Mommyof4ks Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 CHOP is an outstanding facility from what I hear if it does turn out to be 'the worst'. As the mother of a childhood cancer survivor I would want to be in a hospital that has docs that are used to seeing cancer in children, because they are more likely to be able to identify it more quickly. Also, to ease your mind, many childhood cancer symptoms are also symptoms of 'common' childhood issues, so it is very possible that it is something 'simple' to fix. Prayers for your family. I know how scary the waiting game is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyej Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 Well, you know my answer. T was so calm and brave at 6, and we talked and planned to do the MRI without sedation, but when we got there and he saw the machine and had to have an IV... It was terrifying. The sedation was so, so necessary, and the people at CHOA were so kind and gentle and understanding. I really couldn't imagine trying to go through that with a child in an adult facility where they weren't 100% used to and committed to make a child comfortable and reassured through every step. (For older kids, they had a selection of kids' movies and headphones, so they could watch a movie inside the machine the whole time...) I'm so glad the performance went well, and her symptoms abated for a period of time. But the long-term nature of the symptoms and the overwhelming lethargy (that would keep a 6yo from her favorite outdoor activities!) worries me a great deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamela H in Texas Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 I'd stick with going to CHOP. If kiddo can't do it without sedation, then you've scared her and wasted time for nothing. At Children's, they may try it without sedation, but they'll have a back up plan available immediately. Also, at Children's, the scans will be read pretty quickly where at the local MRI, they likely will have to wait til Mon or Tues. I just keep thinking, "what if...." Children's may take a few extra hours as you get all the testing done and the fact that you had to drive 2 hours to get there (and back), but IF you are released, you have the peace of mind that the bases were covered and it's safe to take kid home (and a game plan--meds, additional appointments, etc--will be in place). I really believe in this soooooooooooo much. How could I not when they saved my kid's life? But seriously, ANY concerning thing and I'd be at Children's. In your case, I wouldn't chance any more time. My daughter went and did volunteer work the morning before she was admitted to the hospital. She felt okay other than a little swelling in her legs. And we had our family doc and the ER doc not concerned. My kid could have DIED at any point at that time. Just go...please just go. I would have driven you already if I lived up there. Seriously, go.... Hopefully it's nothing. But if it's not.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TracyR Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 Lots of prayers coming your way. Praying that its not cancer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TracyR Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 Which CHOP are you speaking of? There is one in Philly ( childrens in philidelphia ) and one in Pittsburgh. I would do sedation if she is not used to getting and MRI. The machine is LOUD. Even though they put padding around their ears. Never second guess. If it happens to be nothing in the end then that's fine at least you looked. Its better to check then to not check at all. Honestly if you live in NW PA the BEST place is really Cincinnati believe it or not. That is the best hospital that we've ever been to ( and we've been to quite a few). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleepy Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 Thinking of you and your dd today, Erica. :grouphug: I hope things go smoothly, and you're able to get to the bottom of what's going on. :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 Praying for you today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cathy in IL Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 Let us know what happens. I am praying for you and your daughter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imperfect Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 I just wanted to let you know that I am also praying for your daughter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muffinmom Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 Oh, Erica! I just prayed for you and your sweet girl!:grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamagistra Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 Thinking of you and your dd today, (((Erica))). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccmom Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 You're in my prayers!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 .nt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyWImom Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 I can't imagine how you feel-but know that your family and dc are being prayed for by many people. :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessedfamily Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 I'm just seeing this thread. Praying FERVENTLY. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hi_itsgwen Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 I've been praying and thinking of you often today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in PA Posted April 19, 2009 Author Share Posted April 19, 2009 Update: We're Home!!!! We went to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, as per your advice, and had the best experience there. The nurses, doctors, staff, everyone was so attentive and thorough. Basically, they gave dd a very thorough physical and neurological exam, and a CAT scan, and everything turned out normal! Praise the Lord!!! They said she still needs to have an MRI done (they don't do them through the ER at that hospital, so they told me to have it arranged here at home, but they said definitely *WITH* sedation, so I won't take no for an answer on that now), but the fact that the CAT scan showed no brain problems is a huge comfort!! The CAT scan did show that she has a seriously impacted sinus cavity, which *could* be the cause of the trouble, but not for sure at this point. Once she finished the antibiotics they prescribed we'll know if that was the problem. They want her to visit a neurologist here at home also, just to cover all of those bases. But I have got to thank all of you so much. First, of course, for your prayers and encouragement. Also, for encouraging us to go to the children's hospital. Dh and I are both soooo glad we did!! We had two doctors, a resident and an attending, both come in at separate times and just sit and ask us questions and listen to our concerns for 30 minutes each, as though they had nothing else in the world to be doing at that moment, even though the ER was busy. It was just a great experience. And I have to tell you, Libby loved it, lol! She was actually skipping out of the lobby at the end of our long day, and she said, "That was so much FUN!!!" :lol: So I am a much happier, at peace mama tonight, and you all played a part in that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aggie Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Wonderful news, Erica! I've been praying all day for y'all and hoping you'd post good news. Praise God! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doran Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 So I am a much happier, at peace mama tonight, and you all played a part in that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! :grouphug: Aw, Erica...I have been following your posts here and sending healing thoughts to you and your daughter. What a hard, exhausting road. I hope you all sleep soundly tonight and feel a great lightness of being tomorrow now that you have so much weight lifted from your shoulders and hearts. Thanks for the update. I am thrilled for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TN Mama Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Erica, I've been praying for you & your daughter and have been checking for updates all day. I am so relieved that you've received some answers and that you can feel at peace! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tree House Academy Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 I would bet my grocery money it is the packed sinus cavity causing her issues. I don't know why I didn't think of that. I get packed cavities - as half the time mine just do not drain properly. When I get them, I feel dizzy, I see light glowing/halos, my head hurts so badly that I can hardly stand it, it presses on my left eye and my headaches are behind that one eye causing the vision on that side to be worse. Wow. I can't believe I didn't think of that! As a matter of fact, 4 years ago, I was convinced that *I* had a brain tumor...for the exact same reasons. What an answer to prayer! I pray that your baby girl makes a quick recovery and is her old self very soon! God bless! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kay in Cal Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Wonderful news! I've been praying for you all today... so glad that the experience was good and the news was reassuring. Take care, and let us know how she's feeling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Thank God for the good news! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 So glad to hear that things are looking up! Sending good thoughts for continued positive results. Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 What a relief! I am so glad. We're praying that the medicine will do it's job and that she'll be back to her old bouncy self. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleepy Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Oh Erica, what a relief! Thanks so much for updating us, I've been checking the board all day hoping to hear good news. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelli in TN Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Erica, Thank you so much for updating us. What a relief!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacie Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Great report, thanks for letting us know! I've had CT and MRI scans both with the sinus result, and I've had similar symptoms as your daughter. Make sure she has a really good antibiotic to clear any infection, which can make her feel tired and lousy! I'll keep her in my prayers until she's back to her usual self!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovedtodeath Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Oh Erica, what a relief! Thanks so much for updating us, I've been checking the board all day hoping to hear good news. :001_smile::iagree: Great report, thanks for letting us know! I've had CT and MRI scans both with the sinus result, and I've had similar symptoms as your daughter. Make sure she has a really good antibiotic to clear any infection, which can make her feel tired and lousy! I'll keep her in my prayers until she's back to her usual self!! :iagree:With such major symptoms, I would want a culture to make sure they treat the right thing. My mom had recurrent rounds of antibiotics for a "sinus infection", which after a year and a half turned out to be MRSA staph and fungus, neither of which are treated with the antibiotics that they repeatedly prescribed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Bear Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Thank God! So glad you went and got good answers and a good experience. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leah Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Wonderful news! You and your family have been in my prayers, and I am so, so happy for all of you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuntieM Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 God be praised! I am thinking of your little Libby, wondering if she was also happy because deep down inside *she* was worried that something was terribly wrong (not because your fear rubbed off, but because she could just sense it, kwim?). Anyway, it is late here but I am thinking of what a terrific, peaceful night of sleep you all will enjoy tonight, now that the worries have been eased. Thanks for letting us know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Awesome. I have had your name on my desk so I could pray whenever I saw it. Great news! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy in Ky Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Oh, thank you for sharing. Breathe easy now and relax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
at the beach Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 I've been praying also. Thank you for updating us. I'm so happy for you and your little one. What a relief for you. Enjoy your Sunday! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamela H in Texas Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 I'm very happy for y'all. It usually is something pretty simple. Hopefully follow-up visits show the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ria Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Wonderful news! Ria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DB in NJ Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 (edited) :grouphug: Praying for you and your sweet little one today! Glad to hear the good news (CHOP is wonderful, isn't it?). Let us know your plans for the MRI :) Edited April 19, 2009 by DB in NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomofSeven Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 I've been off the boards and missed your original post. I'm so relieved that everything is OK. I'll continue to pray for relief for your daughter. -Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthwestMom Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 I am so happy for you! I hope you get continuing good news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KristineinKS Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Wonderful news that everything was normal! Hopefully the impacted sinus cavity is the culprit, but if that turns out not to be the case I know of something that you should ask about. I've been going through the same nightmare myself (daily dizziness and headaches) with the same result (normal CT and MRI), so I fully understand how scary and frustrating it can be. I was recently diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri - literally, "false brain tumor." It occurs when the pressure inside your skull increases, due to an excess of cerebrospinal fluid. It's not something that many neurologists are familiar with - and while they typically say that it's found in women of childbearing age, a search online or of any support group will quickly show children who have it (sometimes very young children) and men as well. I'm not passing this info on to scare you by any means, I just know how frustrating it can be to try and pinpoint a diagnosis for something like this (and how awful the dizziness and headaches can be!). You'll both be in my thoughts and prayers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyej Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Oh, Erica, that's wonderful. I'm so glad that you found people who would stop and really *listen* and investigate this and reassure you. I hope the antibiotics will prove all she needs to get back to normal. And what a relief to come into Sunday knowing you can set your worst fears aside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 I prayed for you all in church again today, and it's just great that you have the sweet relief of certainty to carry with you now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sugarfoot Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 I'm so glad to hear this! What wonderful news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackie in NE Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 Update: We're Home!!!! We went to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, as per your advice, and had the best experience there. The nurses, doctors, staff, everyone was so attentive and thorough. Basically, they gave dd a very thorough physical and neurological exam, and a CAT scan, and everything turned out normal! Praise the Lord!!! They said she still needs to have an MRI done (they don't do them through the ER at that hospital, so they told me to have it arranged here at home, but they said definitely *WITH* sedation, so I won't take no for an answer on that now), but the fact that the CAT scan showed no brain problems is a huge comfort!! The CAT scan did show that she has a seriously impacted sinus cavity, which *could* be the cause of the trouble, but not for sure at this point. Once she finished the antibiotics they prescribed we'll know if that was the problem. They want her to visit a neurologist here at home also, just to cover all of those bases. But I have got to thank all of you so much. First, of course, for your prayers and encouragement. Also, for encouraging us to go to the children's hospital. Dh and I are both soooo glad we did!! We had two doctors, a resident and an attending, both come in at separate times and just sit and ask us questions and listen to our concerns for 30 minutes each, as though they had nothing else in the world to be doing at that moment, even though the ER was busy. It was just a great experience. And I have to tell you, Libby loved it, lol! She was actually skipping out of the lobby at the end of our long day, and she said, "That was so much FUN!!!" :lol: So I am a much happier, at peace mama tonight, and you all played a part in that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! :grouphug: So glad to hear this wonderful news. You, dd, and all of your family have been constantly on my heart and on my mind. Praise the Lord, indeed! He is so worthy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyej Posted April 21, 2009 Share Posted April 21, 2009 Hey, Erica, is Libby feeling any better? I was just thinking of her and hoping that maybe the antibiotics were beginning to have an impact by now... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emmy Posted April 21, 2009 Share Posted April 21, 2009 I'm glad to read your update - so glad they didn't find anything more serious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muffinmom Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Just read the update...thank God! So, so glad to hear such great news! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NicksMama-Zack's Mama Too Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 The CAT scan did show that she has a seriously impacted sinus cavity, which *could* be the cause of the trouble, but not for sure at this point. Once she finished the antibiotics they prescribed we'll know if that was the problem. They want her to visit a neurologist here at home also, just to cover all of those bases. OMG!! Years ago my neighbor had an impacted sinus cavity and she had the same symptoms as your daughter. An antibiotic cleared up the symptoms. I'm hope that once the impacted sinuses are taken care of, your daughter will be back to her old self. Thanks for sharing the great news. K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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