Late August 2018 I noticed a swollen lymph node behind my daughter Dalis’ right ear. I didn’t think anything of it, thought maybe she was fighting off a cold, especially since she never complained of any pain from it. About mid September I decided to finally get it checked out. The pediatrician wanted her to do an ultrasound and get blood work. During the wait for those results to get back to the doctor she ended up with a fever for 5 days. We went back to the pediatrician and he gave her an antibiotic then also had us do more blood work. The fever finally went away but when the blood work came back it showed her blasts were extremely high. It was then we were told there is a high chance of her having Leukemia and we needed to see an oncologist right away. I never thought in a million years a swollen lymph node would mean she had cancer.
She been a warrior through treatments. Every time she comes out stronger than the last. The toughest part for her is taking all the medications at home. Some days the chemo will have her lying around on the couch a few days but once it’s through her system she’s back to her normal, active self. People are always shocked at how well she handles every part of this process.
Since diagnosis we have tried to keep home life pretty much the same. We take more preventive measures to make sure no extra germs are entering the house. Everyone who comes in has to wash and sanitize their hands. We’ve made it a fun outing to go to the clinic every week. Besides hygiene and frequent visits to the clinic, life at home has been extremely normal which we are all thankful for!
We are all stunned at the resilience she has. Her positivity and smile is what keeps us going day by day. She has never once had a bad attitude about any of this process. I’ve learned so much from her and she’s only 4. She’s kicking butt and I know she will continue too.
Hope session by Sarah Beth Chamberlain Photography | Facebook | Instagram