We're officially 8 days into Madeleine's 28-day cycle and looking back, she's doing so much better than the "worst case scenario" the doctors conveyed to us in order for us to be prepared for anything. She has had a few days during the infusions where she really didn't feel good; her emesis has been pretty persistent but in spite of that she continues to show interest in feeding which is a good thing. Right after her blood transfusion she was truly rejuvenated which actually threw the doctors for a loop - they weren't expecting that at all. Our little girl is really showing what she's made of and amazing us all with her resilience.
We are getting ready for her to hit rock bottom and hoping that, relatively speaking, she does as well as she has this last week. As her counts go down and her immune system crashes, they expect her to have pain, get sores, not want to eat, and a host of other possible side effects. She is now on IV nutrition to ensure she stays healthy and is receiving various vitamin-type fluids to help her body recover from the chemo. In some ways, we thank God she is as young as she is because she won't remember this part of her life like we will, and it's so hard on parents to feel so helpless when your child is sick. This morning she was still her smiling, laughing self and by this afternoon, you can see it in her face that she's starting to feel sick and she wants to sleep. This afternoon, we both just feel beat up. It's not easy every day. In fact, it's rarely easy - you just deal with it. It's been a roller coaster week.
Wow Veronica as I read your latest update and I look at the pictures of Madeleine the tears start to well up, but then as I read just how "she is showing us what she is made of" I realize we also need to be strong for her. Odd how your precious little angel is showing us how to be strong at such a young and tender age. We will continue to pray for all of you. Lord Bless
ReplyDeleteUncle Ralph & Aunt Denise
Veronica and Jeff- You guys are truly what is helping Madeleine stay strong. You are there to give her comfort, love and strength. Mommy and daddy modes kick in and there is nothing you can't do or deal with for the sake of your kids. Continue to stay strong and as always- we pray to God to be by Madeleine's side and help her along this time in her life. God bless you all at casa Vasquez.
ReplyDeleteYou couldn't be more right Uncle Ralph. SHE is the one truly going through this ordeal, and even though she won't remember it like we will, and she can't comprehend the level of emotions we do, it's HER body fighting this. **SHE INSPIRES ME** to be the absolute best and strongest mother I can be FOR HER and her sister. Thank you for the love and prayers, we need them steadily
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