Hailey

Hailey Ambriz began her journey on October 8, 2011 at the age of 2. She was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor: Medulloblastoma. She had six months of high dose chemo followed by an auto stem cell transplant to “rescue” her bone marrow. Hailey and I spent ten days every month at Children’s Hospital during chemo, and she had twice weekly clinic visits on top of it. It was a very emotionally draining time, and a financial strain as well. Hailey was placed under Hospice at time of diagnosis, just in case she did not respond to treatment. After two cycles of chemo she had her first post-MRI to check progress. During the week of Christmas we found out that her cancer was 80% gone and she was removed from Hospice. Needless to say, our greatest wish came true just in time for Christmas.

Hailey remained in remission up until September 2012. We were able to spend five months at home treatment free.

Hailey had relapsed and started additional chemo; 3 more cycles. In December of 2012 she had 28 days of full radiation to her brain and spine (although the Cancer was not in her spine). Following the radiation treatments, she was placed on low dose oral chemo at home for a year (all of 2013). I am happy to say that she has remained in remission thus far.

During treatment I had to give Hailey Neupogen injections in her legs once a day for ten days to increase her Neutrophil count to fight infections. I was also given a 2 hour class on how to administer her TPN (nutrition) bag at home. We were given the pump and all of the supplies. This was to replenish any calories/nutrients she wasn’t getting in her diet. I had to set up each bag every 12 hours. There was a lot I had to do for Hailey medically at home, as she did not have a home nurse.

Although Hailey had endured so much, she was overall a very happy girl who just wanted to play and “be a kid”. I feel that she tolerated her treatments well. She spent countless hours in the play room on 6west while receiving chemo. I am so thankful for the other families we met. Hailey was able to connect with other kids going through something similar. We miss the 6west staff and families, but we are happy keep in touch with them from home.

Hailey’s father, Felix, and her older half brother, Austin, come to visit as much as possible, which is good for Hailey. She is always so happy to see them. It was difficult for them and her to be distant during treatments. They live just outside of Kissimmee, FL. When funds allow, we enjoy going to Florida to visit. She has a grandma, uncle, aunts, and cousins who look forward to seeing her too. This was never possible until 2013, due to her treatment schedule.

What we have learned most since Hailey’s diagnosis is that you can’t take anything for granted, especially your health. You try your best to make the most out of every day. You have a sense of urgency to accomplish things sooner than later. You cannot look ahead into the future too much, but to live each day as it comes.