Blood Transfusion Scare

Today Drew had his third blood transfusion. It appeared to go well, so we came home late in the afternoon. Drew was energetic and happy. About an hour after getting home, he started to brake out in hives on his face. We called the Oncologist, and he indicated we should get to the Emergency Room immediately. Drew was having a reaction to the blood transfusion. Tony and I were very scared, not knowing what this might bring. Tony drove Drew about a 100 miles per hour to the hospital, and I followed after Tim and Judy came down to watch Jack. The biggest concern was if the swelling would occur in his throat, which would block his breathing. By the time Tony got to the hospital his hands and feet were starting to swell. They gave him Benedryl and moderated him for a couple of hours. We were lucky it was only a skin reaction to the transfusion. It does not appear it affected his lungs or throat. We brought him home and will monitor him closely tonight. If he gets any signs of a fever, he will be admitted to the hospital tonight. We are praying this does not happen. It is his birthday tomorrow, and we would like him to stay home. We will update you if anything happens during the night.