What a week!

Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers for our daughter. We've had a challenging few weeks, but it looks like we may be coming out of it, slowly but surely.

The effects of Allison's third round of chemo took over last week. As expected, her white blood cell count dropped dramatically, which made her neutropenic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutropenic). This means that she is at a point in this cycle where she is susceptible to infections and other contagious illnesses. During her first two rounds of chemotherapy Allison managed to sail through this point in her treament, however this time the chemo was approximately 10x stronger and it's taking its toll.

Since last Tuesday we have been fighting a fever that has stayed between 101°F and 104.5°F, neither medication nor cooling measures cooled her for very long. This has been coupled with nausea and a severe loss in appetite. Allison has been unable to rest comfortably(day or night) and has had a difficult time moving on her own, so she and mom are totally sleep deprived. Along with her fever, she is experiencing edema/water retenion all over her body. The majority of the swelling is in her belly and that is due in part to low protein levels. She is receiving treatment to reduce the swelling, but it is a slow process. She has required platelet transfusions daily and has had a few blood transfusions this week as well.

Her fever stayed close to 100°F for most of the day, and today was the first time she has nibbled anything in about a week - we were so excited! She was chatty for a little bit, watched some Sesame Street, and managed to pull herself into a sitting position at one point. These are the things that give us little glimpses of our old Allison and hope that recovery from this round of chemo is just around the corner. Please keep our little girl in your thoughts as she continues to push through this phase.

Round 3 Begins

After getting to spend some time at home with her toys and her pet kitty cat, Allison has returned to the hospital for round 3 of chemo. We anticipated this visit, so it did not come as a surprise when we got the call from her doctor.

Because she is in a partial remission, Allison requires more treatment to prepare her for a future bone marrow transplant. In order to have the best outcome possible, she will need to be in a full remission for the transplant to take place. A bone marrow match for Allison has not yet been found, so the extensive search continues. We recently found out that she has a unique antigen(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antigen) which makes it slightly more difficult to find an exact match for her. We know the match is out there...somewhere!

While this treatment plan will last only 4 days(4 hours each day) it will be 8-10 times stronger than her previous treatments. At this point we are not sure of how she will react to this new dosage, but we hope and pray that she will suprise her nurses and doctor once again.

Allison is in fantastic spirits today! Let's hope this continues!

Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers for Allison - I know they're working!

Isolation Begins

Allison's final dose of chemotherapy started at midnight today. Once that dose was done, her immune system will be at its lowest, and so isolation begins, for approximately 2 weeks. I spoke with Nicole yesterday to answer the questions on everyone's mind. Here is what happens during that time (Nicole, I hope that I do our conversation justice):

Blood is drawn daily and tested, in hopes that chemo was successful and the Leukemia goes into remission. If it goes into remission, then Allison would begin weekly maintenance chemo in about 3 weeks from today, while waiting for a bone marrow donor. Once a bone marrow transplant occurs, maintenance chemo will continue for 2-3 years to help fend off a relapse. If the Leukemia does not go into remission, then a new round of intense chemo would start.

So far this is what is known from the blood tests that have been occuring daily during chemotherapy:

Allison's white blood cell count is decreasing (good). Her red blood cell count and platelet count seems to be fairly normal (odd but good). Intense chemo has not negatively effected Allison as predicted. She has not lost her hair (her hair is too pretty to fall out), she has not had vomiting (she's very well hydrated), and though she's slowed down a bit, she's still her peppy, up-beat self (hello, she's a rockstar!).

Let's continue the prayers, and prepare ourselves for blood and bone marrow drives that are coming up! July 15-17 and July 19. Look for the info tomorrow!!

The Incredible Hulk

Had a great visit with Nicole and Allison last night. Nicole had called me and said that she was having an unproductive (i.e. emotional) day. I believe that Nicole and Shaun have been the most productive parents ever, because if it were me in their shoes, I'd have to be heavily medicated at all times.

Allison has slowed down a bit, and is sleeping more. Her appetite is still awesome, if not better. In all, she is still the same smiley girl, with the beautiful brown locks and big brown eyes. Yes, she still has her hair! Amazing, as the Zicrees were told that usually around day 7 (which was Tuesday) hair begins to fall out. However, Allison keeps shocking everyone and the doctors. Her doctor was in yesterday, and to paraphrase Nicole paraphrasing the doctor, "She's doing great."

Tomorrow, Friday the 26th is Allison's last day of chemo. Her immune system will be at it's lowest, so the Zicrees are asking for no visitors. However, please feel free to send cards and notes to them, via snail mail, text and e-mail. Nicole is able to check e-mail from the hospital now. Shaun is in the process of setting up an address for all cards, gift cards and donations to be sent to. Please be patient.

Happy Father's Day Shaun!

After a morning stint at church, the Mister and I headed over to the hospital to see the Peeps! Bearing "stuff" as only we could and Father's Day wishes, it was a good day.

When we got to the hospital Miss Allison was napping on Mommy, while the chemo drip was going. Allison looked so peaceful. She woke up to enjoy the company, and chat and dance around. She started her second chemo drip while we were there, and the nurse explained that she was receiving 120 mL in the second drip, but getting only 20 mL an hour, so it was going to be in for another 6 hours. After a quick dressing change, and outfit change, Allison continued socializing. I must admit she gave me some of the best and loving hugs ever!

Also, the nurse said that Allison is doing really well. Her numbers (whatever they maybe) are right on track. Because she's doing well now, that's an indicator of how she should do for the remainder of treatment.

Nicole does have internet in the hospital. So she'll begin posting soon (first hand is always better). I'm going to post a few pictures from today in a bit.

Shaun has set up an account in Allison's name, as a special needs account. The address to where checks can be sent will be posted this week. For now, you can send it directly to the Zicrees home, if you have that address. Please make checks payable to Shaun Zicree, and in the memo put Team Allison or Allison Zicree. Now I will put pressure on you all. Our family has committed to donating every week! So if you can, that would be great!

"She's a Monster"

Talked to Nicole this morning, while Round 2 of chemo was going on. All I could hear in the background was Miss Allison giggling along with the nurses. Nic said that yesterday the chemo went well, for 12 hours, full of babbling and dance parties. Afterwards, everyone got a solid 9 hours of sleep. YAY! Mommy called Allison a monster, she's taking the chemo very well at this point. Let's just call her the Incredible Hulk.

Today, chemo started at 9 a.m. and was supposed to go for 12 hours again. Haven't talked to Nicole this evening, but will in the morning.

Calm Before the Storm

My husband left the hospital about 30 minutes ago. Brought dinner and hung out for a bit with the Zicrees. This is what he told me (paraphrased from phone conversation)...


Allison is in amazing spirits. She had the chemo drip for 10 hours, until about 8 p.m. She was dancing and babbling the entire time. Her control (for a 13 month old) of bowel movements is gone. This is the calm before the storm. No one knows how her little body will react to the chemo. There's a good chance that her beautiful locks will begin falling out next week....so pretty hats and head bands are appreciated :-)


Because today was a good day, here's a picture of Alli-cat! This was taken Summer 2008. We had just gotten back from breakfast, and my daughter was consoling Allison, because Allison was upset that her underwear were showing for the picture ;-)

Chemo Started

10 days of intensive chemo for 4 hours a day. Started this morning. Pray for our Alli-cat!

Finally, a Monday Update!

From Nicole:

"Hey Monika! We're getting ready to head downstairs for more tests and still waiting on the results on the type [of Leukemia]. Allison will have her first round of chemo as a preventative measure to protect her spine since the Leukemia has not reached her spine and central nervous system. They are doing a second transfusion tonight and surgery will be tomorrow night after platelette transfusion. I think all we need tomorrow is a set of nail clippers. LOL. We can't find Allison's."