For those that keep up with Bree’s journey, my apologies for not keeping this more updated. The past 5 days she has been in the hospital; so I was unable to update like I would have hoped. This time she had a bacterial infection. Let me back up and get everything up to date.
We (Bree & I) spent a nice day at home for Thanksgiving. Justin took the boys to celebrate with his family and I stayed home with Bree because we anticipated her counts being low so we didn’t want to take her anywhere since she would be more susceptible to sickness & infections. Justin did bring me a plate of food so I did enjoy a yummy meal! Thanks babe! I actually came down with a nasty cold that lasted Wednesday and Thursday so it was nice to stay home and have some down time to recover.
Then, Friday night Bree spiked a fever… again. I told Justin that I think Heavenly Father helped me to heal from my cold just in time to send Bree back to the hospital and have the strength to take care of her. Certainly an answer to prayer right there.
I took her in to the hospital that night. Her fever started around 9pm so we decided to go in right then rather than wait it out because her fever would’ve just continued to climb. So we set up camp at the hospital. The nurses took her blood sample and we discovered on Saturday morning that she had a bacterial infection in her broviac iv line. It turned out that there were 3 different bacteria’s infecting her line. 2 of which were caused from her own bacterias on her skin (staph & strep) and another was some random rare bacteria (pantoea something). However, she has been treated with antibiotics during our lovely stay at the hospital and is continuing getting the meds here at home. The docs tell us that the reason her line got infected was probably because her white counts dropped so low and her body had no way of fighting off these bacterias. 
This is me giving her the home antibiotic (cephapime).Check out the syringe. It's the same size as my hand! 
Right now she is doing well. Her blood counts are on the way up and she has been resting so much better at home. I wish we could do all of this at home. She just sleeps and feels better when she’s in her house. She is able to laugh at her brothers, play with her Daddy and just get the rest she needs.
So, her next round of chemo is a week from today, December 12th. It will be 3 drugs over 3 days again. This round is the same as the first cycle. Justin and I have a running joke that I should just leave a bag at the hospital, as I will be there with Bree every other week. My good friend Stephanie told me we should be getting some kind of points for living in the hospital so much! I agree...I wish I could use all these "points" to go on another cruise!
We have felt so loved and both Justin and I have felt strengthened by the many many prayers around the world for our little Bree. Many people have asked us “what can we do?” I’m asking now if you will specifically pray for our little girl to make it through these rounds of chemo, one at a time. Her little body is just that…little. These treatments are very tough on her even though all her smiles make it look so easy. It’s hard for me as her Mom to watch her be weighed and have the scales start to slowly go down. I don’t like having her cry because she may feel sick or having to hold her down to give her medicine or shots. Truthfully it is agonizing and exhausting. But, I do know that I have never felt stronger in all my life than during this time. That is because of all the righteous prayers coming from all of you. Our Heavenly Father certainly answers the prayers of the righteous. Thank you again for taking the time to read these posts, pray for Bree and love our family. We will continue to try to keep this up to date as possible in the weeks ahead. Love to all!
Here's a few of the latest and greatest pictures...
A special visitor came to the hospital on Saturday night. The boys loved it!
Gunner and his good pal Santa!
Breezy had her first oreo cookie in the hospital. She doesnt like baby food too much so I caved and gave her a peppermint oreo. She loved every bite!
I am in LOVE with this picture...and the two cuties in it!
Brothers
9 years ago
42 comments:
I'm so sorry Bree had the fever and infection, glad you caught it right away! You continue to amaze me with your strength. I know it must be agonizing for you to see her go through these treatments. Bree continues to be in my prayers. Stay strong! God Bless you and your family!
You are the epitome of strength! More prayers and love coming your way from our little family.
Kari_ I have been thinking about you everyday!! I love getting the updates so we know what is going on! Know that we love you guys, and I want to come and visit with you whenever is a good time! Lots of Love!! And Prayers! -Kell
You guys are really awesome and such great examples to the rest of us. Thank you for updating, and we all DO understand that you, well, are sort of busy! :>)
The McKinnons
Kari - I just came across your blog. This is Heidi Jackson. Your family is beautiful! You are the sweetest person. My youngest is a month older than Bree and I can't imagine going through what you are. You are so strong. I will add my prayers to the many others!
mmm...oreos! thank goodness for answered prayers and your family, especially Bree are definitely in my prayers everytime i pray! love you guys!
You don't know me, and I don't know you, but I learned of your story through Summer's blog. Your little Bree has such a strong spirit!!! I believe that she is one Heavenly Father's tools in helping us realize what life is all about. She is such an example to everyone through her strength. I pray that your family may stay strong also, cause she needs that too right now. It's hard enough for adults to go through trials like this and to watch little children is heart breaking. I cry each time I check your blog, but her cute little smile is contagious. Thank you for sharing your story. May the Lord continue to comfort you at this time. She is in my prayers.
always uplifted by your posts! we are always praying for success w/ little bree. she is so adorable and sweet. hope you guys had fun tonight at the temple lights!
Keep up the faith! You are an amazing family! Heavenly Father does hear and answer prayers and he knows your trial. Know your family is in our prayers and miracles are real!
we missed both you girls at Thanksgiving. That last picture of Bree and Justin is so cute! Love you all
Thanks again for another beautiful post. We will continue to pray for Bree and helping her through these treatments..we sure love you all!!
Kari, I don't know how you guys do it. but I am glad that you feel the strength of prayer as you go day to day. You're amazing! She's as darling as ever....I'm super glad your boys got to see Santa too! What a fun treat~
Thank you for the update! I think about you often and I will absolutely pray for Bree undergoing this next round of chemo. You and little Bree have taught us all so much.
Lots of Love,
Alys
That picture of Bree and Justin says it all--you can see how much they love each other. Thanks for the update! We'll keep praying for you. Hang in there--and call me anytime if you think of anything I can do. We love you!
Hi Kari, I don't know how I learned of your blog....but I am so thankful for mothers like you. I have a Downs Syndrome sister who is only 18 months younger than me and who is one of my best friends....I am in love with your son :) We even have a blog dedicated to her and her fun stories on my blog. Seeing pictures and hearing of the stories about your daughter make my heart ache. We will pray for her and for your family to have the strength to get throught this. I, again am so thankful that she has a mother like you (and your other kids as well). What a much easier time she will have with this process having such wonderful parents and such a loving mother. Thank you for your stories and updates! I can only hope to be 1/2 the mother you are to my children. You are an inspiration to us all.
It was great to see you the other night!!!!! You look great, and so does Bree! She's such a little cutie! I just wanted to let you know that my parents put your names in at the Detroit temple - you have a LOT of people praying for your family in Michigan! Hang in there Kari, you're doing great!
I am also a stranger to you, but I wanted to let you know that I think of your family often and pray that you and Bree will be strong during these difficult times.
She is so beautiful...I am the mother of one little girl and I can't imagine the strength you must have to endure this! You are amazing!
We love you Kari! I am so amazed every time I see you at how strong you are. But just know, whenever you're not feeling "strong" you can call me and I'll be there in a jiffy! Same to you Jubba! Kari, I think you are an angel - and don't roll your eyes b/c everyone I talk to agrees with me! You take such good care of Bree and your boys (and Justins :-)) and somehow still look like a supermodel doing it! I love you Kar!
Your kids are just the cutest, I'm glad they enjoyed santa so much. Your little sweet Bree is just a doll, great looks from her momma. It was awesome to see you today, thanks so much,Lots of Love!!
We will keep praying for little Bree and the rest of the family through each chemo. She looks little but she is such a strong baby girl and we love her so much.
So happy she is feeling better and is back at home! I pray for you and your baby each night. She is one tough "cookie". What a strong wife/mom you are and the rest of your family as well! I was glad for the update and to see your smiley baby! Have a great week and we will not stop praying for baby Breezy. Since tomorrow is fast Sunday, I will also remember her and your family in my fast.
Kari, your posts inspire us all. We agree with Alisa about rolling your eyes because you are amazing and humble at the same time. We know the Lord is strengthening you and Justin. Our whole family is stronger because of your strength. Bree is a true woman, chowing down on that oreo. It made us laugh. We love all the pictures. Bree is truly a little angel. We love you guys and are praying our hearts out for all of you in all things.
Justin and Kari,
Your are so amazing and have been given so much strength. We were at the LA Temple on Thurs. and we put all of your names on the prayer roll. We will continue to pray for little Bree and her family, what a sweet little girl she is. We love you.
Thanks for continuing to keep us all updated through this. It's great that we don't have to bug you to tell the story over and over. I have been keeping you in my prayers and will continue to do so!
Hello, I found your bog blog hopping, with Him all things are possibale, I am praying for Bree and your family. God Bless.
Bree is such a beautiful little girl. I know it is so hard to have to cause pain to children even when we are giving them medicine that will help them.
I recognized early in my nursing training that it takes a very strong emotional fortitude to push forward giving children what they need when pain is involved. I pray for your continued strength.
I am so sorry that Bree has to go through these chemotherapies. My brother went through Chemo when he was 3. We enjoy his sweet personality 30 years later... it's through prayer and fasting that miracles do happen. We continue to pray for God's Speed in healing Bree and minimizing the illness associated with chemo. Sending you love and support...
Kari, so sorry you and Bree were both sick this past week. You are correct that the blessing was that you got well right before she got sick...keep seeing those Tender Mercies! You are in our prayers daily (and our little boys' prayers, too!) Love the pic of Justin and Bree at the end. Too cute!
I'm so sorry to hear about such a long hospital stay. I will keep your family in my prayers.
I am praying and will continue to pray for all of you and especially baby Bree...what a sweet little girl with a gorgeous smile. Every time I see a picture of her, I smile. She is just precious.
~Lindy
I just came across your blog through the Warner's. Please know that your family is in our prayers. You are such an example to so many through your strength. You have such a beautiful family.
Love,
Shannon Poppleton
I am praying for your little angel, Bree, and for you and your husband and extended family. I believe in miracles!
Kari- I heard about your blog from a friend who heard from a friend and so on and so on. My cousin has "up syndrome". She just turned 19 and is amazing! I read about Bree, and I just sit at my computer and cry and cry. I have a 6 1/2 month old daughter and I cannot imagine what you are going through! Our God is so good to us. He will bring you and your family though this trying time!
Ever since I found your blog, I have been checking in regularly to see how Baby Bree is doing. I know that your time is precious, and can't update your blog to often. I thank you though for your time and effort to keep us all updated.
I have a daughter 5 months old. I knew that the love of a mother is strong, but I had no idea how strong it is until I had my Daughter.
I will pray for strength and wellness as Bree goes through her next round of chemo. Children are amazing miracles.. She goes through this, her eyes have dark circles, there are tubes and injections, and yet, but what shines through is the beautiful smile and twinkle in her eye.
God Bless you and your family, and I pray he continues to give you the stregth you need, one day at a time.
still praying for you and baby Bree
Whew...I can't imagine the exhaustion that you must feel Kari. We continually pray for beautiful Bree and that you will all have the strength you need to overcome this trial. It is so great that despite it all she smiles! You're in our thoughts and prayers!
I found your blog yesterday while just messing around on the computer. I have a 10 month little girl of my own. I read Bree's and your family's story, and I want for you to know that you are all in my prayers. I hope that it is okay, I also sent your site on to my friends and family asking them to say a special prayer for your cute little girl. Your hope and faith inspire me, and I just wanted to let you know that many prayers and thoughts are with Bree and all of you.
Kari, Your faith amazes me! I know Heavenly Father will continue to bless you. I wanted to let you know that you and your family are constantly in my prayers.
I have been following your updates since the first email that went out from Aunt Anne (your mother-in-law). Our prayers are with you and your family. I admire you for your strength, which is absolutely AMAZING!!! I was following Bree; however, it seems it is now invite only. Could you please add me to the list?
And I agree, the pic of Justin and Bree is adorable :)
Stay strong for your sweet little Bree!
Carrie
You don't know me, but I was given your blog site by a friend that just happened to find your site. I too have 3 children so your story really hit home with me. I cried when I read your family's story, and I will certainly keep you in my prayers. I know your LDS family will be there for you every step of the way. I admire your strength and courage. Heavenly Father does have a plan for Bree, and it sounds like she is such a trooper! God bless you all.....
You don't know me, but I was given your blog site by a friend that just happened to find your site. I too have 3 children so your story really hit home with me. I cried when I read your family's story, and I will certainly keep you in my prayers. I know your LDS family will be there for you every step of the way. I admire your strength and courage. Heavenly Father does have a plan for Bree, and it sounds like she is such a trooper! God bless you all.....
Hi there-
You haven't met me, but I am Caleb's music teacher at school and wanted to say first of all that my thoughts and prayers are with Bree and your entire family.
I also wanted to say how much I enjoy teaching Caleb and watching him dance and play instruments-he is an absolute delight.
L. Murphy
We are always praying and thinking about Bree. That picture of her and Justin is adorable!
We continue to pray for Bree and for your family.
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