At the Hospital Update

Rebekah's counts were acceptable for treatment today, but just barely. There was some question this morning as to whether we were going to proceed because the manual ANC count wasn't quite high enough, but the automated ANC count was sufficient and the rest of the counts all looked fine. After discussing it with the doctor, we went ahead with it. We got into her room about 11:30 this morning and started on fluids, since they really want about 6 hours of fluids before starting chemo. Chemo was started just about 5:30pm.

This round of chemo is two drugs that each run for an hour one after the other each day for five days. When the second drug starts, they also start her on the bladder protectant medication that runs 8-10 hours (I don't remember the exact length). So, for much of the day, she is not receiving chemo - which gives her a little more freedom.

When we first got into the room and before they had the IV fluids going, Rebekah wanted to go for a walk. She decided that she wanted to push her IV Pole around the ward. Keep in mind, she was not connected to the IV pole and she didn't need to take it with her, but she wanted to. So we went for a walk, IV Pole and all. Probably looked pretty funny to anyone looking on. Not that Rebekah cared a bit!

We learned that they want to get a bone scan, cat scan and panoramic xray while we are here this week, as well as the pet scan next week. She was able to get the panoramic xray today and the bone scan and cat scan are currently scheduled for tomorrow morning (provided that we can get the sedation scheduled in the morning - they had already left for the day). So Rebekah doesn't get to eat, until we hear something about the scans.

Grandma A had Sarah most of the day and Sarah seemed to do well. Grandma A is now in the room with Rebekah. She came with some treats for Rebekah, including grapes and string cheese - which Rebekah seemed to enjoy. Since she didn't eat much of dinner, it was great to get her to eat a little something more.

Sarah, Mom and Dad are in the trailer tonight. Sarah is not wanting to go to sleep. I don't think Rebekah wanted to be going to sleep either a little earlier this evening. Oh the life of a child - there are always too many other things to do than go to sleep.

Please continue to pray that the scans go well, that the meeting with the surgeon and oncologists goes well tomorrow and we are able to find out how they want to proceed, that Karen is able to get onto her flights and make it here safely, and that we all have a good week. All the thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.