I can't believe we're almost done with the "intense" and "complicated" treatment! By almost, I mean we have another few months left, but the worst is behind us (as far as I can tell). Then we move into the very long Maintenance process (24 months long, assuming there's no hospitalizations and relapses).
Molly finished off the previous phase with no hang-ups. She was able to get through all the increased doses of methotrexate just fine without any mouth sores.
This is what we do at clinic check-in. Weight, height, and blood pressure. |
Day 1 of this phase was a clinic visit. Molly had a lumbar puncture for methotrexate, and also vincristine and doxorubicin (a new chemo drug for her) into her port. That visit went very well, but it was an afternoon RTU appointment which meant that Molly had to go all morning without food and that made her very upset.
Molly in the RTU recovery room after waking up from the anesthesia for her lumbar puncture. |
Day 8 & 15 were clinic visits. They were both quick visits with just vincristine and doxorubicin into her port. Her labs are coming back with good results every time we get them taken, so we're rather happy about that.
This was taken in the infusion room where they push her chemo into her port. |
The oncologist keeps telling me that Molly is likely to be hospitalized for a fever or some other illness sometime before the end of this phase. I hope that is not the case, but I am prepared for it. I have a list of things I need for her hospital stays, which I'll share here in a second.
Molly's losing her hair again! She's got a small bald spot on the top of her head, and a big bald spot on the back where her head rubs against her pillow while sleeping. I'm not sure how much she'll lose this time... we'll just have to wait and see.
Molly's getting so independant! She got herself a bowl, poured herself some cereal, and brought the bowl and milk to me so I could pour the milk. |
Hospital 2< days overnight bag
Molly:
Pink blankie
and Frog blankie
Tiger
stuffed animal
Owl Light
and charger
Change of
clothes
Pajamas
Extra
underwear, socks
Pull-ups
Wipes
Comb
Toothbrush
Chapstick
Books
Puzzles
DVDs in
travel case
iPod and
charger
Water cup
Diffuser
& Oils
Medications
Stroller
Daddy/Mommy:
Changes of
clothes, socks
Sweater
Scarf and
hat
Laundry
Detergent
Feminine Hygiene products
Toothbrush
and floss
Ibuprofen
Makeup
Face wipes
Un-petroleum Jelly
Chapstick
Comb, hair
ties, and mirror
Hand lotion
Hand
Sanitizer
Nail
clippers and polish
Phone and
charger
Laptop and
USB drives
Calendar
Notebook and
pen
Camera and
batteries
Crochet/Knit project
Reading
Material
Headphones
Snacks
Gum/Mints
Water cup
with straw
Reusable
shopping bags
Cash for
vending machines
P.S.