The First Day of Chemo

We started out leaving the house at a reasonable time this morning. We went to Rebekah's oncologist first who had her admitted to the hospital. In order to participate in a special treatment study Rebekah needed an MRI before Chemo could begin. There were no "normal" slots available for the MRI but apparently admitted patients get some sort of priority. It didnt seem like it, though, as we did not go into the MRI until nearly 5pm. That's nearly 24 hours for this little girl to go with nothing to eat and very little to drink. She did have continuous fluid through her central line but that did not stop her from continually asking to eat and drink. It's really tough for a parent to have to keep telling their daughter they can't eat yet.

We got out of the MRI and up to the room just before the evening shift change so we then had to wait until the new shift came on to start the Chemo. Another UGH!

At 9:15pm 3 nurses came in wearing extra tough gowns, extra tough gloves, extra eye protection and bags and syringes of drugs marked with bright yellow and bright orange tags. It truly was enough to scare mom and dad! We found out that the drugs are VERY damaging to skin, veins, etc. if not properly diluted. We even have to wear the extra thick gloves to change her diapers during and just after Chemo. All supplies, diapers, wipes, etc. need to be thrown away in a bright yellow chemical exposure bag.

It was really tough for daddy when the first syringes went in. I just held Rebekah, touched her face and continually prayed that these drugs do their job and that she is otherwise protected from their horrible unwanted effects. This is really tough.

Mommy is up in the room tonight with her and daddy is out in the camping trailer in the hospital parking lot trying to get caught up on some work. We have always liked to get away in the camping trailer so it is set up with a full office including internet connection - but we never expected it to be used this way.

We thank you all for your continued prayers and support. We have an awesome God who directs us to ask for miracles and expect them to happen. We are and we do. This will be a long haul and we ask and pray that you all continue to have the strenght to lift Rebekah, Sarah, Frances and Scott up throughout the whole process.