September 29, 2020
Elizabeth's done with her first
round of chemo and will get her next round in 2 weeks. She's been having lots
of nausea and we’re hoping that improves as some of the medications from
surgery are out of her system. We’ve
been told that those meds can compound the effect of the chemo. She’s getting lots
of meds to control the nausea and all the staff is very attentive to her needs,
so we’re thankful for that. Elizabeth will get chemo twice a month for about 9
months. We’ll stay in the hospital for chemo each time, 2 days one time and 5
days the other. She will likely be getting radiation as well in a few months. We’ll
meet with the radiation oncologist and figure out that plan eventually. The
main goal right now is to get Elizabeth walking. She’s gotten back feeling and
movement in toes, knees, and most of her legs, but her ankles are a little
slower coming. She’s started working out in gym here (yay!) and the therapists
are awesome. The doctor said that they expect her to take several days, even
weeks, to get back to walking. She’s very strong and determined, so hopefully
her nerves will start to cooperate and heal quickly. 😊
We’re taking it one day at a time
and, more often, one hour at a time. Mornings are the worst. Late afternoons
and evenings are usually better. When all the pain and doctor visits (they pop
in our room all day) and frustration are becoming too much, the cards/gift
cards and texts and gift baskets and flowers and videos from all of you lift her,
so THANK YOU (again) for that. Primary children’s hospital has been incredible
and offers lot of different ways to support her with activities and entertainment,
but the things sent from family and friends and people in her life are the only
things that she’s interested in. (So, again,
THANK YOU for being amazing support...she needs it and it means a lot!) It looks
like we’ll be in the hospital for the rest of the week. Dave and I are getting
by with some great cafeteria food (really… the salads are awesome!) and
whatever food Elizabeth feels like she can eat. (Lots of chick-fil-a!) We’ve both have taken a few turns spending
nights at home. My mom is holding things down with the other kids. We’re sooo
grateful!
