Lightning can strike twice!

If you read my Mothers’ Day post you know I was celebrating my daughter being told she was COVID free. Everyone including the doctor thought that meant she no longer had it in her system. Well, the reason she tested negative was that she never had it. Her symptoms were very similar to COVID but sadly, it became apparent that was not the issue when her fever came back. I insisted she go to the doctor the next day and they immediately sent her to the Emergency Room. Unfortunately the swollen lymph nodes and recurring fevers indicated something else…much worse. After blood work, it was determined that Keili had either Lymphoma or Leukemia. It was surreal when she called me from the ER. The doctors could tell from her blood and other signs that she needed to be transferred to their sister hospital with a cancer center. This whole nightmare was especially poignant because my son Cory was diagnosed with the same disease and that fateful day was the anniversary of his death 35 years ago. I had a bit of PTSD to contend with as did my older daughter. Lightning can indeed strike twice. Life sometimes isn’t fair. But you just have to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving.

Keili is continuing to work for a great company that has been extremely supportive. She is at a great hospital with a terrific reputation. Her doctor has a Ph.D. in hematology and is an oncologist. I have faith in his knowledge. She is about 3000 miles away and that is difficult. The stupid virus means no one can go into the hospital. But that means she is safe. She has been forced to make life-altering decisions on her own and she has done a fabulous job. We will get through this as a family. She is strong and brave and determined to get ‘er done. Like I said, she is courageous. All those years volunteering with Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, three Ronald McDonald Houses, and working for the Sunshine Kids Foundation gave her valuable insight and inspiration for how to cope. I am grateful she has such a positive attitude. She is already the favorite patient on the sixth floor.

Lightning strikes twice, but the storm will pass and we will survive. It is all about focusing on a positive outcome and praying like mad.

Prayers are appreciated. We believe they help.

Be well,

Shirley

PS Mahalo to Vlad Panov for the great shot of lightning!