DIAGNOSIS / CANCER

McKenzies back ground story.

     McKenzie was diagnosed with Leukemia type: Pre B cell A.L.L. on 9/11/07. The infamious 9/11 date that seems to bring sorrow. Her symptoms actually started about seven weeks before with a fever of 102 degrees and she was complaining of back pain. The Dr's took a strep throat test and it came out positive. After several weeks of antibiotics, that were partially responsive, she continued with a fever an several bone areas hurting. After two more trips to the Dr's office and more rounds of antibiotics, we requested that her blood be drawn and checked for any thing out of the ordinary.Once her blood was taken they immediately seen that her white and red blood cells were extreamly lower than that of a normal child. It showed that 59% Atypical cells were cancerous.
     They rushed us to Doernbcker Children's Hospital in Portland Oregon. The Dr's wanted to life flight her at that moment, however, I did not want to scare my daughter and lucky for us the Hospital was only fourty five miles away. Our whole family drove up there and when we arrived their staff was waiting for us. I cannot say enough good things about Doernbeckers. My daughter and I now do fund raisers for the children who stay there.Sometimes children are there for months on end. I know if you are going through this with your child, it is a emotional roller coaster. I will share all of the details and hopefully answer some questions you maybe having. See you again soon.