The world for the Day family, especially Owen, was turned upside down on September 30th. That Friday afternoon we took Owen to Egleston Children's Hospital after his pediatrician saw some disturbing numbers in his bloodwork. Owen was extremely healthy up until the middle of September when he developed a sore throat and was put on antibiotics to help him get over strep throat. He was not getting better and our wonderful pediatrician, Dr. Morgan, decided to do some blood work. She got the results and told us to head right to the hospital. We arrived around 3:30 that Friday afternoon, and for the next three hours sat in room 14 of the emergency department hearing news that would change our lives forever.
After many tests and talking with doctors, Owen was officially diagnosed with a type of leukemia called AML. Unfortunately this type of cancer is more difficult to treat than the more common ALL leukemia. The treatment requires him to stay in the hospital for weeks at a time. Friday night he began receiving IV antibiotics and fluids all weekend. Monday, October 2nd he will have surgery to insert a port in his chest, take spinal fluid, and have a bone marrow aspiration. Thankfully they can do this all at once when he is under anesthesia. We will then meet with the oncologists to finalize his treatment plan. The best case scenario has his treatment lasting between six to eight months, so we will make some changes in our family.
Malinda is taking FMLA, and a long term sub will take her place at Crews Middle. Harper will continue to be in 8th grade at Dacula Middle, and Owen will be in school some at Egleston when he feels good enough to attend. Jonathan will continue to work at Mulberry after initially taking some time away. We are all encouraged by the wonderful staff and doctors at Egleston, and know that he is in one of the best children's hospital in the country. Our family has great faith that God is in control of every moment of Owen's life, but we are all scared and coming to grips with the reality of this cancer. We will update this journal to keep track of Owen's fight and his road to a full recovery!
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