This is not the camping trip we planned

  Ahh how do I start this?   Our summer started out normal the kids were all working their summer jobs and enjoying time off with friends. As an extended family we had planned and booked a camping trip for August.  The kids were able to arrange their work schedules (last year they were unable to go) and secretly planned on surprising all of our extended family that they were going camping. 

3 weeks before we were set to go, I noticed that Kaleb’s neck was starting to swell but he had no symptoms, so it was chalked up to a growing teenage boy.  

 

On Thursday August 12th, Kaleb was taken up to emerge in Southampton due to his neck being swollen and his lymph nodes protruding on the one side of his neck.  Up at the emerge he was tested for Covid, had blood work done and had x-rays taken.  It was decided that he needed to have a CT that night in Owen Sound and then was sent home to sleep (Matt and Kaleb did not get home till 3am) and to await a phone call the next morning.  

 

On Friday (Aug 13th) we received a phone call at 8:30 in the morning telling us that we were to head to Victoria Hospital in London and report to the Emergency department.  The Dr in Southampton had contacted a pediatrician in London that night after the CT results were available.  It was determined that Kaleb needed to get further testing done and that we should pack an overnight bag as we may possibly be admitted overnight for further testing.  After a day spent in the London emerge full of blood work, another Covid test, x- ray and a barrage of questions pokes and prods from multiple Dr’s they decided to keep Kaleb overnight for close observation and daily work up of blood for the next few days. 

 

Thursday’s blessing:    Dr Bock in Southampton 

 

Friday’s Blessing:        The Pediatric emerge in London was amazing!  

                                    Both Matt and I are allowed to stay with Kaleb while he is in the hospital.

Kaleb was able to get a nice large room with a beautiful view looking out over the city and can see the sunset (there was a fireworks display right in front of his windows just after we made it to the room!)

 

Saturday’s blessing:    Kaleb has wonderful Nurses and Drs. 

                                    Daily blood work came back good.

                                    Matt was able to pick up some things we needed 

 

Sunday’s Blessings:     Kaleb is considered “stable” enough that he does not need to be hooked up to monitors day and night (he only needs them at night)

Kaleb was cleared to leave his room and go for walks on hospital property!

Covid swabs came back Negative!!

 

On Monday August 16, we were told that his Flo bloodwork came back and there was no indication of Leukaemia but that they were going to proceed with a Lymph node Biopsy and 2 bone marrow aspirations. 


Thursday Aug 19th, Kaleb had surgery for the biopsy and they also performed the bone marrow aspirations while he was asleep. Our ENT surgeon said that things went well and that they had put a rush on the results so we should expect results in a week or so. Kaleb's team of Drs felt comfortable sending Kaleb home the next morning as long as he had a good night.  They did tell us they were almost positive that he had Lymphoma but not to google anything because there are so many variables to consider as each case is so different from the next.  


Friday August 17th, Kaleb had a good night and so we were given a bunch of information to watch for and what to do.  The bone marrow came back and the lab had confirmed No Leukaemia!!  also there is no sign of Lymphoma in the bones- this will reduce the treatment time. After leaving the Hospital we took a detour home and stopped off at the campground 

(where the girls had been camping with my family) to surprise everyone and to get some much needed hugs before heading the rest of the way home.  (the girls finished out their last night of camping before coming home)


The past week has been keeping a close eye on Kaleb and trying to distract ourselves while we wait the answers.    

 

 

  Thank you all in advance for your love, prayers and thoughts. 

We will update you soon




 

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