Today Emily got her last of 9 shots in her thigh. As usual she took it like a champ, but this time she knew it was the last one for a few months. She also got her last dose of Donorubicin and Vincristine which are administered via her PICC line. She had an exam by her nurse and Dr. Dahl. As he left Dr. Dahl said he was "very impressed by the way she is looking."
For those who don't know what I mean by PICC line, it's like a semi permanent IV, that you can give drugs through, and also take blood from. Next week Emily will have surgery to place a "Port" the "port will be a more permanent way Emily can take IV medication and have blood drawn. It is placed just under the skin so she has to get a small prick when they want to access the port. The good side of it is we don't need to flush it at home, or change the dressing. She can also bathe, and swim. In the next phase, we will be giving IV medications at home, through the port.
For the next few weeks it's pretty much labs draws, and the procedure to put in the port. When they place the port, they are also going to do an intrathecal injection (shot into her spine) of methotrexate. She also has a PET and CAT scan scheduled. She isn't getting more chemo and her blood levels will start to increase over the next 3 weeks. She will also be tapering off Prednisone starting next Wednesday. she gets a few weeks to regain her blood levels and then it's time for the second phase. I'm really looking forward to the mood swings and food urges to be over. Tonight we had the food network on, and they were making hummus. Guess who wanted Hummus, NOW. So Daddy went out for carrots and hummus. (Actually that's a great snack)
Tonight Emily is really sick. She has been the day of, and the day following her Wednesday Chemo. She has been screaming in pain, and throwing up a few times. Yes this is the Chemo experience I have been expecting. We called the Dr. she was in so much pain, and there is basically nothing we can do except comfort her and be with her. After she threw up a few times she started to feel better.
You can tell from reading our blog that this whole experience is a roller coaster. One day she seems happy and everything seems great, and the next day she's sick and in pain. Tracy and I have to be "on" all the time and it's exhausting. I am happy we can see the end of the induction phase.
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9 comments:
We are glad to hear that Emily's induction phase is over, she really is a true champ! It is unbelievable everything you all have been through over the last month. You are all truly amazing. We are so sorry to hear that she had such a rough day, it must be so horrible to see her in so much pain. We are sending lots of hugs and love across the miles. Hope today is a much better day.
Shot number nine,
you took it fine.
Now that it's done,
go have FUN!
It's great you're making it through your first phase, Emily-- you're a champ! (P.S. carrots with hummus is one of my favorite snacks!)
I'm so sorry Emily has been feeling so sick and in pain. That is so hard to go through and to watch...
I'm so happy that this first phase is getting over! Yea!
Lots of prayers and hugs with kisses!
Love,
Auntie Diana ~^..^~ and Uncle Marty
What heartache it must be to go through all this with Emily and then to see her so terribly sick. You all must be so very tired, physically and emotionally. I hope that there is some rest that will come in the following weeks. Thinking of all of you with much love and sending lots of good wishes, Jane.
This process truly is a roller coaster of ups and downs. Hang in there!
Lots of love from Uncle Patrick & Auntie Leah
Dear Tracy & Chris -
This has been such an emotionally and physically draining experience for Emily and for you, as parents. I can't believe it's only been 3 weeks and 4 days since this all began. Getting through this first induction phase is an ongoing challenge. It sounds like the reaction she's having to chemo this week has been worse than the previous weeks. It's difficult for us to even think about what she's going through, let alone be there. You have all our support. Please know we are all still sending our prayers and love.
Love, Grannie
Hooray for the end of phase one! It has to feel good to get past this point and know there is a break in all the shots.
I am so sorry Emily is not feeling well right now. :( I hope tomorrow is a new and better day.
All I can say about hummus is mmmmmmmmmmm.
Kim S.
I was dreading to hear that Emily was experiencing some of the typical "chemo" effects and it sounds like today was awful. I hope that the next few weeks are better and she regains some strength again. I cannot imagine what you and Tracy are feeling at times - the frustration and pain must challenge you to the inner soul. Please know that you are surrounded by friends and family that are constantly thinking of you- in your best and worst moments with love and support.
Take care,
Jessica, John & gang....
I hope today was an improvement over yesterday. I wonder if the pain is from the Vincristine? I had a terrible "allergic" reaction to that one and it was excruciatingly painful. My onc. switched me to Vinblastine for the rest of my chemo regimen and it worked as effectively with no pain. I'm so happy Emily is getting a break for a bit now. As the chemo builds up in her system, the effects get stronger so the breaks are a welcome reprieve. Please tell Emily she rocks for making it through this first phase! You are both so awesome and doing a great job of riding this awful rollercoaster.
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