and do some real 4-wheeling in the mountains. Scott and Jeri invited us to the cabin for some Labor Day fun so we loaded up the ATV's (as Hank calls them) and headed up.
I clearly couldn't get enough of Max in his helmet. Just when I thought it couldn't get more adorable, he added sunglasses.
Amazing
The boys chose to ride with their dad, big shocker! In an attempt not to feel bad as a solo rider, I collected sunflower heads to ambush my boys on our ride. Jeri and Scott also had their 4-wheelers and showed us some gorgeous scenery.
Just one of the spectacular views.
There were moose everywhere. This one was only 50 yards from the cabin.
The kids had a blast both on and off the 4-wheelers. They wrestled...
and wrestled some more, ate popcorn, watched movies, fed chipmunks, and pretty much did whatever they wanted.
Aww, cute mother and son photo after a long ride. Thank you so much Jeri and Scott. They fed us, entertained us and gave us a truly relaxing Labor Day weekend. They better be careful or we might end up there every weekend!
Hank passed out on the ATV.
Max passed out in his car seat. I'd say that makes for one successful trip!Friday, September 3, 2010
I'm exhausted!
Last weekend was non stop entertainment all day, every day! Rusty and Collette came to town and we spent some quality time together. Here are some of the highlights.
Collette and Rusty made a special effort to attend Hank's first soccer game, even though they had a wedding to attend just moments after. He loved it!
Assistant coach Randy helped him with his skills before game time.
Hank scored the first goal about 30 seconds into the game!
His coach was pretty impressed with Hank after he scored his second goal.(His coach is wearing shin guards in case you were wondering! He's pretty intense.)
Go Strikers!
Hank had his own personal cheering squad with Rusty, Collette, Grandpa Griff, Grandma Jackie and Sarah. Thank you guys for coming. It really meant a lot to Hank. Not to worry if you missed out on the action, he has 6 more games this season.
Mino can't wait for his turn in the spotlight. Until then, he'll just look adorable.
We had a delicious BBQ at Jeri and Scott's house as well as many other nights of good food and great conversation. Let's just say we all know a little bit more about Randy after a long night at the Griffin residence!
Oldest siblings vs. Youngest Siblings
I want to say the youngsters kicked their butts but I could be wrong.
After our plans to hike to Timp Cave were canceled due to the weather, we took the kids to the Children's Museum and the planetarium. Rusty was one proud uncle when Hank declared he wanted to be a scientist when he grows up.
(I realize he looks like he wants to be a cowboy in this picture!)
Max really enjoyed pumping his own gas, definitely a highlight.
Please disregard me in this photo...note to self, 3D glasses aren't a good look but I will sacrifice my vanity to document our trip to the Imax theater to see "Hubble 3D". As the opening credits began to roll, and a giant 3D IMAX came on the screen, Max yelled "Hey that says MAX!"
The movie was excellent, definitely mind blowing for my little brain.
No outing would be complete without a lunch experience with a tired Max-man. After all that, Hank still wanted to hang out with Rusty and Collette so they made the trek to watch his TaeKwonDo class. He was beyond thrilled to have an audience. They really made an effort to spend a lot of time with their nephews. We had such a fun weekend, I really wish they lived closer. Come back soon!
As if we weren't partying hard enough with the Griffin clan, we still managed to have a raging birthday party for Brett. So what if it was pouring rain and 55 degrees, I say bring out the water slide.
We enjoyed the show under the umbrella, awww mom, why are you so freaking adorable?
And Isabel, well, there are no words!
Jack and Max warmed up in the tub while Sarah...
slid like there was no tomorrow! You go sis!
I couldn't resist posting this picture...I'm in awe.
The good times keep on coming! We are planning one final adventure before summer is officially over...stay tuned!
(I realize he looks like he wants to be a cowboy in this picture!)
Max really enjoyed pumping his own gas, definitely a highlight.
Please disregard me in this photo...note to self, 3D glasses aren't a good look but I will sacrifice my vanity to document our trip to the Imax theater to see "Hubble 3D". As the opening credits began to roll, and a giant 3D IMAX came on the screen, Max yelled "Hey that says MAX!"The movie was excellent, definitely mind blowing for my little brain.
As if we weren't partying hard enough with the Griffin clan, we still managed to have a raging birthday party for Brett. So what if it was pouring rain and 55 degrees, I say bring out the water slide.
We enjoyed the show under the umbrella, awww mom, why are you so freaking adorable?
Max assured me he wasn't cold.
Hank said he would never stop sliding.
And Isabel, well, there are no words!
Jack and Max warmed up in the tub while Sarah...
slid like there was no tomorrow! You go sis!
I couldn't resist posting this picture...I'm in awe.The good times keep on coming! We are planning one final adventure before summer is officially over...stay tuned!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Get Ready...Hank is in Kindergarten!
So, I have a ton of pictures to post from this past weekend with Rusty and Collette, but I just HAD to post about Hank's first day of Kindergarten.
No, I didn't tell him to pose this way. He came up with it all on his own. What a stud.
This is an understated, I'm not too excited for kindergarten, I'm way too cool to show my excitement, look. He was really bursting at the seams with anticipation.
He couldn't contain it any longer! He insisted on riding the bus to school so I agreed as long as I could follow the bus in my car and walk him to his class.
Max got into the excitement...up until he realized he wasn't going to school with Hank.
"Keep it together Annie, keep it together Annie." I was cool and calm up until the bus was 20 minutes late! Once they arrived at the school the principal quickly whisked all the bus riding kids into the school and shut the door before I had a chance to tell Hank goodbye. But...but, my baby! I wasn't prepared for the flood of emotion that over came me. I completely lost it walking back to my car. Good thing I have an insanely in-tune sister who was parked next to my car, waiting to console me with a Gandolfo's sandwich. Sheesh...watching your kids grow up is so hard!
I'm happy to say that today went much smoother and Hank LOVES kindergarten. The jury is still out on if mom loves it.
He couldn't contain it any longer! He insisted on riding the bus to school so I agreed as long as I could follow the bus in my car and walk him to his class.
"Keep it together Annie, keep it together Annie." I was cool and calm up until the bus was 20 minutes late! Once they arrived at the school the principal quickly whisked all the bus riding kids into the school and shut the door before I had a chance to tell Hank goodbye. But...but, my baby! I wasn't prepared for the flood of emotion that over came me. I completely lost it walking back to my car. Good thing I have an insanely in-tune sister who was parked next to my car, waiting to console me with a Gandolfo's sandwich. Sheesh...watching your kids grow up is so hard!I'm happy to say that today went much smoother and Hank LOVES kindergarten. The jury is still out on if mom loves it.
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