Friday, October 8, 2010

Chemo has Started

Yesterday went much better than Tuesday.  The fever was gone and Averi was acting more like herself thank goodness for antibiotics).  The doctors told us to just sit tight and let her finish recovering, and if everything went well they would check her out today and maybe start the chemo.
Other than just getting better (so we can make her sick again), Averi did a lot yesterday.  PT came by and worked with her for 30 minutes.  They are going to come 3 times a week.  Hopefully that will be really good for her.

The massage therapist came by as well and Averi really liked her.  She did really simple things, just to get Averi used to her, like downward motions on her back, arms, and legs.  She is going to come back 3 times a week as well.  I have to admit, besides the whole being really sick thing, I might have to consider spending some time in the hospital.

All in all, Averi was almost herself and I had great hopes for today.  Early this morning, we went down to radiology for Averi to get another chest x-ray.  The doctor said that the pneumonia is still there but looking better and that she would talk to the other doctors about starting chemo today.  I know it seems silly to not want to wait just one more day since we have 6 months of this ahead of us, but every day counts.
Luckily, they decided that she was healthy enough to be made sick and they started the chemo this afternoon around 5:00.  This treatment will be given continuously for 96 hours.

I had no idea how toxic the drugs are that they are giving her.  They have to be given with saline to dilute them and it can't come in contact with anything.  We have to wear gloves to change her diapers and if any urine, poop, or vomit gets on us we have to wash and change immediately.  It is orange and will turn her urine orange as well, and it even has to be kept in a brown wrapper to protect it from the light.  That definitely sounds like something I want to be putting in my daughter.
They also gave her a steriod to help with her breathing since it is still a little labored, and some meds to help with the nausea.  It's weird not knowing how she will respond to the treatment because then I can't mentally prepare myself.  Hopefully all goes well and we will be free and clear in just 6 months!

9 comments:

Jennifer said...

Little Averi is in our prayers every day, as is your whole family.

Rachel said...

I'm glad that Averi is feeling better from the pneumonia and that you were able to start the chemo. Hang in there and know that your family is in our prayers.

Brandy said...

Things sound hopeful. Those pics are just too cute. And I'll have to hire Kaili to paint my nails when she comes over next time :) I was on zofran when I was preggo with Kaylee and that was GOOD STUFF. Apparently they give it to chemo patients. Aaron had it before too for a horrible stomach bug that landed him in the hospital. Hopefully whatever they give Averi will take the edge off so that she can share that infectious smile on your blog posts as the weeks go by!

The Chuck Smith Family said...

Abby and Eli have not left her and your family out of their prayers even once.

Micaela said...

Tiffany, I just played catch up on your blog. I had no idea about Averi. I am so sorry that you all are going through so much, her poor little body. Thank goodness for modern medicine! We will definitely add your family to our prayers. Hang in there!

Vanessa said...

Good luck Averi - We are all thinking of you and praying for you to be strong. :) We love you!!!

Kendall, Starla, Conner, Aleck, and Jared said...

Your little family is in our prayers. I check on here every other day or so. I love her smile by the way. She is so cute! Her smile just melts your heart and you can't help smiling when you see it!

Tina said...

All my love. I am glad you didn't have to wait another day. She is so sweet I'm sure you'll get plenty of smiles from her. As the Mom, you'll probably feel worse for her than she'll feel. I don't know if that makes sense but you love me anyway.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you all and praying for a quick recovery. Try to keep your sprits up and met me know if you need anything.
Susie Magyar