Hannah is resting comfortably. Her chemo is going as scheduled, and so far no nausea, just very tired and lethargic. Her appetite has really gone downhill since we got here, today she ate only 2 poptarts for breakfast and a bit of white rice for lunch, with a chips and salsa snack. No dinner. It's to be expected during the chemo, even though she's on Megace still. I heard her tell Grandma today to bring up some lemon cake with frosting tomorrow, so we'll see how that goes.
Her counts are about the same as yesterday, everything is holding stable. Today we spent some time working on the "100 projects kit" (thanks to Mary Kate and her mom) trying to make pom pom animals. Hannah was laughing out loud at the sorry animal we tried to make. It kept us busy for a while. Hannah was feeling well enough too to make a trip to the hospital gift shop to browse and check out everything there. We also got a visit from the Friday afternoon candy wagon called Smiles for Scott. Scott was a little boy with medulloblastoma who died at age 5 in 2005. He was treated here at Schneider's. His parents started the Smiles for Scott foundation, and this candy cart is one of the many many things they do to try to make cancer easier for kids. Candy day is a day all the kids look forward to in the hospital. Scott's mom is one of the volunteers who come around with the cart (which I find absolutely amazing and inspiring.)
Goodnight all, xoxo Kim
Thursday, July 19, 2007
We're in the hospital now for Round 4. Hannah's counts this morning were low as a result of the last round of chemo, but they moved ahead anyway with the chemo. The doctor explained that this round will most likely be harder on her than previous, since the blood and bone marrow don't rebound as quickly because they have already been compromised by chemo and aren't as strong as normal.
WBC 1.68 (range is 5.0-14.5)
ANC 940 (range is 1500-7500)
Hemoblobin, RBC and Platelets all in normal range
It's been a long day for us, and Hannah is already sleeping. We arrived at the hospital this morning at 9:30am and didn't get into our room until 5:00pm. Until then, we were in the hall waiting for the bed. They didn't start chemo until 8pm tonight, so we waited a long time. It is very busy here on the onocology floor, and all beds (plus some) are full.
I told Hannah that our stay here this time is going to be a "craft bonanza." Already she has painted her own t-shirt downstairs and colored several pictures in her new horse coloring book that she likes very much (thank you to Mrs. Grossman.) She also worked a bit with the tutor today.
xoxo Kim
WBC 1.68 (range is 5.0-14.5)
ANC 940 (range is 1500-7500)
Hemoblobin, RBC and Platelets all in normal range
It's been a long day for us, and Hannah is already sleeping. We arrived at the hospital this morning at 9:30am and didn't get into our room until 5:00pm. Until then, we were in the hall waiting for the bed. They didn't start chemo until 8pm tonight, so we waited a long time. It is very busy here on the onocology floor, and all beds (plus some) are full.
I told Hannah that our stay here this time is going to be a "craft bonanza." Already she has painted her own t-shirt downstairs and colored several pictures in her new horse coloring book that she likes very much (thank you to Mrs. Grossman.) She also worked a bit with the tutor today.
xoxo Kim
Sunday, July 15, 2007
We just got back from Vermont with our cousins Kate and Lynsey and Aunt Paige and Aunt Kathleen. We were going, going, going all weekend long. Here is a picture of Hannah with Colby, Kate, Lynsey and Paige feeding the baby sheep at Adams Farm. Hannah had been waiting all day for that! The next picture is the four of us on top of Mount Snow. Do we look tired and sweaty? We took the chair lift 2/3 of the way up the mountain and then hiked straight up the last 1/3. Dave did the brunt of the work, carrying Hannah on the uphills while I took her on the easier areas.
And lastly, here are the girls on one of their many smore making nights. Hannah must have eaten about 20 smores while we were there, then she had us make them again after dinner tonight. Lots of yummy calories! We also found the time to take a trail ride and do some fishing. Hannah took a few naps and held up very well, wanting to keep up with the girls.
It was nice to have some true "summer" time together before coming back to school, therapy and hospital visits again. xoxoKim
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Done with Round 3!! We spent another full day in the clinic today, and now we are finished with Round 3. Today her counts were all acceptable (even if not in their normal range) and her weight was down by about 1/2 pound, not a big deal.
We have a short break until next Thursday, Round 4. We are now starting on the repeat of Cycles 1, 2 and 3 so now I know what to watch for with each cycle, compared to how she reacted the first time around. Her doctor pointed out today that Hannah tolerated this round much better than others with regards to neuropathy. He said it could be the vitamin E regimen we have her on. The telling factor will be our next round, again of cisplatin beginning next week for 5 days. If she doesn’t get the neuropathy exhibited quite strongly the first time around, the Vit E is definitely helping with that. We’ll see!
I would like to say that today was easier in the clinic, but it was not. Hannah is having a tough time lately, probably because she is so out of control of this whole process. Yesterday she ran screaming when one of the therapists arrived at our house. She refused to participate (I think it's all about control of what she does and when she does it, and she didn't want to do it!) Same with the accessing today, she is at a total loss of control over the situation. I can't imagine that it will do anything but get worse from here on in. She is very interested now in "how much chemo is left, how many days, when is our next chemo?" I am always honest and up front with her, but to hear "Thanksgiving" is tough for her, and a long way off. Thank goodness that otherwise, she seems happy.
Tomorrow is another full day of tutoring and therapy (even though she is insistent that we go to the aquarium.) Thursday we will head to Vermont for the weekend for some time with our cousins, the Prokops from Texas.
xoxoKim
We have a short break until next Thursday, Round 4. We are now starting on the repeat of Cycles 1, 2 and 3 so now I know what to watch for with each cycle, compared to how she reacted the first time around. Her doctor pointed out today that Hannah tolerated this round much better than others with regards to neuropathy. He said it could be the vitamin E regimen we have her on. The telling factor will be our next round, again of cisplatin beginning next week for 5 days. If she doesn’t get the neuropathy exhibited quite strongly the first time around, the Vit E is definitely helping with that. We’ll see!
I would like to say that today was easier in the clinic, but it was not. Hannah is having a tough time lately, probably because she is so out of control of this whole process. Yesterday she ran screaming when one of the therapists arrived at our house. She refused to participate (I think it's all about control of what she does and when she does it, and she didn't want to do it!) Same with the accessing today, she is at a total loss of control over the situation. I can't imagine that it will do anything but get worse from here on in. She is very interested now in "how much chemo is left, how many days, when is our next chemo?" I am always honest and up front with her, but to hear "Thanksgiving" is tough for her, and a long way off. Thank goodness that otherwise, she seems happy.
Tomorrow is another full day of tutoring and therapy (even though she is insistent that we go to the aquarium.) Thursday we will head to Vermont for the weekend for some time with our cousins, the Prokops from Texas.
xoxoKim
Sunday, July 8, 2007
We had a good weekend with Aunt Susie and Sydney visiting. We headed out to the beach on Friday and horseback riding on Saturday and a nice evening ride on the boat. Hannah continues to feel good, and is still on the anti-nausea meds. Today I gave her only one dose, and she did mention some stomach issues in the evening, so it's back to the 2 daily doses for the time being. Her counts are heading down slowly, but not drastically during this cycle. Right now she's at:
WBC 3.4 (white blood cells) low and out of range, but not drastic
ANC 2278 Good
HgB 11.4 low and out of range, but not drastic
Platelets 371 Good
She is still quite tired, no nap today, but went to bed at 7:00pm. This Tuesday is the last day in Round 3, yahoo! Then we have a break until July 19th (the 6 day inpatient stay). My mom and dad are coming out to stay for the week, so that will be a big help.
We received a nutritional counseling report from Dr. Jeanne Wallace courtesy of Meryl (thank you so much). I'm glad we went ahead with the analysis, the report does offer some comprehensive information regarding ideas on supplements and nutrition. I have yet to read the entire 80+ page report, but I am already interested in many of the suggestions. the report mentions several items I was already researching, and backs up the data I had already collected on many issues (like angiogenesis, inflammation, supplements, etc.). I'm collecting supporting documentation and will present everything to Hannah's oncologist for his review before I implement any of the complimentary strategies.
We heard from two of our Boston family this week-Audrey, the best childlife specialist ever and Nicholas-our friend from Spaulding. It was great to hear from both of you and look forward to making contact!
xoxo Kim
Thursday, July , 2007
Well I think the chemo is again catching up with Hannah. Late yesterday afternoon after a good nap, Hannah felt sick and ending up throwing up. She naps every day and then actually got sick. I gave her a new anti-nausea med that seemed to help also. 
She rallied afterwards and felt well enough to go to the Ducks game to watch the fireworks, which were great! She was extremely tired, but did have fun. Here is a photo of Hannah, Colby and Sydney with Buddy Harrellson from the Mets '69 championship team, who is a part owner of the Ducks and was signing autographs at the game.
Success, today we made it to Build a Bear for Hannah's 8th birthday party. What a great place, everyone had so much fun, and they really made Hannah feel special.Her bear was stuffed with lots of love from all of her friends at the party. Lots of fun, and Hannah took a 3 hour nap after we returned! Here is a picture of all of the friends with their creations. Here is a photo of the party group, and Hannah and Colby with cousins Sydney and Sarah.
After two days of nonstop fun with cousin Sydney and Aunt Susie we are now going to take it easy for a couple of days for the rest of their visit. We're hoping the weather gets better so we can do some swimming tomorrow, then of course horseback riding and the street fair on Saturday.
I do like the suggestions on how to make the port process a bit easier. I know Hannah find that very interesting, and can't wait to read them to her. I'll let you know which of the ideas she likes the best.
xoKim
She rallied afterwards and felt well enough to go to the Ducks game to watch the fireworks, which were great! She was extremely tired, but did have fun. Here is a photo of Hannah, Colby and Sydney with Buddy Harrellson from the Mets '69 championship team, who is a part owner of the Ducks and was signing autographs at the game.
Success, today we made it to Build a Bear for Hannah's 8th birthday party. What a great place, everyone had so much fun, and they really made Hannah feel special.Her bear was stuffed with lots of love from all of her friends at the party. Lots of fun, and Hannah took a 3 hour nap after we returned! Here is a picture of all of the friends with their creations. Here is a photo of the party group, and Hannah and Colby with cousins Sydney and Sarah.
After two days of nonstop fun with cousin Sydney and Aunt Susie we are now going to take it easy for a couple of days for the rest of their visit. We're hoping the weather gets better so we can do some swimming tomorrow, then of course horseback riding and the street fair on Saturday.
I do like the suggestions on how to make the port process a bit easier. I know Hannah find that very interesting, and can't wait to read them to her. I'll let you know which of the ideas she likes the best.
xoKim
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Another day of chemo down, and Hannah is doing well. The clinic was very crowded yesterday, probably because today was a holiday. Our appointment was at 9:30am with the doctor and they didn't start the chemo until after noon. She had a slight right eye droop again last night, probably from the Vincristine, but it appears to be gone this morning. Only one more day of chemo in this cycle, and then we start the three rounds over again.
We really talked a lot about accessing her port before she went, and she did slightly better this time from last week. She said that maybe eventually you don't mind it at all and they can just do it while you're laying there. Let's hope that day does come for her.
The tutor was with us yesterday at the hospital for about 45 minutes. Other than that, we played games, ordered and ate a pizza and played video games.
We're off now to the airport to pick up Aunt Susie and Sydney who are visiting for the weekend. Hannah asked me this morning what time the plane "dropped". Gotta go!
xoKim
We really talked a lot about accessing her port before she went, and she did slightly better this time from last week. She said that maybe eventually you don't mind it at all and they can just do it while you're laying there. Let's hope that day does come for her.
The tutor was with us yesterday at the hospital for about 45 minutes. Other than that, we played games, ordered and ate a pizza and played video games.
We're off now to the airport to pick up Aunt Susie and Sydney who are visiting for the weekend. Hannah asked me this morning what time the plane "dropped". Gotta go!
xoKim
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