Sunday, February 13, 2011

Valentine's Day

Tonight, Scarlett has her third Ribovarin tent treatment.  Since the shock of the first night, we have learned a lot about the treatment.  It is a liquid that is aerialized into the tent for her to inhale.  It works by altering the DNA of the virus so that it can no longer replicate, thus shortening the time it takes for her body to recover.  It is a huge ordeal that is very rarely done anymore, but because there is a critical need to get her on chemo as soon as possible, the infectious disease specialists agreed that Scarlett was a candidate.

The danger is mainly to me and any other child-bearing-aged woman.  The medication can cause problems for developing fetuses, and can those effects can last as long as 6 months.  Now that I have repeatedly reassured them that I am not nor do I intend to be pregnant any time soon, I am cleared to be in the room again (last night, they had me go out while Chris stayed in for the treatment).  It is a very in-depth process for her and for us:  She is given a sedative to help her sleep through the 4-6 hours of treatment; we are in a negative pressure isolation room to prevent any leaks of medication into the hospital ventilation; after the treatment each night, we must clear the room of all linens (including me changing clothes), wipe down all surfaces and bathe Scarlett.  Since we start treatment at about 9pm, the clean up happens around 2am.  Not a restful situation in the least.

However, it seems to be working:  She has not had a fever in more than 24 hours.  Her chest sounds clear and she is much less congested.  They are planning on moving forward with Day 1 of chemo tomorrow; it is the last day to have her entered in the study that we would like to participate in (31 days after her last surgery).

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day.  It marks one year since I took the tell-tale pregnancy test.  Last year, our Valentine's Day was celebrated in shock, not quite sure how to handle the idea of a baby on the way.  This year, it will mark the start of another life-changing phase of our family's life: chemotherapy. 

28 comments:

Meagan said...

((hugs))

Hang in there Mama. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Jessica said...

I'm over joyed to hear she is responding well to this treatment. It sounds very cumbersome to go through it, but if it helps her get over RSV, it's worth it. Good luck - I hope tomorrow goes well. It's amazing how much your lives have changed in the last year. I hope you have as wonderful a Valentine's day as you possibly can. Good luck!

Andrea said...

Praise the Lord the treatment is helping! Praying tomorrow goes well and she is able to handle the Chemo(as are mommy and daddy) Hugs!! What a strong little Butterfly!!!!!

Mandy Norris said...

So glad her RSV treatment is working. Praying for all of you and that tomorrow goes well. Thoughts, prayers, hugs, and love to you all!

Tricia D. said...

Hang in there! Don't get discouraged...easier said than done, I know. Good luck and stay strong. Our thoughts are always with you, even from Rhode Island.
Tricia

It's June! said...

I just learned about your trying journey and caught up on all your blog entries. I'll be praying for Scarlett and of course you and chris too.

Anonymous said...

Today is her first day to a speedy recovery!!! Happy Valentine's Day Baby Scarlett and of course Mommy and Daddy too!!!

Anonymous said...

Still praying and praising all the way from Holden Beach, NC. God is in control!

Anonymous said...

Good luck scarlett inyour first day of chemo you and your family are in my thoughts andparyers!

Anonymous said...

Happy 1st Valentine's Day little girl! We have been thinking of you, your Mommy and Daddy and praying for your speedy recovery from the RSV so you can start your new treatments tomorrow. You are a very strong girl and we know you're going to be a champ on the chemo!! HUGS and kisses!! Rebecca, Joey & baby Caleb (BBC May 2010)

Jennifer said...

Brandi, Chris and Scarlett....we are still saying many prayers for you all. Our faith that all will go well is very strog and so we believe you will all do very well! Brandi, I found out the night before Valentines last year I was pregnant so i know that feeling for this being an extra special day! Lots of love for you all!

Jamie said...

Happy Valentines Day! Another year, another change. You will make it through this one as well if not better than the last change. The last one brought you Scarlett and this will give you a happy healthy Scarlett. Many prayers are being said for Scarlett to be made whole again and for you both to have peace and strength through it all.

alex said...

Happy Valentines Day! It's amazing how much can happen in just one year. I'm wishing you all the best for the beginnings of chemo. Sending extra hugs and kisses your way!

Anonymous said...

Happy Valentine's Day!!
I just wanted to let you know that you all are ALWAYS in our prayers here in Boston, MA.
I will also be lighting candles for your little butterfly.
As hard as it is (I can't even imagine) Stay strong. Have faith.
God Bless Scarlett Grace
The littlest butterfly

Noelle Boston, MA
Cafemom July 2010

Michelle said...

Praying for your baby girl today.

Rob said...

I am just overwhelmed at the miracles that continue to pop up in the midst of your storm! You are so strong and so brave (even though you may think you are weak and scared at times). I admire you and Chris and pray for you regularly!

Mersida said...

Happy Vday Scarlett and Brandi and Chris. I hope the first day to her treatment goes well.
Hugs from PA

Anonymous said...

Praying for you guys. Good luck Scarlett! You can do it, baby! :-)

Jaclynn_kyuss said...

Happy Valentines Day. Hope she gets better soon. Love Jaclynn and baby Leeland :)

Anonymous said...

Lots of prayers being sent your way from Buffalo, NY,

delaney's mom said...

i thought you might be interested in this story. i hope scarlett can recover as this little girl did.
http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/healthteam/story/9110179/

snowbird said...

I am praying that she will be able to start her treatment tomorrow. Please know that my church in New Jersey is offering prayers for your family.
Starr T.

DiJe said...

Hoping things went well today. Many warm wishes!

Rebecca said...

Happy Valentine's Day to you all and I am so relieved that Scarlett is doing better! <3

Brie said...

Hang in there mama! You guys have been in my families prayers since day one and I know she will pull through this just fine! God is good, and I believe he will heal your little angel and get her back in good health! <3

Anonymous said...

Still praying and so happy to hear that things are clearing up!
Jen, October 2010 mom

Catherine Soni said...

Happy Valentine's Day to you both and precious Scarlett!! So sorry to hear about the RSV but thankful she is getting special treatment. You are both so brave and strong for her and inspire me to be a better mom. Praying for your family always!!

Anonymous said...

Praying and thinking of you all often!!! Many hugs.