Seven finally reveals her hand

I had a pretty good idea about how to write a post that wasn't just flat bad news, but I'm too tired to follow up on that particular good idea.

So the quick story:

Annika took an orange-striped ambulance to Chicago this morning. She told the paramedic that she liked the color scheme much better than the usual red guys.

She had another big bleed starting this morning at 5 a.m., although we knew something wasn't quite right and took her to the E.R. yesterday. We went back home, hoping it was just a viral something or other. But no such luck.

She bled most of all of today, although Jörg reported from the hospital tonight that the bleeding seems to be slowing down. I didn't get much else out of him because Annika was demanding a story from him.

I did get out of him that the ultrasound today showed that her hepatic artery is narrowed, which is not at all good for a liver. Not at all.

Also, the latest theory being bandied about is that Annika has an extremely rare case of Graft Versus Host Disease. Actually, it's not at all rare for bone marrow transplant recipients, but it's pretty much unheard of in the pediatric liver transplant world. Nonetheless, her pulmonologist tells us that the imaging of Annika's lungs looks an awful lot like GVHD.

Her liver doctors are not convinced.

I totally have the feeling that this is the beginning of another round of bad bad bad. And my instincts are usually spot on, even if I am a self-confessed mess right now.

Damn you, seven.

Comments

[Awesome Mom]

Oh dear! I hope that things are not as bad as they seem.

[moreena]

Thanks, AM. Me, too. Although keep in mind that I am sleep-deprived and thus less able to figure out how this might turn out A-OK-false-alarm-never-mind. Also I should have mentioned that Annika is in extremely good spirits, despite not being allowed to eat anything since she had a few fruit snacks in the ER yesterday evening. I hate to say it, but that girl seems to think that going to the hospital is a total party. They have Body Part Bingo!

[Kathryn]

Moreena - I'm so sorry you've been clobbered again. Praying for all of you. Much love xx

[Norah]

So sorry, Moreena. I'll be praying for A-OK-false-alarm-never-mind. Keep us posted.

[Emma]

Praying for you all and hoping this is all seven has in store for you.

[Kirsty]

Oh, Moreena,

I'm so sorry to hear your news - and my fingers are crossed that this will turn out to be a false alarm. At least Annika's in good spirits (body part bingo!).
Keep strong. You've fought these bad, bad, bad things before and won, the same will be true this time too!

[heather]

keeping Annika in our thoughts...hoping that this hospital trip is a minor pit stop!

[jeanie]

Oh Moreena - I am really praying and hoping for Annika and your family.

[Auburn Gal Always]

crap. this really sucks. I am praying for Annika - and all of you.
hugs

[swissmiss]

Stupid seven. I'm sorry.

[Jody]

Oh Moreena.

I'm sorry. I'll keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers.

[Phantom Scribbler]

Aw, damn.

Fingers crossed for that A-OK-false-alarm.

[Mandee]

Dammit, Seven. Keeping you all in my prayers for the best possible outcome.

[Mary O.]

Here's hoping it's a false alarm! We'll be praying for her and your family. Speaking from Danny's seven year old mind during last year's hospitalization, Body Part Bingo ROCKS!

[Lisa]

Saying my prayers for you all...

[dregina]

holding y'all in my thoughts and prayers

[Jenn]

Moreena,

Just wanted to let you know that I ran into Annika & Joerg at the Brown Family Life Center this morning. She was so sweet with a "Hello Jennifer," and seemed to be very busy playing and trying to identify the mysterious plastic foods. Joerg seemed to be doing well and I offered to get coffee, but he had a chance to get some for himself this morning. See you later - Jenn

[kathy a.]

((( moreena )))
((( annika )))

well, this does suck. glad annika's spirits are high, anyway -- that's a good sign.

[Charlise]

I am so sorry... I will keep you all in my prayers.

[Susan]

Oh, not the post I wanted to see here when I noticed your feed had updated. Hugs to all of you, and I'm sending out my good wishes to the universe for not-so-bad results.

[Katy]

Crap.
I'm so sorry, and will keep you all in my thoughts.

[Karianna]

Oh NO. My chest tightened hard as I read this. I hope for a quick recovery and an easy solution. CRUD on the odd.

[Amy]

Wishing you and your family lots of strength and hope.

[skookumchick]

((( whole fam ))))

[Celest]

I have a heavy heart for you. Kisses to Annika from the internets!