Emily has one more of these Methotrexate treatments, and it is scheduled for next Wednesday. We expect it will go very similar to the past 3 treatments. Emily is off her 6MP pill again this week, which means she will be feeling pretty good. After phase 3 she will get another CT scan to see what's going on inside.
After Phase 3, we move to phase 4 called "re-induction." This will start on August 20th. It will be very similar to phase one, many of the same drugs and care plans. She is going to have to go through those intramuscular shots in her thigh, that were painful and also took away a good deal of her mobility. She will also be back on Prednisone, so the mood swings and food cravings will be coming back. There is also a new drug that has some very serious cardiac side effects, so they are going to have to scan her heart for a baseline before phase 4 and then after to see what damage was done to the heart muscle. We know this phase is going to be really hard on all of us, at least we have been through some tough stuff already, to prepare for this.
Emily was cleared to go on an airplane if we want, in between phase 3 and 4, I am trying to come up with something really fun for us to go do. I'm really not sure what yet.
Last night Emily and I went to the SF Giants baseball game. We had a blast and the Giants won, pretty perfect. Emily had so much fun she wants to go to another game sometime.
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3 comments:
I am not sure of your style, but if I believe all the commercials, "You're going to Disneyland!" Phase 4 sounds difficult, but having been through most of it with patience and grace, I am confident you will come out the other side with strengths you didn't even know you have. My thoughts are with you every day.
Celia
Dear Pepper Family,
I have been away for a week and have just finished reading the updates on Emily's treatment. I pray for you all every day and I know you will think of the perfect destination to celebrate Emily's successes through Phase 3. We will return to Country Lane next week to start preparing for the new school year and I look forward to seeing you soon. You continue to be an inspiration to all of us.
Dear Chris & Tracy -
Having gone through Phase 1 and understanding Phase 4 will be a very similar experience is definitely a two-edged sword for you. Although you know Emily can and will make it through the medications and arduous procedures, you also know how incredibly difficult it will be for all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. See you next week for the end of Phase 3.
Love, Grannie
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