Tuesday, April 5, 2011

More Chemo

Well, we're still in the hospital after 9 days.  Not the longest we've been in, but it still feels pretty long.  She's feeling well today, though...


My birthday ended pretty well.  My mom brought me a Sprinkles cupcake and a new shirt, and then Chris surprised me by trading shifts and getting the next two days off to spend with us.  It is so much easier to be stuck in the hospital when he is here to keep me company and make Scarlett smile (he gets her best smiles).

Last night, she needed a quick blood transfusion to replenish her red blood cells.  She is almost certainly going to need another full red cells and platelet transfusion in a week or so, too.  Transfusions are not really a big deal, since her port is already accessed, but it is more dramatic to have a bag of blood hanging over her.  However, her white blood cells are good and high, so we are on track.  Her Methotrexate has finally cleared to an acceptable level, but now it is time to hit her with the next drugs.  This time, it is a cocktail of three medications, which made her pretty sick last month and led us to the emergency room.  We are trying to be proactive this time, and plan to keep her on around-the-clock medications to help stave off vomiting (or emesis, my new word of the day) and have Pedialyte on hand to help keep her hydrated.  Hopefully she will feel better, eat a little and not lose it all.  Unfortunately, these medicines keep her pretty sedated, so she will not really be herself.  

Please keep the little lady in your thoughts as she battles this intense chemo over the next week.  It is hard for her and for us.

36 comments:

Angie said...

Praying for you and your little one as she undergoes these treatments...

Lauren said...

she's in my prayers!

Amanda said...

Thanks for all of your updates. Every time I see one it reminds me to pray for little Scarlett. I'm so sorry that you're all having to go through this.

She looks like a little sweetie!

Also, would you ever consider monitizing your blog? I'm sure your readers wouldn't mind. :)

Anneabell said...

Poor girl! I am glad you got to enjoy your b-day a bit and you and Chris can be together. Scarlett is such a gorgeous little girl=)

Michelle said...

Seriously, she is ADORABLE. Praying for you all, as always.

Jenny said...

Praying for you guys this week. Know that you are not alone, I think of you often. I hope your little fighter does well this week!

Laymie said...

Praying for you and your family <3

Mrs.Andrews-Next Adventure Travel Co said...

praying that this week goes smoothly and quickly for you all! I'm still so proud of you guys. You truly are the embodiment of love and perseverance. Give her a kiss for me and know that you are cared for.

April said...

Sending lots of good thoughts her way.

gelloart said...

Oh my goodness she is cute! Love the picture. My 6yr old dd and I pray for her and you guys every single night. We are all rooting for that beautiful little girl.

Tara Poor said...

Much love, thoughts and prayers for you all! I hope that this reound is easier for her, you and Chris.

Irene K said...

good thoughts for you strong little butterfly! thank you for sharing her pic with us, it warms my heart to see her pretty little face! :) love from austin, TX

Jessica said...

You guys are so strong. I love reading your posts and keeping up with your precious little butterfly! I hope this round goes better than the last... <3

Beefer said...

Scarlett and your family are always in my thoughts.

Lady Niblet's Mama said...

No need to ask, Scarlett has been in my thoughts and prayers daily since I started reading your blog. Sending you and Scarlett lots of hugs.
I think with little girls, daddies always get the best smiles. However, we get something better, we see both of them at the same time with their best smiles together. I think that makes up for it.

Rebecca said...

Think of Scarlett and you always! I am glad that your birthday turned out OK. Praying that this treatment goes well and that the little miss does well and comes out of this round with flying colors. :)

Preston and Jordan's Mommy said...

Saying a prayer for you and Scarlett. Thank you for sharing your story and updating often.

Jamie said...

praying that this round of medication goes well and that her stomach stays settled. Glad your hubby can be with you for a couple of days. She is a beautiful little girl.

Praying for Hope said...

I follow your blog, although I don't believe I've ever posted before. Your little girl is a beauty and absolutely perfect. Always thinking of all of you.

Unknown said...

Your family and your beautiful little Scarlett are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I'll be thinking positive healing thoughts that she makes it through this round of the chemo as smoothly as possible. I know it's hard, but stay strong - you have a lot of people standing behind you!

Anonymous said...

Love the new picture! She is adorable :) Always praying for her, and for you and Chris. I truly hope this round is easier on her, and that it goes by quickly for you. Keep your heads up, she's such a fighter!!

Carter Clan said...

Love the picture...she is absolutely adorable! You and your family are always in our prayers! Hopefully this round will be a little easier!

Haley said...

Your daughter is just adorable. I love the picture! I'm sending good thoughts your way!!

Dana said...

ALWAYS praying for your precious girl!

TraciW said...

I've never left a comment before but I wanted to let you know that I say prayers for Scarlett (and you and your husband) every morning, and every night when I'm holding my 4month old before bed, "we" both say prayers for ya'll again. You're in my thoughts often during the day and I hope she does good with this round. I'll be thinking of her!

Amy Biagini said...

Im thinking of your sweet little girl and hoping she continues to be strong!

Anonymous said...

Lots of prayers and good thoughts your way from rainy San Diego! Thank you for your photos, what a gorgeous baby girl you are Scarlett! You've got this, it will be behind you before you know it. Lots of prayers and comforting thoughts your and Chris's way too!

Marquez_Mama said...

Thinking of you little Scarlett stay strong baby!

Sending good thoughts Mommy and Daddy

rrc said...

BEAUTIFUL PICTURE!!! She's absolutely adorable! Sending you prayers and hugs from South Dakota! =)

The Chung Family said...

Keeping her and you guys in our prayers!! I still can't imagine how tough this must be on you & Chris. Hugs sent your way!

And I keep clicking on the little advertisements in hopes that it will bring in a trickle of money for you guys! Thanks again for putting them on your page!

skylac8506 said...

We think and pray for Scarlett, Chris and you every day! We hope she does well and comes through with flying colors! No sickness and home soon! She is amazing and such a special butterfly! Sending love and prayers from the Cozza's in CT.

Alia said...

I've been reading your blog every day and think of Scarlett all the time. I have so much respect and admiration for how you guys have gotten through this so far. Scarlett is one amazing little person and she's going to grow up to be a pretty fantastic adult. How could she not with parents like you guys? She's going to get through this, as will you. This week shall pass and you'll get to the other side, just a little closer to the end. Hugs to Scarlett!!

katy said...

Love and prayers from North Carolina -- xoxo

Kate said...

Thank you for the picture of Scarlett. She is such a cute little girl. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys. Thank you for the updates.

SherylBird said...

Thinking of you all as always! Love the picture ~ such a cutie!

Christina said...

Her scar looks so much better now. She is so beautiful.
We have you all in our thoughts.
be brave, be strong, keep fighting
love always,
Christina & Kaitlyn