Welcome to Reece’s CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
Several weeks ago, while eating dinner in Pennsylvania, Amy noticed what appeared to be a lump on the side of Reece’s neck. This prompted them to head to the ER to have it checked. The ER in Pennsylvania did an ultrasound and told them it appeared to be that her glands were swollen and didn’t think it was more, as Reece showed no other symptoms. Amy and Reece came back to Kansas and noticed the lump had not gone away. Amy took Reece to Munson Army Hospital on 7/11/2019 where further tests were done and a chest x-ray. The doctor gave them the most unimaginable news, Reece likely had cancer. They were told to go home and pack a bag and wait for results. The call came to confirm Reece needed to be taken to Children’s Mercy in Kansas City, where a team of physicians would be waiting for them.
At Children’s Mercy, a series of tests were run, and a CT scan performed. Doctors spent hours looking at the results and calling in additional doctors to review the results. Just after midnight on 7/12, it was confirmed that Reece had cancer. Doctors saw a mass around her heart, lungs, and airway. Due to the mass location, a port was unable to be placed and a PICC line was used for medication. Because intubation was unavailable due to the mass, Reece is currently only able to have local anesthesia. With that she had bone marrow biopsies and a biopsy of the lump in her neck. It was painful, but she endured the pain and continued to have a smile on her face that evening. Reece remained in the hospital over the weekend. In the evening of 7/13, Reece spiked a fever of 102 but they quickly got it under control.
Reece has maintained a positive attitude throughout this whole process and even posted about having a head shaving party. She loves all the visitors and posts/texts/calls of encouragement. Amy and Doug have been by her side, while Amy refuses to leave the hospital. Savannah (and teacup chihuahua Rudy) provides her little sis her strong will and support as she continues to serve our country overseas but will be home soon. The whole family can use our community support as they face this beast head on. It is an exhausting process. Please keep Reece and family in your prayers. You can never have too many!
A few things to note, as treatment begins, there will likely be rules in place as far as visitors due to her weakened immune system with treatment. Also, while flowers are beautiful, they are not allowed in the cancer wing. Cards can be sent to Reece using the following link:
https://www.childrensmercy.org/PatientCards/ChooseCard.aspx. (Hall 4 - 36)
Her room is filled with balloons and gifts. It symbolizes all of the love she is receiving. Please keep her in your prayers as she starts this journey of healing.
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