Three-year-old Faye was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on April 11, 2011. After 135 days in the hospital, Faye was able to spend 3 years at home. On September 5th 2014 she was told that she had relapsed. She was able to achieve a second remission and had a bone marrow transplant on Oct 17th 2014.

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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Faye Meldrum

Faye is 3 years old. She loves dolls, pink and "purpur" (purple), princesses, and taking care of babies (including helping you change their "dappers"). She has a sweet, soft voice that melts your heart whenever she talks. When her hair is fixed don't mess it up! And when it's not, she likes to wear her floppy hat. She has two brothers, Mitchell (6) and Nixon (1 week). Mitchell and Faye are best friends. Mitchell is a kind, loving big brother and Faye adores him. Her parents are Nick and Stacey Meldrum. They're natives of Utah, but currently live in College Station, Texas where Nick works. Which means they are far from extended family and friends.

In December, Faye began complaining about her leg and didn't want to walk on it. Her parents took her to the ER. The doctor took an x-ray and when nothing looked broken he told them it was probably growing pains and to give her Advil. They did so and it helped. But her leg pain kept coming and going. She needed pain medication most days. She kept getting colds and flues off and on. And when she did her leg pain flared up. She has had a hard time sleeping and often needed her mom or dad to lay with her and rub her legs to help her sleep. Even when she appeared well she would tell her family, "I can't. I'm sick." and "I'll feel better when I get big."

In March it became obvious that these were not growing pains and, even though their new insurance didn't kick in until April 1st, they determined to take her back to the doctor. This time they were told that she needed to get over her current virus before they could do further tests.

On April 4th Faye's baby brother, Nixon, was born via an unplanned C-section 10 days early. Faye's virus had passed and was able to see her new brother, but wasn't too excited about it all. (Now we know how crummy she must've been feeling.) On April 8th, Nixon had his first pediatrician appointment and Faye went along to get a blood test and x-ray.

The next day, Nick received a call from the pediatrician's office explaining that Faye's hemoglobin levels were critically low and she needed to get to the ER as soon as possible. At the ER, they retested her blood and had the same results. Her hemoglobin level was 6.7. The normal range for her age is 11-13. They said they were surprised she could move. She received an IV and was there for a few hours where her mom was able to come and see her.

Then, she slept as an ambulance took her to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, 2 hours from their home. Her blood was tested again and she was admitted on the Hematology/Oncology floor. That night she had a blood transfusion to bring up her hemoglobin level.

The next day, the specialists looked at her blood, but could not be conclusive. They didn't want to speculate, so Nick and Stacey were left to wonder and prepare themselves for the worst. And that's just what it was. Faye had a bone marrow biopsy the following day and was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on April 11th (exactly 1 week after Nixon was born). This type of leukemia is very rare in children and harder to get rid of than its more common counterpart (ALL). The subtype has not been determined yet. (Their are 8 types of AML: M0-M7.) She had a spinal tap today and some good news! It hasn't reached her spinal fluid! It is mainly located in her bone marrow with only a small amount in her blood.

Today she started phase 1 of up to 5 phases of chemo-therapy. The number of phases depends on further tests and how her cells react to the chemo. After 2 or 3 phases, it may be necessary to give her a bone marrow transplant. Each phase lasts about 28 days. She will have a small break and then move on to phase 2 and so on. The doctors do not recommend that she go home during her breaks. So she will live in the hospital at least the next 6 months.

Because chemo kills the white blood cells as well as the cancer cells her immune system will be very vulnerable. If anyone is even slightly sick or has been around someone sick they won't be able to be with her. Nick felt a sore throat coming on and had to let Stacey and Nixon stay with her tonight. It's his first time away from Faye since this started and it's tearing him up.

Faye has thrown up 3 times today. And the picc line is hurting her arm. But she is such a brave girl! She is glad that "They're going to fix my knees."

Being at a hospital in Houston poses additional challenges. Stacey has to drive 2 hours each way with a baby every day in order to see her daughter. But Faye's mood improves immediately upon seeing her mom and she's been asking for her older brother. So, he gets to miss a little school.

This little family are my favorite people on earth. Nick and Stacey are an amazing couple who are ALWAYS there for someone in need and whose tremendous faith is not only holding them up but their families as well. They are not angry and they're not asking "Why us?" They have recognized the Lord's hand all along the way and are quick to point out their blessings.

We know that the Lord never said we will be spared from trials, but that he will comfort and strengthen us if we let him. Prayers and fasting are powerful and Nick and Stacey are so thankful to everyone who has petitioned the Lord on Faye's behalf. Please continue! And please donate if you are able. Besides the astronomical medical bills, they will need so much in order to stay in hotels, drive back and forth, eat at the hospital, and provide new activities for Faye. There is a donate button and email address at the top of the blog. Thank you so much for being a support to this family. Please leave your words of encouragement for them to read.

Faye with her new little brother.


In the ER at College Station. They gave her a puppy!

Riding the ambulance with her dad. Looks comfy, right?

She loves this rocking chair in her room.

The view from her window.

65 comments:

The Larsons said...

Nick and Stacey
You don't know me but I am a friend of Julia and Matt. I am so deeply sorry that your family and your sweet little girl are having to go through this! She looks like such an adorable little girl and have heard nothing but the best about your family from the Nelson's. We will be praying for Faye and your family and hoping for the best! My nephew is currently fighting ALL Leukemia, so my heart just sank when Julia told me about Faye.
Brittany Larson

Luke Meldrum said...

We love you guys!!!! We are praying daily for your little Faye! What a sweet spirit she is. We want you to know if you need anything, we are here for you-only four hours away! You guys are so strong!!! We love you! Luke and Misty Meldrum

EmB said...

She is such a cute little girl. We have been praying for her every night ever since we heard she was sick last Saturday and we will continue to pray for her. We wish we could do more! We know the lord will be with you throughout all of this.
Kade and Emily Bankhead(Matt's sister)

The Nelsons said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
katie ellis said...

Dear Meldrum:
I think about "y'all" all day long. Faye is my last thought before falling asleep and my first thought in the morning. You are the last people in the world to deserve something like this but top of the list of those who will make it through the fight with faith and dignity. I pledge to you all my support and wish it could be more but I will ask Heavenly Father everyday for the angels to make up for what we cannot give.
All my love,
Katie

Eric and Jenny said...

Oh Stace what more can I say but I love you, I can't seem to make it through longer than five minutes without bursting into tears. You amaze me, you always have, friend you are in my every thought and every prayer and I am here for you.
Little Meldrum family you mean the world to me, don't forget you have army of love behind you.....

The Cooper's said...

It just breaks my heart to read this. I can't even imagine. I love you Stace. Your darling little Faye and family are in my constant thoughts and prayers.

Unknown said...

I am a total stranger to you all.
But I found your site from Mandy.

And Faye you are such a Cutie! I love the hat by the way! And a pretty Smile to match! :)

I will keep you in out family prayers!

Unknown said...

Stacey and Nick,

We are so sorry to hear about what you are all going through. I can't even imagine and I wish we lived closer so we could help you guys! Stacey, I know you are such a loving mother and Faye is a lucky little girl to have you and Nick as parents. She is such a doll. We will be praying for your family and have you in our thoughts.

Much Love,
Melissa and Benton Carnahan

Kelly said...

Nick and Stacey... I'm so terribly sorry to hear the news, but hope you can feel the support from miles away.

Vi voglio un sacco di bene.

Kelly Sherwin Jones

Jamie said...

Stacey, I am so sorry to hear about Faye,I hope at this time you can heal physically from having the baby, and that mentally and spiritually the Lord can carry you guys. I hope you recieve optimisim and encouragment from family and friends. All I can say is that you are deeply in our prayers, and wish we could take your hurt away. God Bless you.
Love Jamie

Thiago & Teri said...

Dear Meldrum family. What else can I say, but I hope you are feeling all of the love and support surrounding you guys. You have an army about you. You have not left my thoughts today, not for one second. We went to the temple tonight and put all of your names in. Stace...I carried you in there with me. I never let your face and Faye's little face leave my mind throughout the session. I felt that unexplainable peace that only the temple can bring and I was willing our father in heaven to send some of that to you. I hope that makes sense. Give many hugs and kisses to our little fighter, she is one loved little girl. All of you are.

To Nick and Stacey's family...thank-you so much for setting this blog up. So wonderful to be able to follow our girls progress without bugging Nick and Stacey all the time. You are all such wonderful people. I love you Love's...always have. And Nick's family I have met a handful of times and can tell what special people you are. All my love and prayers.

Teri

Browns said...

Stacey- This is so heartbreaking. Your sweet family has been in our thoughts and prayers and we will continue to send them your way. Keep your head up and know how many people are here to support you!
Kirsche

Sharee said...

Hey there! I am so sorry that your little Faye and you guys are going through this. She is such a gorgeous girl! I will continuely pray for her and fast for her.

Sharee VanBeekum(Guthrie)

Jerry and Maaret said...

Keeping you in our prayers! What a sweet little girl!

Holly said...

Thank you for starting this blog. Faye is SO adorable!! I love her floppy hat! She is in my constant prayer. I'm so happy to hear that the cancer is not in her spinal fluid. We love you all so much and want to help in any way possible.

Dan & Staci said...

We look forwarded to keeping updated through the blog on Faye's progress. We love you guys so much and you will be remembered in our prayers each and every day. We would love to help out in any way possible and will do anything.

Genn said...

Nick and Stacey,

I have read about your sweet little girl on both Teri and Jenny's blogs. I have become friends with them through blogging and today have just read your blog. I am so sorry to hear about your sweet little Faye. What a beautiful little girl she is. Stacey, the fact that you called Jenny back to make sure she is okay is so sweet. It sounds like both of you have so much strength and that your friends have the upmost amount of respect for you. Please know that I will be praying for Faith and donating what I can to try and help. I hope that your strong dedication to your faith, and the knowledge that you have so many praying for you all will help you on this journey. Much love to you both. Stay strong. You can do this. XOXOXO
-Genn Hass

Genn said...

I'm sorry, I meant praying for Faye*
But I must have had FAITH on my mind too.

Mari said...

My heart aches for Little Faye and her family. She is in my thoughts & prayers daily. I'm a friend of her Grandma's (Nick's Mom). It was good news to read that Faye's spinal fluid is clear of the leukemia cells. My hope is that this sweet little girl wil tolerate her treatments with little discomfort & illness, on her way to complete remission.
Love to all of you, Marianne O'Keefe

Clark Family said...

I cannot even begin to imgaine how heartbreaking this is as a parent to go through. My prayers and thoughts go out for this sweet little girl and her family.

Jessica said...

Oh Stacey, I am so sorry that this is going on in your sweet family. First, Congratulations on the new little one, he is beautiful! I wish that we were still close so that I could offer some kind of help. Our prayers are with you, and I cannot even imagine what it is you are going through. What a beautiful girl she is, inside and out!! Thank you for starting this blog, so that we can keep in touch.

RobnsNest said...

Stacey,
This is Breanne Robbins. I don't know if you remember me from America First or not but I have thought about you and your cute family over the years...but never as much as I have the last two days. I jump around on blogs every once in a while and came across this and like many others couldn't believe what I was reading. My heart hurts for you and your sweet family. I know that we have a Heavenly Father that loves and knows us, and He is watching over you guys. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet little girl. She is adorable and it sounds like she is a pretty tough little girl too. I know it has been a while but I would love to help if you need anything.
~Breanne Robbins
{robnsnest@q.com}

Kristi Rowley said...

Nick and Stacey,
I can't even imagine. My heart hurts for you. You are in our prayers. What a beautiful family you have. Congrats on the new little one. Heavenly Father loves you and will bless you through this time. Look for the strength in each other and know that you are loved by so many. Be strong and know that you are not alone.
With love, The Rowleys

Brooke Smith said...

You don't know me. I am Jenny Smith's sister in law. Just know that my little family will be praying for you, Faye. I have a two year old daughter and cannnot imagine how tough this must be for you all.
Best of luck. You'll be in our thoughts and prayers.

Jinksfam said...

Nick and Stacey you don't know me but I found out about your sweet little girl through Cori Hendersons Blog. My heart goes out to you. Your daughter is such a beautiful and strong little girl. She is lucky to have such a great family to help her through this trial. Stay strong and know that there are and will be many people out there praying for you.

Kendra said...

I don't know you - but I want you to know that my family and I will be praying for your sweet daughter and your entire family. We will pray for you to receive the peace, guidance, strength, and support that you need!

Jill said...

Sarah you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We Love You!!!

Anonymous said...

We don't know you either, just wanted to say you are amazing. You guys hang in there. Such a sweet family:)

Nick and Kandi said...

Oh Stacey. I'm so sorry and I will keep you and your family in our prayers. Keep the faith!

craig said...

Hi I don't know you all but I would like to help. I own a small company with several retail locations. We raised around $500 for juvenile diabetes during national diabetes month. I would like to do the same for your little girl. Will you please have the person helping you organize fundraising contact me.
My email adress is Craig.guincho@gmail.com or 801 318 0729 if I don't answer please send a text. My wife's name is Emily Larcher she is from Brescia and I think you would know her or know of her. I saw something on FB that took me to your blog and I would really like to help.

Warm Regards,

Craig

Peggy said...

Love to you. You'll be in our prayers.

Sher said...

You guys are so amazing, and it just doesn't seem fair to have to go through this. Faye is so beautiful and brave, and I know she can pull through it. Our family is praying for you night and day.
We love you!!

Dory Howell said...

Stacey,
This news is devastating, our prayers are with your family. My mother is a member of the Katy Ward, and lives in Houston off Westheimer, she is single and has an extra bedroom/bathroom if your family needs a place to stay in Houston to avoid costly hotels. Also, she is a research nurse at MD Anderson in the Leukemia Dept, and may be a good source of information and help if you need it. Please let me know if we can help you guys in anyway! I love your beautiful family, you guys are a light that shines, and we pray for your comfort and peace at this difficult time.

luke & misty meldrum family said...

We will be going to the temple tonight and will be putting Faye(and both of you) on the prayer roll and in our prayers at the temple. Max asks everyday if she is better yet. His sweet prayers for Faye remind us how special these children are from Heavenly Father! We love you!! Be strong!!!

T-licious D-zire and C-hillins said...

I found your page through Zach. You don't know me, but I wanted to let you know that your family is in my prayers. My son was diagnosed with Leukemia when he was 2. He is now 8! I know the beginning is scary, overwhelming and so so difficult. It will get easier and less scary every day. We will continue to pray for you. and I know you aren't in Utah, but you should still join the group called Hopekids....amazing support www.hopekids.org
All of you are stronger than you know.
Love and Prayers,
~Tara

traci said...

Meldrum Family, I found this page through Cori Henderson. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with your family!

Warm Regards,
Traci

Hayden and Kelly said...

Those last two pics made me bawl like a baby! What an amazing blessing for Faye to have you two as parents! We are praying so hard for Faye and for her strength. Always remember that the Lord knows EXACTLY how you feel in this very moment. Take comfort in knowing that his tender mercies will pour out upon you in this very difficult time. We love you so much. Hayden and I would love to come and see you all in Houston one weekend when Faye is stronger. Or, we could come to College Station and watch Mitchell for the weekend so you and Nick and Nixon could go spend some time with Faye. Whatever you need, we are here!
Stacy: I will never forget when we rushed Lauren over to your house when Tanner was in his wreck and you took such amazing care of her and Nick was right there at the hospital to give him a blessing. You guys are such giving people and I know the Lord will bless you for your years of faithful service!
All our love! xoxo Hayden, Kelly, Danzer Jack, and Ellys
Kelly

Tanner and Kristin said...

Nick and Stacey:
I can't help but echo everything Kelly said. You SAVED US when we needed you most. The two of you helped us through our biggest trial yet in life. It breaks my heart that I can't be there to help you in return. Know that we're praying and thinking about you during this crazy, hard time. You have the MOST BEAUTIFUL family. Faye couldn't be any cuter...those pictures just melt my heart! We love, love, love you all!
Tanner, Kristin, Lauren, Paityn and Raegan

Steve, Heather, and Jackson said...

Nick and Stacey,
We are so sorry to hear this! We pray for you and your sweet little Faye! Nixon is adorable! May the Lord be with your family! Know that we are thinking of you! You have a beautiful Eternal family! love, Steve, Heather, and Jackson Staley

Miss Jackie said...

I am a mess after reading this and seeing those sweet pictures. What a beautiful family you have and what a sweet litte girl. I can't imagine the emotions that are being felt, but I hope you can feel the strength and prayers coming from all the many people you know and don't know who have heard about your story. If you would feel comfortable putting an address or a PO BOX on the blog I know two little girls (in my home) who would LOVE to send her art and things for her new room she is in for the next 6 months. :) Please keep us posted. xoxo

NICHOLS said...

Nick and Stacey,
You are in our constant prayers. Wish we were there to help you!! We will do whatever we can from here and pray, pray, pray. We love you both and your cute family. You have such an amazing spirit and strength about you both. We are thinking of you and will continue to pray. Love you guys...

Clemments Family said...

Stacey and family, my prayers are with you guys everyday. I can't imagine what your going through, but you have so much support. Please let us know what is needed and we will do what we can to help.

-Sierra (Peavy) Clemments

Kristin said...

Hi, this is Danny's sister, Kristin. We've met a couple times, but it has been quite a while. It sounds like Faye and my 3 year old daughter could be best friends. . . I'm so sorry you're going through this. You will be in my prayers.

Unknown said...

Nick and Stacey,
Love the pics of Faye...she is such a cutie. My heart aches for you and I am so sorry. I think of you guys everday and I am sending you my love, thoughts and prayers.
~Love your cousin Jenny

Souli & Ashley said...

I love you Meldrum family. You are amazing people. With so much faith. You and your family have always held a special place in my heart. I amd always thinking of you all. YOu are always in my prayers. She and all of you will be blessed you have the faith. I want to help in any way I can. I will donate I wish I could do more. Thankyou for always being my third big sister. You are such and example to me of what it means to be a mother and a wife. Most importantly I just admire you as a person. I love you guys. Always have faith and know that the Heavenly Father is always with you.

Souli & Ashley said...

I didn't mean the Heavenly Father I just meant Heavenly Father.

aLi said...

Stacey, I came to your blog from Holly's link on FB. (Remember me from High School?) :)
I have faith that things happen for a reason, and I loved to read that you guys have been able to find the blessings along the way. My husband had a cancerous tumor (leiyomyosarcoma) removed 11 months ago. Within the same week we also got news of our neice having Leukemia (A.L.L.). She was 3 at the time as well. Can you believe this? It seems like cancer is contagious. Or at least I hear about it a whole lot more often.
Stacey my heart breaks that you have to go through this. But I also know that you are strong. My mantra for a while there was, "I can do hard things." And I still have to remind myself of that.
Good luck. I wish I could make the drive for you. 2 hours!!! Wow.
This is you being put through "The Refiners Fire." You can do it!

Makaha Studios said...

Aloha from Hawaii, Stacey and Nick. I came here from a link posted on USUFans.com. Thanks to hipsterdoofus21, I think a bunch of other Aggie fans might come along, too. I hope so, anyway, 'cause your story is touching, your photos are precious, and your little Floppy Hatster is beautiful. I wish you all well and will keep your 'ohana in our prayers.

Cat said...

We love you Meldrums. You are continually in mine and Zach's thoughts. Please let us know if we can do anything at all (pick up Mitchell, drive you to Houston, get you a hotel) and we will do it. I promise make ways to help too but please know that you can call us if you have a specific need as well. We keep you in our prayers.

Love,
Zach and Catherine Christensen

Jen&Trev said...

Stacy and Nick,
I can only imagine what you guys are going through right now. Our one year old daughter is recovering from heart surgery right now, and we had to live in the hospital for just a few short weeks. I feel your pain in finding out your daughter has a condition that may or may not be cured. Please know that people are praying for you on both sides of the veil, and all around the world. Stay strong and know that the angels are with your sweet child. You will be able to get through this, and whatever the outcome, you will be stronger because of it. I don't know you but feel an overwhelming love and peace for your family and situation. My prayers are with you. Love, Jenny jensen

lisa said...

Found you through Brett's blog--we grew up together in Houston. If you ever need anything or a place to stay in Houston, we're more than happy to help and we've got the space. Let us know--our hearts go out to you. --Lisa and Ryan Tingey

Kim Smith said...

So sorry for your family. Wishing we could help in some way. Thanks for the blog. It is nice to hear what is going on. We are here to help if you need us.
The James and Kim Smith Family.

kcintexas said...

Dear Nick and Stacey,
You probably wouldn't recognize me without my stop sign and bright green vest. I help you cross at Mitchell's school. I was devastated when Nick told me the news today. I will be praying daily for all of you. You are such a wonderful family. If you need anything, I would be honored to help you.
Karen Clarida

The Nelsons said...

I haven't had the chance yet to express how much heartache I feel for Faye and your entire family with all that is going on. Ever since we babysat Faye for you while you were in California she's held a special place with me. Maybe it was dancing together to the Apple iPod commercial with the Ting Things song, I don't know. I wish we could do so much more than we're doing, but I can tell you that you're in my thoughts and prayers daily. Love you all --Matt

Ruth Done said...

I'm Dan Elggren's sister. I just want to say that you will be in our prayers. Faye looks like such a strong, beautiful girl.

Ashley said...

Nick and Stacey,
We just saw today what is happening with Faye and we are so sorry that you guys are going through this! I wish that we could be there to help in any way that we could! Know that Ryan and I are praying for Faye and your dear sweet little family! We love you all so much!

Tyler said...

It is a beautiful blog - in the sense that I really feel what is happening. I wish I could do more than what I can but at least I can donate and lighten your financial load a bit.

I love you Nick, you are a great Dad, and I will honestly pray for your family.

Sincerely,
Tyler Knowlton

KristinaAC said...

Nick and Stacey,

I'm sure you don't remember me, but was in the symphonic bands at Bonneville high school 00-02, and I remember Nick, as he was a few years ahead of me. I saw this link via Facebook (through Tyler Knowlton) and I had to put in a donation. Having recently spent some time worrying/caring about someone who was in an ICU hospital setting, I know how emotionally draining it can get, and I can't even imagine how much more amplified that might be when the patient is your small child. It isn't much, but I hope it helps, and I am sending out positive vibes to you and your family.

Sincerely,

Kristina Clemens

JKBKR said...

Sweet family,

I don't know you, but wanted to tell you that you and your precious little girl are heros in our home! We are amazed and inspired by the strength that you possess. What a brave little girl you have (and what a brave mommy and daddy- I know nothing in this life is harder than watching our children suffer). We think about you and will continually pray for all of you. I hope you will be able to feel the love and support and faith that even strangers feel for your family.

Keri said...

U guys dont know me, but I stumbled apon your blog through Kristies blog. My eyes are filled with tears. I too have suffered through 8 years of cancer but am now free. Youre time will come too little sweet girl. Stay strong and I love the pics where Mommy and daddy are smiling with you. Thats the power of prayer and faith. There is amazing blessings headed your way and have already begun in youre lives cherish them and keep your life simple and still so that you can dig them out on even the darkest of the days. You will stay in my prayers often if not every moment during my day and in my thoughts. Good luck little faye.

Heather said...

I just found your story through another blog & wanted you to know I am keeping Faye & your family in my daily prayers. Your family is beautiful & I can feel the love you have for each other leaping off the computer screen.

May God bless you all,

Heather

THE COLLETT FAMILY!! said...

Nick and Stacey, you have no idea who I am but I want you to know that my heart goes out to you! Sometimes I wonder the challenges that our Heavenly Father gives us but please hold on to the faith in knowing that our prayers and so many more are going out to you and your beautiful daughter. She looks like such a sweet and a STRONG fighter! We have a blonde little girl just like her (age 2) and as a mother I can only imagine how hard this is. Please lean on our prayers and know the Lord will never give you anything you can't handle and to lean on him. Fight HARD Faye, we are praying for you!! God bless your family! Erin

Melissa Jones said...

We found out about Faye through our friend Misty Meldrum's post on Facebook, and have been praying for y'all ever since! My three-year-old daughter is selling cupcakes for Faye today, and said she hopes she gets to meet her some day. I hope so, too! Love and prayers for Faye and your family!!

Wenchi said...

You're fighter, Faye. Take care. God bless!