Kicking Cancer with Kieli

My 13 year old niece, Kieli, has been diagnosed with AML, CNS +. This is an aggressive and rare form of leukemia. Kieli was admitted to Greenville Memorial Hospital on December 5, 2019. She had not been feeling well for a few months. Her symptoms included joint pain throughout her body, nausea, vomiting, fatigue.  Lisa took her to the doctors several times and bloodwork was done at each visit with results in normal range. They were told that it was a virus and it needed to “run its course”.  On October 14, 2019 Kieli was in so much pain that Lisa took her to the emergency room. All the bloodwork was within normal limits and again “it’s just a virus that needs to run its course”.  The week before Thanksgiving Kieli’s dad noticed some bumps on her back and neck. These were swollen lymph nodes. Kieli had already been to a rheumatologist and had an appointment the week after Thanksgiving to see a pediatric Orthopeadic specialist. Monday, December 1st Lisa took Kieli back to pediatrician. Kieli had widespread swollen lymph nodes and was lactating. More bloodwork, more within normal limit results   Kieli and Lisa were then sent to an infectious disease specialist on ThursdayDecember 5th.  That doctor consulted with others and admitted her to hospital where there would be several specialist that would be able to find out what was wrong with her.  Friday she underwent a CT scan, more extensive bloodwork, and X-rays   Friday night Kieli had surgery to biopsy a lymph nodes in her groin area and a bone marrow test.  The lymph node biopsy was tested immediately and the surgeon came out to tell us that Kieli did have some sort of cancer.  Test results from the bone marrow would be back on Monday. A port was also set up. Over the weekend Kieli numbers were low so she had to have a few blood transfusions. She ran a fever and her Uric acid levels were high. Monday’s results brought the news of Acute Myeloid Leukemia that was central nervous system positive. It is a rare and aggressive cancer that requires aggressive treatments.  The oncologist told us that Kieli’s case was one of 3 in the nation that had presented with these symptoms  (joint pain, nausea, enlarged lymph nodes and lactation) . 

Kieli’s orthodontic team came to hospital on Monday evening to remove her braces   She cannot have them on due to the increased risk of infection and her body not being able to heal any lacerations that may occur. We are grateful for their hospital call! 

I am starting this go fund me account to help my sister, Lisa Patterson Bukacek. She is a single mom so of course that means single income.  Lisa is applying for assistance for Kieli’s medical bills, but of course household bills will be most concerning.  The Family Medical Leave  Act will hold her job for her, but it is unpaid and at this point has only been approved for 12 weeks.  Kieli’s treatment will continue for 6 months minimum.  Kieli will go through 5 rounds of chemotherapy  each round will last approximately 28 days. Kieli might get to go home for a few days between rounds if her numbers are good. She will receive chemotherapydirectly in her spine twice a week.  They will lightly sedate her for those.  All other chemo is done in her room at the hospital through her port every 12 hours. 

We all want wish we could take Kieli’s place.  We all wish we could do something to help.  Kieli will lose her hair so sending scarves or hats would be appreciated.  The leukemia ribbon color is orange, childhood cancer is gold. So maybe you can order her a little leukemia merchandise! We would love to fill the walls of her hospital room with cards and sweet messages. Gift cards for gas, restaurants, grub hub or grocery stores would be helpful. There is a mini fridge in Kieli’s room.  But if you can spare a few dollars to help put Lisa at ease while she is here with Kieli that would be awesome too. Lisa has not left this hospital in a week.  She won’t leave Kieli’s side! Maybe you work for a company that needs to make a donation before the end of the year for tax write off purposes.  Maybe there is someone out there wealthy enough to take this financial burden away! Maybe they can pay for Aunt Amber’s gas to and from Conway! Here is Kieli’s address: 

Kieli Bukacek/5A
Greenville Memorial Hospital
701 Grove Rd. 
Greenville, SC  29605

Kieli is not allowed to have visitors now.  Her immune system is very weak and she needs to have a protected environment. Lisa will let you know when visitors are permitted. Flu shots are required, you have to wear a mask, and wash hands thoroughly before entering room. Anyone feeling sick or has been exposed to someone sick should not visit.

Kieli is crafty, she loves to paint, draw, color and do word searches.  Kieli is pretty shy so she doesn’t have a large group of friends.  She really misses her cats Angel and Smokey, but has gotten several visits from therapy dogs here at the hospital and that surely puts a smile on her face! She hopes to one day be a veterinarian. 

Also, blood donations can be made at The Blood Connection in Kieli’s name. Donations will will give her a credit at the blood bank. This will help with expenses   Kieli will need several transfusions and platelets throughout treatment. 

Everyone at the hospital has been fantastic! We are so blessed to have a great team of doctors, nurses and support staff.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support.  Together we will get through this!

#cancersucks#teamkieli#kielikickscancersbutt