Transfusion #1 (Hopefully the only one!)

Prior to a blood transfusion the parent signs a document titled "Consent To Blood Product Transfusion." Within this document it reads...."My doctor or licensed independent practitioner has described the risks associated with blood transfusions to me. These include hepatitis, AIDS, and other potential reactions. I hereby accept the risk of substantial and serious harm, if any, in hopes of obtaining desired beneficial results of the blood transfusion(s)."

This sounds really scary...but when your baby isn't feeling well and giving her super clean blood that has been tested and tested is an option-and possibly the only option, the benefits definatly out weigh the potential risks. It took 2 hours to give Raylee the red blood cell transfusion. Seems like several of the nurses basically stayed in the room with us due to the need to observe and evaluate Raylee on a consistent basis. After the transfusion she received more and.more fluids. Throughout the day she was given bladder relaxer medicine and pain killer to help her potty...because she is receiving so manyu fluids her bladder fills up quickly making it difficult to potty since the tumor pushes on the bladder.....poor little girl; I feel so bad for her. She has also received Tylenol for her fever which is starting to go down and her heart rate has already improved with the new blood cells. Raylee is extremely exhausted and slept most the day. The nurses covered the bag full of blood and the tubes with blankets and sheets because I didn't want to see it due to a weakness I have; when I see blood I get queezy. I thought I would be over this weakness by now after seeing Raylee's blood drawn for labs so many times--but the blood for the transfusion was a lot more blood then a test tube full. Today was a long day, actually the last 2 weeks feel like one big long day as they all blur together. We are hoping Raylee feels well enough to come home tomorrow!