The Natalie & Alice Fish Story

We are the Fishes. In 2011 two of our five children; Natalie and Alice were diagnosed with a rare gene disfunction called Leaky SCID (Severe Combined Immune Deficiency). Their condition is so rare that only two cases are reported in the U.S. each year. Both girls have endured much, and have spent most of their young lives in and out of hospitals due to common illnesess a healthy immune system would overcome. The required treatment for our girls is a bone marrow transplant.
Although the new marrow could mean a normal life for them, it will be a long and arduous road. This blog is to share our experience as parents and the courage of our children.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Alice's Transplant






Today started out a little rough with Alice awaking in a sour mood. The nurse and I didn't help much by making her take her medicine first thing. She did her best to choke it down, but it ended in disaster as she threw it all back up accompanied with last night's milk bottle. Mmmmm Cottage Cheese, made the green way. Things got better afterward, Alice felt like a new person and fell back asleep until her new bone marrow arrived. All the doctors, nurses and techs on the floor came in and sang "Happy BMT Birthday" to her. It was also special because the doctors consented to allow Natalie out of her room to witness the transfusion. It was really fun. Matthew and Blair were there too, it was nice to be together as a family again.

The video tonight may be a little long, but there are some great moments where Alice notices Matthew in the door window and becomes excited to see him. There is also a moment when Natalie is assisted into the room which is really neat to me.




On the outside I was so happy; on the inside I struggled to not show my emotions as I thought about the new life Alice can have due to the kindness of someone we have never met; our unknown hero. Whoever this person may be, we hope that one day we can express our gratitude for saving our daughter's life. How we love you, and wish to know you.
Lisy and I feel such a releif to have both transplants (actual transplant) behind us. The worry of getting all the stars to line up between the donors and keeping everyone in top health has been weighing on us. PHEW!!!
Tyler


3 comments:

  1. You have two simply amazing daughters! I'm praying hard for both of them and for your whole family. Go Natalie! Go Alice! :)

    Katie

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  2. I'm so happy for you all. I can't believe that Natalie might be home soon. And I'm so glad that Alice's transplant is done. We love you.

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  3. HURRAY!!! So happy for this day to have come! Her reaction to her brothers was priceless!!! Praying for and loving you all!

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