I walked into Eden’s room this morning and her first words were “Can we read the Bear Book?” Of course! Looking at the clock I knew we would be a few minutes late for our appointment but she had not asked for Dad (whom had to be at the office at 6am) or for breakfast (also not an option due to the procedures she was to endure) so I was all for letting her choose how to start the day . We finished reading Snow Friends, a great read, and she said to me, “I asked Jesus.” I wasn’t quite sure what she was referring to so she expanded “I asked Jesus to hold me in his arms.” In a conversation I had with Eden last week when we were discussing sleeping in her own bed, she expressed her concerns of being all by herself, I told her she was never alone and that she could just ask Jesus to hold her. Amazing that she did sleep in her bed all night and the echoing of my comment was a week later and on treatment day. It truly was a God thing!
As anticipated, we arrived to the clinic a couple minutes late. We were greeted by our favorite receptionist and one of the most amazing people I have met through this journey, Miss Donna. I knew as I walked through the door, it was going to be an okay day. We filled our time playing with My Little Ponies and reading books. Eden’s labs indicate her tolerance to her current level of chemo and as we expected the chemo was increased by 25%. Although we have been aware that the current dose of chemo is not achieving the desired blood counts to fight the cancer cells we are aprehensive of the new dosage. Eden received her monthly chemo and then her LP. The lumbar puncture went as well as could be expected. The sedation left Eden with no recollection of the procedure and I spent much of the afternoon laughing. The drugs left her unbalanced, slurred speech and confused. She was hysarical claiming "I don't want to go home, I want to stay at the hospital." She was unconsolable one moment and laughing the next. Unlike her last LP she has avioded all vomiting (a much better drive home).
Thanks for all the prayers . . . we were held in his arms.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Returning to Normalacy
Once again we have neglected updating our CarePage and blog. Our apologies for those of you that have checked in on us.
Eden continues to amaze us with her health. She has remained healthy through the winter months and has exceeded our expectations in tolerating her chemo. Her monthly steroids have continued to be a challenge. It seems like it takes a couple days to affect her and fortunately leaves a day or so after her last dose. On the contrary we are usually able to incorporate at least one new food into her limited diet during steroid week and we have been able to utilize some additional days of steroids to boost her immune system. Regarding Eden’s diet – she has become one of the most particular eaters. I am sure part is her age but I still wonder what it would be like without chemo and steroids.
Last week was a big week at our house; we made a return to normalacy. We had chosen to keep Eden isolated or at least by our side through her intense treatment and through the current cold and flu season. The beginning of March was the start of many programs so we decided it was time . . . story hour, swimming lessons, & Sunday School filled our calendar. Although our hearts were broken throughout the week, it brought us so much joy to see Eden involved in normal childhood activities. I love seeing her smile!
Tomorrow/ today is clinic day! Eden and I will make our monthly trip to the clinic. It is so much harder every month. I think we spend every day attempting to reverse the effects that cancer has plagued upon our lives and then we are reminded that it is still and forever a part of our family. We are always honest with Eden so Kurt told her that she needed to go to the clinic tomorrow for chemo, “Is my cancer back” was her initial response. After a lengthy discussion of why she still needs chemo and I believe some promises of some treats Eden corrected her dad on the correct location of her port and I think she is ready for the day. I am still preparing! Tomorrow, Eden will be partially sedated and then restrained to have chemo injected into her spinal fluid. It is one of the most heartbreaking procedures to witness and the possible side effects leave us on her knees in prayer. God has protected Eden and I know he is in her hands.
Eden continues to amaze us with her health. She has remained healthy through the winter months and has exceeded our expectations in tolerating her chemo. Her monthly steroids have continued to be a challenge. It seems like it takes a couple days to affect her and fortunately leaves a day or so after her last dose. On the contrary we are usually able to incorporate at least one new food into her limited diet during steroid week and we have been able to utilize some additional days of steroids to boost her immune system. Regarding Eden’s diet – she has become one of the most particular eaters. I am sure part is her age but I still wonder what it would be like without chemo and steroids.
Last week was a big week at our house; we made a return to normalacy. We had chosen to keep Eden isolated or at least by our side through her intense treatment and through the current cold and flu season. The beginning of March was the start of many programs so we decided it was time . . . story hour, swimming lessons, & Sunday School filled our calendar. Although our hearts were broken throughout the week, it brought us so much joy to see Eden involved in normal childhood activities. I love seeing her smile!
Tomorrow/ today is clinic day! Eden and I will make our monthly trip to the clinic. It is so much harder every month. I think we spend every day attempting to reverse the effects that cancer has plagued upon our lives and then we are reminded that it is still and forever a part of our family. We are always honest with Eden so Kurt told her that she needed to go to the clinic tomorrow for chemo, “Is my cancer back” was her initial response. After a lengthy discussion of why she still needs chemo and I believe some promises of some treats Eden corrected her dad on the correct location of her port and I think she is ready for the day. I am still preparing! Tomorrow, Eden will be partially sedated and then restrained to have chemo injected into her spinal fluid. It is one of the most heartbreaking procedures to witness and the possible side effects leave us on her knees in prayer. God has protected Eden and I know he is in her hands.
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