Here we are back in Children's on the 5th floor A-546 South. I keep telling myself that because every time I leave this room, I try to go back into our old room. That sure would be a scare for some poor child.
Things are pretty quite in the room; Randy is laying on the bed giving Liz back-rubs. She feels pretty puny right now. I guess I would too if I was pumped full of all the chemo and meds she is. As Elizabeth says "just when I start to feel good they go and jack me up again." I just had to laugh and cry at her expression.
Day 29 is a repeat of the first 28 days in Consolidation. The one thing that has changed is no IT MTX (methotrexate chemo) in the spine. She does not have to go to sleep every Tuesday for the next four weeks. However she loves the feeling of going to sleep...a little scary don't you think?
She has received mega doses of chemo today, Cyclophosphamide which takes about two hrs to prepare the body for it, 30 min. to give it through her port, and 24 hrs. to flush the dead cancer cells out of her system, AraC, cytarabine, which is a four minute push through her IV, and Mercaptopurine, which is two pills. The Cyclophosphamide will stay in her system for the next four plus weeks, the AraC (cytarabine) and the Mercaptopurine I will give at home over the course of the next two weeks. If you remember, the AraC is the one that put her in the hospital a few weeks ago. This chemo drug is wicked and we both hate the side effects. She will meet up with this little devil later on in her protocol too. YUCK! I swear she shutters when you even say the name.
If all goes on schedule she will begin the next phase called the Interim Maintenance 1 on Tues., February 3rd. Of course all the numbers need to be in place, her platelets of 75,000 and ANC of 750. There will be new drugs to introduce to all of you, a new schedule, and new and old things to continue to pray for. Tune in for and Interim Maintenance 1 update in a few weeks. I love cliff hangers don't you?
Please continue to pray for:
Elizabeth's health and the health of her family
minimal side effects
NO EMESIX (vomiting) Randy does not like the word vomit so I am using the medical term
Elizabeth's docs, nurses, housekeeping staff, and all who have committed themselves to her care
all the children and families on the 5th floor at Children's
I just want to say thank you for all of your prayers and support. I don't know where I would be without God, my family, and friends. I will be keeping all of you in my prayers.
Blessings,
Christine
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5 comments:
Hi Liz,
It's been a while since we wrote anything, so we wanted you to know that we are still thinking about you and praying for you daily. We read your blogs often and are so amazed at the strength and courage you have. You are such an inspiration to our family. Keep smiling and Believing!:)
The Ebel's
Pete, Lori, Alex, & Alison
Just wanted to let you guys know I am praying every single day(multiple times :) and also i have been having some medical challenges lately. I had an mri yesterday that revealed what they think is orbital pseudo tumor of the left eye. I've been in severe pain for about 10 days now and they've started treating me with Steroids. I see a neurologist today for a complete diagnosis and to figure out treatment, and an ophthalmologist on Monday. Anyway the reason i am letting you know this is that throughout all of this i just think about Liz and she is such an inspiration to me. I am not dealing with half of what she is and she does it so amazingly. Thanks for being such an incredible inspiration Liz! You guys r so awesome!! Sending my love, support, and of course prayers :) Christina
Hi to all,
My name is Cindy Pilipovich, my daughter is Jenna. We were given your contact by both Greg U. and Wanda (social worker). Jenna is a volleyball player at MND and had her life change in an instant 2years ago at Christmas. We would love to meet or talk with you. My number is 677-5403 (h) and 509-0106 (c). Look forward to hearing from you.
Cindy
Hey Lizard,
Still reading you blog everyday and i think its great how you are so positive all the time if i was you i would be in a bad mod like 24/7 for all te medicines and the going back and forth everywere. Thanks for the update and stil missing you at school.
-hunter
Hi family,
I don't blame Liz for not liking the sounds of those meds and how they make her feel. I don't like them either, poor thing. We will continue to lift you all up in prayer. Just think you are that much closer to the end of your treatment. You didn't have to delay it..way to go Liz!!! You are giving it an awesome fight girlfriend and you continue to stay strong...Those doctors at Childrens are useing there gifts that God gave them..what a team you have on your side...God, doctors, family, and friends helping you fight this battle...
We love you very much!!
The Jones'
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