On March 27, 2003, at age one year, Maddy was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). This is a rare leukemia for children as it's usually found in older adults. When Maddy was diagnosed, the leukemia had infiltrated her liver, spleen and pancreas. After the first round of chemotherapy, all the organs returned to normal.
Since being diagnosed, Maddy has amazed us with her tenacious determination - she is a strong-willed child who is extremely happy despite the treatment she goes through. Maddy was in remission from September 2003 until December 2003 when she relapsed. She underwent a bone marrow transplant on February 24, 2004 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. After 5 1/2 months in North Carolina, Maddy went home and has been treated through the outpatient clinic through Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, California.
On December 7, 2004 Maddy relapsed once again and we were all devastated. Since she still had 80% donor cells, we are currently treating her with Mylotarg and have returned to Duke for DLI (Donor Lymphocyte Infusion) treatment.
After numerous tries with DLI the Leukemia continued to grow. The only thing that would give us hope for a cure was a second Transplant. On June 14, Maddy had her second Transplant in hopes that she would continue a long life here with us.
At the end of June we began to see problems arise from all the radiation and chemo she had to receive in preparation for transplant. On July 8, she was sent to PICU in Respitory Distress and put on a Ventilator for 10 days. As soon as she came off the vent she was transferred back to the Bone Marrow Unit to continue her recovery. After two days she was sent back to PICU again, but this time she was only on Bi-Pap.
While in PICU Maddy began having elevated liver enzymes and was diagnosed with VOD(for the second time) and was put on a medication to try and turn it around. After many days on Defibritide(side affects include possible bleeding) she had a Pulmonary Hemorrhage and had to be put on the Vent again. Maddy fought for a month-trying so hard to get better for her mommy, daddy, and brudder, but the treatment to heal her was just too much for her little body to handle.
Maddy left her mommy and daddy's arms and entered into eternity on August 31st, 2005. We know that she is with our Savior where there is no more pain and no more tears. We miss our sweet girl more than words can express. We look forward to the day when we meet again. Farewell till then sweet Moo!
If you would like to see more pictures of the family go to More Picture's of Maddy hereand we have tons of old and new photos posted.
I know it's been a while since I've added an update. We are doing well! We finally bought another home last June and we love it!! I am now attending school, and Joe is still working for the same company. Ethan began his first year as a junior higher last month and really likes it. I can't believe how big he's getting as he approaches his 13th birthday in December.
All in all we are doing really well. God has been good and we are truly blessed. We continue to miss Maddy every day. That will never end. Most days are good and we remember her with a smile. We still have some days when we miss her so much it hurts. This August marked 6 years since she left us and entered Eternity. We will miss her and cherish the memories we have of her until the day we meet up with her again.
I'm sorry I don't update very often. I know I should probably cancel this account since I'm not on it very often, but I'm not ready....and don't know when I will be. Thank you to those who stop by here now and then to say hello! I appreciate it.
Your gift will help millions of people stay connected with friends and loved ones during challenging times.
This page has been viewed 323405 times.
Site Sponsored by:
Duke Pediatric Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Program
Note: The foregoing information was
authored by the patient, parent or guardian, or other parties who
are solely responsible for the content. Such announcements or their
content are not necessarily endorsed by CaringBridge, Inc. or any
sponsoring agent. This information does not confirm that anyone
is or was actually a patient at any facility.
