Yesterday was Emily's monthly IV chemo and exam. She gets them every 4 weeks, so technically this is the second one we have had in December, it's just the way the calendar worked out.
Emily's exam went well. Nothing really notable, except she has had this persistent rash for a while and what Dr. Link called "Chemo skin". He gave her a referral to Dermatology and said the order would be expedited so Emily can start treating the rash in the correct way. Since she is on her Prednisone this week, when she woke up this morning the rash was gone, so maybe we won't need the referral? I know at the end of treatment she will temporarily have a lot of skin issues, it's just what happens when you come off her type of Chemo.
Emily has grown, both taller and because of her medication also gained some weight. As a result we have to again increase her dosage. Both her 6MP and Prednisone doses were increased. Unfortunately the Prednisone increase is just enough to bring back the depression she experienced during earlier higher dose phases of chemo. You can really tell this week that she is having a hard time. Last night after chemo she was supposed to have a sleep over at Grandma's house, which is usually a huge reward. She called us at about 7:30 crying and wanting us to come pick her up and bring her home. We did. she even slept in our bed with us, she just wants to be with her parents. I am also worried that with the increased dose of 6MP she may start to experience the nasuea symptoms that you hear about with people on chemo. We have been told she doesn't throw up all the time because her dose is relatively small, but increasing it could change things. I hope I am just worrying too much. And at least we only have 71 days to go.
Hapy New Year ! 2009, was MUCH better than 2008, but we've been looking to March 12th 2010 for about 2 years now, and have high hopes for this coming decade.
Thank you to my blog readers and facebook readers, your support is much larger than you will ever know.
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3 comments:
Dear Chris & Tracy -
It breaks our hearts to hear about the continuing side effects Emily must endure, but we know she is nearing the end of this ordeal -- 71 days to go! Thank you for posting the countdown number. This is such a milestone for Emily and for all of us to look forward to for her. We hope she will never again undergo anything so stressful or painful in her life. We look forward to 2010 and wish all the Peppers a Happy New Year.
Love, Grannie & Grampa
You guys are so awesome for being there for Emily like that -- I mean, I know that sounds kind of obvious but it has been a long road and you are all troopers on it together.
Here's to March 12th! Here's to a new year! Here's to health! Here's to meeting in 2010! :)
Hi!
I just wanted to wish you all a great 2010...we haven't seen much of each other, Tracy, but I wanted you to know I pray for all of you daily, as do my church and online mommy buddies.
Can't wait for March 12 (it's a lucky day...my mom's birthday!)
Kim
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