ALL

After much testing, they have confirmed that Lexi has ALL. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The same as Laura's dad had. We were always told when Steve was battling his ALL that if he was a kid, this would be a breeze (we hope that's true!), as it is way different in kids than adults. The childhood version of ALL has an 85-90% chance of a cure. This is the most common form of leukemia and the one they know how to treat the best. As our pediatrician said, "If she's going to have a cancer, this is the one you want."

Further testing has showed that she does not have any genetic markers. Within the ALL cells, there are genetic markers in the chromosomes. There are certain mutations that make the process harder and the success rate lower, but we have confirmed that Lexi doesn't have any of these. This is great news. As the doctors put it, this is a "garden variety" cancer and as several people have said, Lexi is not garden variety at all, but we are happy this is what she has. We feel confident our little fighter can fight this and be back to her normal, curly haired (or bald), spunky, sweet, and awesome little girl. The odds are in her favor, and if love plays any role, she couldn't be loved more.

The boys have gone to cousin camp with Laura's awesome siblings. They will be there for a week while we get everything started here. Lexi will have surgery on Monday to put in a port (a central line that will allow IV to go through, so she doesn't have to be poked all the time). They will start chemo on Monday. she will be in the hospital for a week up to a moth with the first round. Then, they are hoping to do the majority of the next 2 1/2 years of chemo as outpatient. 

brother time

Conner and Gavin came up to the hospital to visit Alexis and see her new digs. We didn't spend too much time in the room before we realized we need a little more distraction for kids that age. So, we headed to the rooftop garden. Conner and Gavin ran around, checked out the fish, looked through the telescope, and splashed in the water. It was perfect to let them interact while giving Alexis a little more space. Last thing we need is Gavin ripping out an IV or something. Alexis and Conner have such a love for each other, and it was so nice for them to be able to hug and see each other. That sibling bond is such a great and powerful one. We know her brothers will be a great support for her. 

Bone Marrow Procedure

Alexis's first procedure is a bone marrow extraction. She is put under for the procedure. After they extract the bone marrow, they then make smears on slides and look at the make-up of the leukemia cells. Each leukemia cell has its own DNA makeup. By looking at that, they can determine which specific type of leukemia she has and what, if any, additional risk factors exist. Alexis did great with the procedure and is just limping slightly from the pain of a big poke in her bone!

Scenes from the ER

While in the Children's ER, Lexi immediately was given a transfusion of blood and platelets while initial tests were being run. Based on her counts alone, she should have exhibited weakness and low energy levels. Not surprisingly, she did neither... just bounced back and forth between smiley and spunky... little miss sweetheart and little miss attitude. 

Leukemia

Well, our little fighter has yet another fight in front of her. She, unfortunately, has been diagnosed with Leukemia. What started as a routine 6 yr old check up with some concern for a rash-looking thing on her leg turned into this crappy diagnosis. We went to our fabulous pediatrician, and before I could even mention the spots or the way she has been bruising more recently (our only signs), she asked, "What is going on here?" pointing to her legs. I said it had started a couple days ago, and she said, "This exam is over. You need to go home, pack an overnight bag, and take her down to Children's. I'm going to call a specialist and have them all versed about Lexi." I asked about the rash on her leg, and she said it was petechiae caused by low platelets. From my dad, I right away asked, "Are we talking Leukemia." She responded that was a real possibility, but there might be a couple other items causing it. I knew right away. I knew that this little girl can't catch a break. 

So, Brian met us at the emergency room at Children's. My mom was luckily in town for Lexi's planned surgery on Friday to remove her hardware from her hips (which is now put off for years!). They gave her a blood transfusion and drew a bunch of blood to start performing tests. They were able that night to pretty much confirm Leukemia and checked her into the hospital. We were told that kids under 10 and girls do the best with survival rates, so was glad to hear she has both of those in her favor. They then said it would be a couple days until we knew the exact type of leukemia and what the corresponding chemo plan would be.