I apologize for the lack of updates, but sometimes it is hard to get time to write up the posts, coordinate pictures, yadda yadda. So, here’s a quick update on how round 4 went.
Overall –
All was good. We left on Monday night, a day earlier than expected since the nurses all rallied around our wishes to be there as little time as possible. Amanda has a bit more nausea, but this round was not too bad at all, kind of like the 2nd time around.
Details –
We went in Thursday and had a conversation with Dr Reuben about our next steps. We seem to be on the same page with thinking that we are going into scans on Friday the 10th, and hopefully will be finished with chemo. The next step – depending upon what the orthopedic surgeon says – might be radiation or surgery. Amanda and I would like to push for surgery since chemo, while definitely slowing the progression of growth, does not seem to be shrinking the tumor. That still does not mean it is not killing the tumor, but this is not a house guest that you want hanging around. We have no idea what the stance of the ortho doc is, but he was staunchly for doing chemo before surgery. We meet with him on Wednesday.
The chemo itself was relatively painless for Amanda….on the grand scheme of pain levels, that is. She received two chemo drugs for 5 days in a row, same as the second round of chemo. It made her more nauseous this time around, but we kind of understand now how to mostly manage that. I say we like I have anything to do with it…Amanda does a great job with knowing her limits. About the toughest part was the fluids she receives just about continuously during the stint. It makes her swell like she’s 9 months pregnant, which is not a fun experience to relive. Also, the leg with the tumor in it nearly doubles in size since the tumor is slowing down fluid flow (blood and lymph), which makes it painful to walk. That said, she walked a lot more than she ever has during a round, and we sunned ourselves on the deck space the hospital has for patients every day. With the weather in the 70s and 80s, it felt great. Lastly, the nurses were really sweet by giving her 1-2 hour breaks from fluids when we went out, which helped ease the swelling in her leg.
The bright point of the stay was on Saturday when the kids came. Their visit lifted Amanda’s spirits a lot. It was beautiful in Charleston and the kids and I went to the same park we did the 2nd time. This time there were Azaleas blooming everywhere. It was SO gorgeous! That’s all I have for updates right now, but check out the videos and pictures:
One Response
Your strength Amanda is inspiring. You are facing all this with such grace and determination. Keep pushing forward!
The photos of your kiddos are darling. What a beautiful place for them to enjoy themselves. Prayers continue for you all.