A day at the clinic has become quite routine. Alyssa goes to Children’s every other week for treatment. The appointment usually starts around 9:30 in the morning and ends around 3:00 in the afternoon. The day begins with getting blood drawn for labs. Alyssa’s veins can be difficult to find and access, but the team always does a great job. 

  Once the lab results come back Alyssa meets with her doctor for a general checkup. We can discuss any symptoms she’s experiencing and how she’s doing on her medications at that time. Average symptoms could be some uncontrolled bleeding, fatigue, and or headaches. As of this week, Alyssa has been feeling good. After her checkup it’s time for the IV team to come and insert the IV for transfusion. The IV team uses ultrasound to help find the best vein. 

  Then comes the long part. Once she gets setup in infusion the transfusion process can take several hours. The nurses always make sure she’s comfortable and taken care of throughout the process. She usually receives one to two units of red blood cells and then one unit of platelets. During this time, we stream movies and shows (Alyssa has been binge watching The Ozarks). Chat with the nurses. Snack on cafeteria food (Alyssa likes the onion rings).  And above all, we take a nap. 

  When the abnormal becomes normal, there is a special grace available to make the best of it. As a family we have expereinced that grace. Thank you to everyone who has donated to COTA for Team Alyssa to assist with  transplant-related expenses! If you would like to
consider donating to COTA in honor of Team AlyssaMarie you can do so at:

www.COTAforTeamAlyssaMarie.com