Adelina has always been a happy and energetic child. In early 2023, we felt she had never-ending cold symptoms and after taking her to the pediatrician multiple times, they brushed it off as normal. Fast forward a few weeks, Adelina began throwing excessive tantrums in which she would intentionally hit her head against hard surfaces. This led to petechiae & bruising popping up on her face, which ultimately caused concern for us (parents) and we took her to the ER. She was diagnosed with AML on May 30, 2023.
Adelina has successfully completed 3 rounds of chemo treatment. Each round has been different from one another. She has received 2-3 chemo drugs over several days with each round. At the end of each round, she has an EKG and ECHO done, along with a Lumbar Puncture & Bone Marrow Aspirate. This doesn’t include all the other meds she receives daily to prevent infections.
On the few days we do get to spend at home between rounds, Adelina is mostly sheltered. We sometimes see our immediate family as long as no one is sick, but she also can’t be in crowded places or visit the local playground. When we’re impatient, she does not get the opportunity to play with other kids because all the kids on her side of the floor are immunocompromised.
Everything has changed. Being that we spend 4 to 5 weeks living at the hospital, we don’t get to create new memories or start new traditions with our daughter. Her diagnosis has also paused us to continue to grow our family. While we should be taking the time to focus solely on her, both Dad & I still need to work to pay our regular bills & now the additional medical expenses that we never anticipated.
Chemo has dimmed so much of her positive light. She used to laugh & smile all the time, but now we fight just to get a smile out of her. Adelina loves her cousins, and whenever she sees them – she lights up and laughs at everything. She loves to climb & explore, absolutely loves the outdoors, she enjoys playing with toys that she can pull apart or build back up. More than anything, she loves water! But because of her broviac, she can’t get wet. She loves to play guitar like her dad and sing, even though we have no clue what she’s saying.
Hope session by Egan Eyes Photography | Facebook | Instagram