Second to last chemo complete, and change in team.

Yesterday was Emily's second to last monthly IV Chemo ! The exam itself was unremarkable and went well. Most of the discussion was around all the tests Emily will need at the end to prove she is completely cancer free. She's going to need a CT ad PET scan, and will have to have some light surgery to get a spinal tap and to get some marrow from her CNS. We will be doing the scans before we go on our cruise and then have the surgical procedure once we get back. They like to wait a while to take the marrow because they would t' see a relapse if they did it while the effects of the medication are still around, it will take about a month of time to be safe for the procedure.

Emily's social worker approached us yesterday to tell us she wants to nominate Emily to be Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's "Girl of the year". Each year the society chooses a local boy and girl who are survivors of cancer. she would be on posters and we would get to speak and tell Emily's story, which I think is so inspirational. (selfishly). So you locals may be seeing Emily on posters in the Bay Area.

The biggest piece of news yesterday took us completely by surprise. Our N.P. Karolina told us that she is moving and won't be here for the rest of Emily's treatment. This is a big deal for us, since at Packard your lifeline to treatment and your physician is through your N.P. She's part of our team and it feels weird to have her leaving. She's the one who knows all the details of Emily's care. I am glad we are so close to the end of treatment, but mixed feeling because even after maintenance we have 5 more years to go. We're really going to miss her and also wish her the very best in her future. I can't even begin to say how thankful we were to have you Karolina, you are an amazing person. I will always feel in debt to you for what you've done for me.