October 13

Madelyn had a big chemo day scheduled on Monday.  I was anxious for her to proceed with her chemo - I do not like delays.  Not because they disrupt our lives, but because her chemo is important.  Those toxic chemicals are killing the beast and the worry of relapse is constantly on my mind.  It probably will always be.  For the rest of my life.


Her counts were good.  They have returned to Madelyn's "normal" ... meaning she is not showing signs of being sick... and she is certainly feeling and acting that way!  Sophia and Madelyn both have been so happy walking off to school this week.


Hem  36.9     Plat 164     WBC 2.0    ANC  946


She went to The Sleepy Room for chemo in her Central Nervous System via spinal tap.  While in there they also gave her the annual flu shot.  I was surprised and very happy that she was able to get this.  Most cancer patients can not receive regular immunizations so I assumed no flu shot either.  As you know, cancer patients immune systems are depressed and introducing these potentially deadly  diseases is well, not good.  Peter and I are very, very pro-vaccination.  We have a Global Village mindset - each vaccination our children receive doesn't just protect them it protects the worlds children.  We had Madelyn receive all her Kindergarten vaccinations early, with doctor's approval, when she was four.  I am so happy about that decision now...


She will not have her regular steroid pulse this week.  The steroids can cause the flu shot to be ineffective so she will have the five days of steroids starting next week.  She had her usual Vincristine infusion and we are now waiting to see if she has any pain from this.  It is to be expected with the Vincristine chemo... but last month she did not need any oxycodone (pain meds) at all.  We'll see what this week holds...


Peter and I decided this summer that each of us would take a week vacation on our own.  A little re-couping time.  Peter went climbing in the Bugaboos with his friend Jim Thompson in August.  I will be heading to my old town New York City on October 24th.  There is a big annual photography conference, I will be visiting one of my best friends and gallery hoping.  I am really excited.  Peter will be heading up the home front on his own...