Bruises & Blessings

This past week I began to notice some changes in Hadlie.  Not only was she fussy and not eating, but she was getting lots of bruises and she even had her first little nose bleed.  At first, I chalked it up to her being the rambunctious two year old that she is.  But then they showed up in strange places.  Places that were not normal.  After Josh finally agreeing that something may be wrong last night, I decided I would call the doctor first thing this morning.

Of course, after Josh thought something was wrong I did what every good mother shouldn't do... I began looking up the causes for bruising in toddlers.  Not one single diagnosis was comforting.  It didn't matter how I rephrased what I typed in the Google search box.  Finally, I had narrowed down her diagnosis to Leukemia or ITP (which is what my mom thought it was).  After I couldn't take anymore, I decided to tell myself she was simply fussy and not eating because she had a virus.  And because she wasn't eating right she was bruising easily.  Simple enough.  So I opened my Bible convinced (sort of) that I was right, and read until my eyes couldn't stay open.  Then I rolled over with Josh's hand on my back and slept the most peaceful night's sleep I'd had in two years.  Sort of odd for a worrying mother, but God is good like that.

First thing this morning I called the doctor.  She went in at 11 a.m.  Luckily, I had to take Lexie to the dentist before that and get everyone ready so I didn't have time to sit and research and worry too much.  I had a few minor moments of sheer panic, but they were comforted by the sound of Josh's voice which was only a phone call away.

When we got to the doctor she quickly confirmed that there was more going on than just her not eating well and bruising because of that.  She also said she felt sure it wasn't any type of Leukemia because everything in that area seemed to look great.  Our first piece of good news.  She felt like it was also ITP.  So with a quick prick of the finger, some discussion about the possible next steps, and the doctor's cell phone number written down, the waiting began.

After four hours, our wonderful pediatrician called.  She confirmed that Hadlie did have ITP.  Hadlie's platelet counts were at 23,000.  Low, but not horrible.  So what does all this mean?!?  Well, we aren't really sure at this point.  I think that's the most nerve wracking thing right now.  As of this moment, we will watch Hadlie until Tuesday when her levels are retested.  She isn't allowed to do anything that includes physical contact, jumping, climbing, etc.  If she starts bleeding and doesn't stop quickly or her gums bleed when we brush her teeth (or anything else out of the ordinary occurs) we are to call the doctor's cell phone immediately because this would signal a drop in her platelets.  

The treatment for ITP is somewhat controversial.  Some prefer an observation approach and others prefer a medicate approach.  Luckily her doctor is leaning towards the observation approach at this time.  We will take it step by step after each platelet count is taken.  The good news in all of this is that often times ITP in children will clear itself up within a few months.  We pray this is the case for Hadlie.  

Right now there are many unknowns.  One thing is for sure, we have been blessed beyond measure that her diagnosis was not worse.  So while I am sad that my daughter cannot do the things she loves (soccer, gymnastics, be the wild woman she typically is), I am grateful that one day she will be able to do those things again.  I feel blessed beyond measure, and I have no doubt that today was us seeing Gods "mercies in disguise."