Donations can also be made at any Wells Fargo branch:
Project Souza Family
Account number 186-527-1579
Or you can mail a check to
Souza Family
PO Box 28272
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

This blog was created by friends as a way for the Souzas to share Taylor's progress with us. Kristen and Sean have not asked for financial help, but their medical bills coupled with Kristen's loss of income is truly overwhelming. They are so appreciative of ALL of the different types of support they have received and are more grateful than you can know. Thank you!
Taylor is a beautiful, vibrant three-year-old girl who was recently diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. On June 18th, Taylor began an 8-10 month hospital stay. This blog will detail her journey back to good health!


Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Hello all - wanted to quickly post as Taylor is taking a nap. After a long night (for me, Taylor slept all night, I could not sleep a wink!!) Taylor woke up feeling a little better. Her eyes are better but not normal. We are still on the 2nd floor and have not been moved to isolation. Taylor has always gotten a rash from one of her chemotherapy medications and they really think that this rash has hit her really hard this round. Normally Taylor gets the rash a few weeks after the chemo is done. This time she got the rash on Day 1 and it has been much worse. They now think the rash has moved into her eyes and that is what is causing her eyes to be so red and painful. As I mentioned, her eyes are better but still affected. She still can not tolerate any light so we either stay in her dark room or she wears sunglasses. Her nose is still running but it has not gotten worse. She is definitely not feeling great today but better than yesterday. She still wants me to either hold her or rock her all the time. She did get a small burst of energy and ran around the hall for a little bit. So.....we again wait and hope the rash goes away!!!!

Until the rash in her eyes is gone, we will not be having any outside visitors. It is just to risky to Taylor. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Yesterday was so scary for me and so hard for Taylor because she felt so bad. Hoping tomorrow will be better. Taylor's counts are dropping each day and we will most likely be confined to the room by Friday...so much fun!!!

As long as Taylor is doing ok, I will still be going down to the cafeteria tomorrow at 4:20 for the radiothon. Please listen in if you can. It will be on KTAR (AM in Arizona) or you can listen in at www.ktar.com.

On a side note, please pray for our friends Dawson and Kate. Dawson received a 2nd round of bone marrow yesterday and is still in ICU. Kate is having a MRI today to determine if the chemo has helped her brain tumor. They desperately need our prayers.

Thanks,
Kristen
Posted by at

8 comments:

  1. AnonymousSeptember 16, 2009 at 4:56 PM

    oh Kristen, what a crazy roller coaster you guys are on! Thank you for keeping us all updated! I haven't stopped thinking about you guys!!! I am so relieved to hear that her eyes are improving.

    I pray that tomorrow is a better day and that you are able to get some rest tonight.

    Love, hugs, kisses and positive energy going your way!
    Laurie T

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 16, 2009 at 8:33 PM

    We are praying for all of you! I hope her runny nose doesn't get any worse and that you guys get some much needed and deserved sleep tonight!

    Take Care of yourselves!!!

    Liz-Takeda,CO

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousSeptember 16, 2009 at 10:17 PM

    Hi Kristen-

    So sorry this round has been so tough! We continue to pray for you guys.

    Thinking healthy thoughts!
    Krista

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousSeptember 17, 2009 at 7:19 AM

    Hello my friend,
    what a nightmare few days you guys have had!! I am hoping that yucky rash goes away soon and Taylor finds a little comfort, it's hard to picture her w/ no engery-she is usually bouncing off the walls. Her poor little eyes-if she needs new shades you just let me know, we'll get her the most stylish ones! Geez when will this all end!!
    I'm thinking about you guys always and hoping you are able to get some much needed rest today!
    XOXO
    Jess

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousSeptember 17, 2009 at 7:40 AM

    Hi Kristen-
    We went to high school together in Flagstaff. Marcie Tallent was kind enough to share this blog via Facebook. I have been following your story since Taylor was diagnosed.

    I have a daughter about Taylor's age so this just rips my heart to pieces to read what you and your sweet girl are going through.

    I just wanted to let you know I think about you every day and pray for Taylor's speedy recovery.

    Leslie Hathaway Ashley

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousSeptember 17, 2009 at 2:00 PM

    I'm so glad her eyes are getting better! That sounds miserable. We are thinking of you lots and are planning to listen tomorrow!
    Lots of Love,

    Cindy & the Moerings

    ReplyDelete
  7. Mrs. MoralesSeptember 17, 2009 at 4:42 PM

    Just heard you on the radiothon for PCH-I'm so proud of you! You did an amazing job!! Taylor and your family continue to be in our prayers everyday.

    Shauna & Gustavo

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousSeptember 17, 2009 at 5:20 PM

    Taylor and Kristen,

    We are thinking of you both up in the hospital and praying that Taylor's eyes clear up quickly. I was able to catch the end of the radiothon and am amazed by your strength. Thanks for being the voice not only for Taylor, but for so many other kids in need of help. We will continue to pray for you all.

    Much Love,

    Nicole, Jimmy and Boston

    ReplyDelete

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