Wednesday, April 9, 2008

A Bump In The Road

I've purposefully hesitated in writing this post because I didn't want to alarm any one, but now that I've briefed Aunt LJ, my sis, and my mom, I'll go ahead.

Last night, while putting lotion on DG after her bath, I found a marble-sized lump under her left arm. It is firm/hard and immobile. We have no idea how long it has been there, I can't imagine very long though because it is very noticeable. If you've followed our crazy history, yes, the left arm is the "green goo" arm.

We were at the doctor as early as possible this morning. Almost immediately I heard him say, "I am very concerned." (I heard the term "very concerned" about ten times today.) He called in another ped from the practice to consult. They agreed that the lump likely related to the green goo (which is what we believe to be where she received her BCG vaccine) and the red blotches which come and go.

They immediately sent us across the street to the hospital for a chest xray. Fortunately, the report on that is all clear and normal. We are patiently waiting to get into the city's leading infectious disease specialist. Based upon our conversation, I was under the impression we'd be seeing him today or tomorrow. However, it doesn't look like we're gonna be that lucky and it may be sometime next week. Our Dr. still needs to get the info from the dermatologist on the biopsies from last month so that we have all the pieces of the puzzle for "the man" to evaluate.

Like I said, I am a little freaked out by the lump. I have done some more reading on the internet, (I know, I know, Dr. G00GLE is was very dangerous guy...)and I do feel a little better. The ulcer-like sore is a fairly common side effect of the vaccine. Swelling in the lymph nodes is a little less likely, but it does happen. I can't find anything about the mystery spots, but our pediatrician is pretty sure they are related. At this point, we've tested both positive and negative for TB...and that is also common for infants that receive the BCG vaccine. So, I am feeling calmer than when I first felt the lump and my mind immediately jumped to "tumor" which was closely followed by "cancer." I don't feel that freaky now, but I'll sure feel better when get some answers. It seems hard to believe that she would still be actively reacting to a vaccine that was administered six months ago!

In addition, Dr. A. wants to proceed with the GI study to try and figure out the bowel issues but he wants to wait until we figure out about the arm/lump/mystery spot issues. DG is gaining weight, she's up to 13 lbs 10 oz, and eating well. She can't handle cereal and doesn't like fruits, and as long as we put Karo syrup in a couple bottles a day, the poop screaming is "less" bloodcurdling.

I know that several APs and PAPs still read my blog and this BCG info may be valuable to someone down the road. I guess I say all this because I want to reassure those in this process. I am totally confident that DG was a healthy (although tiny) baby and that she received good care in Can Tho. She's still a "healthy baby"...she is totally on track with all her developmental milestones...but even after we get this arm-thing figured out, she's got some "issues" that are gonna take a while to work out. I'm thankful we are in a position to do that, and I hope and pray it is that easy.

I guess it is like LJ reminded me today, since we don't know her history, we are probably in for a lifetime of surprises like this with our little girl. In the almost four months since we've had her, she's brought more joy than I imagined was possible. She amazes me everyday and she brings so much light and joy to our family. So, tonight I remind myself that this "bump" under the arm is really just a bump in the road...

A bump that knocked the wind out of da mama,

A bump that scares the daddy more than he lets on,

But, it is just a bump...and this too shall pass.

14 comments:

Jessica Johnston-Myers said...

Yikes, Leigh!! That would frighten me, too! Keep us posted.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Leigh! How scary for you. Doctors should never be allowed to say that they're "very concerned", especially to already-worried mamas! Please keep us posted. You and Dori Grace are in our thoughts and prayers.

Meredith

Dania Efird said...

Definite prayers for all of you. Daddy's never let on that they're really scared of things they don't know. Like you said, this too shall pass. God is in control and He will take care of all your needs.

Kelly said...

I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. DG and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. This bump may be tough, but y'all will figure it out. I hope it gives you some comfort to know that you were right to stay on top of the green goo situation. Hopefully those tests results will allow the doctors to move quickly (but it's never quick enough for a parent).

Kelly O.

Tricia and Kirk said...

Leigh,
It is so hard to not know when it comes to our babies. I am praying for you all.

Vickie said...

Leigh,
Since I first heard of this from Aunt LJ I have been praying for your sweet baby girl. The first thing I asked her was if it was the arm with the green goo. I just feel this is all connected and I am thankful your doctor is on top of it. I know that it must be very frightening for you and your family but I also know the Lord is right there beside all of you lifting you up during this time of uncertainty. Please know there are multitudes of people praying for you and your family.

I am so glad you posted this update. I have been wondering how things were going. We will keep praying for answers and more than that divine healing.
Blessings,
Vickie

Kim said...

Oh good grief Leigh, I know you are beside yourself. YOu will be in my prayers. Let us know what is going on. I am thinking about you.

Dianna said...

Leigh, I haven't checked in for a few days and my, what you've been going through! I'm sure your doctors are on top of it and that you're doing everything you need to do for Miss DG. I hope you have news soon to put your mind at ease.

Heather M. said...

Leigh, I hope you get some answers soon. I know this must be causing much worry. The doctors will figure it out & I do hope & pray Miss DG will be just fine! Such a cutie!! Keep us posted...we're praying for your family.

Heather M.

Unknown said...

Don't leave us hanging!!! That makes Kade's asthma seem like a cold.
Let's get together soon. Email me your phone number....I"ve lost it, surprise, surprise.
Shelly

Heather said...

Oh, man. This is scary. I'll keep little DG in my prayers, as well as the fam. Thanks for keeping us updated.

Anonymous said...

Yikes, that is really scary. There is nothing worse than not knowing what is wrong with your baby. Been there, done that and I really feel for you. I hope you get an answer soon and that there are no more bumps in the road in the future!!!

Laura said...

The bump you're describing sounds so much like Reagan's! Did I ever send you the medical journal articles I found on the side effects of BCG? If not, let me know (momwholoveschrist@hotmail.com). It may not be the same thing, but Reagan had a very hard lump in her left armpit for several months. It eventally went away on its own, though I think some have to be drained, and now she just has a little discoloration in its place. I hope that you too find out that it's nothing and can set your mind at ease!

Julie said...

I'm a bit behind here. Any news??? How scary for you guys. All of you are in our thoughts.

Adoption Timeline

  • 01/01/08 - Home at Last
  • 12/24/07 - G & R
  • 12/18/07 - Travel
  • 12/7/07 - Travel Packet/VISA Authorization
  • 12/06/07 - I-600 Approval
  • 11/16/07 - I-600 Received for Review
  • 09/26/07 - Referral
  • 03/23/07 - Log in Date
  • 02/23/07 - Dossier to Vietnam
  • 02/08/07 - Dossier to Agency
  • 08/08/06 - Switched to Vietnam Program from China Program