Still Hurting

Rebekah is still very hoarse. Her throat is definitely hurting her. She didn't eat much again today. For breakfast, she wanted milk poured into her bowl of cheerios and then spooned into her mouth without any cheerios. She drank (or should I say ate) a cup and a half that way. Lunch was one and a half serving size tubs of vanilla ice cream and some bites of tortilla chips & guacamole. Dinner was two serving size tubs of vanilla ice cream. Bed time snack was one tub of vanilla ice cream. Do you see a pattern? The cold of the ice cream must feel good on her throat.

The sores on her lips are looking a little better. Just before bed we noticed that her gums appear to be getting a little sore. We will keep an eye on that and see how it changes. We pushed the oncologist today to have someone look at her throat and vocal cords to see if the soreness is likely radiation related or if it is infection related. He was going to check with the Ear, Nose and Throat doctor who performed the original biopsy and see if he would be willing to come in at the early hour (while she is out at Radiation). According to the nurse, it looks like that is scheduled for tomorrow morning while she is under anesthetic at radiation. It won't take him long to look if she is asleep. She has been running a low-grade fever so we worry a little more about infection - especially since her counts will be dropping.

We have given Rebekah several doses of Tylenol today. Tylenol will help with the pain, but it can also mask a fever. Since identifying if she has an infection (most notably by fever) is very important, we have to be cautious about using it. We asked doc about what we should be using for pain management. He wants to start with Tylenol and move up if necessary. The side effects of some of the other pain meds can be undesireable.

Candlelighters (a support group for families of children with cancer) provided lunch for family of cancer kids who were either in the hospital or at the hospital for appointments. Mom stopped in and got some lunch and saw a couple of people she knew - Jenny Lambert and Fran Hoak - both from Laurel Community Church. Jenny's son battled cancer and she and her husband are very active in Candlelighters - we suspected she might be there. Fran had gotten involved with Candlelighters when Jenny's son was fighting cancer. She was surprised to see us. One of those "it's never good to see someone you know in this situation" moments. It was nice to get a lunch that was different from normal. And Rebekah seemed to enjoy the chips and guacamole - she saw it on mom's plate and made it clear that she wanted it. Mom figured that if she wanted something that much - she could have it. Mom could eat something else. It was a delight to see her want something specific to eat.

Friend Sarah came and helped with both girls all afternoon and evening. She, Mom and Baby Sarah are in the trailer tonight while Dad stays in the room with Rebekah. Katie, Rebekah's nurse for the night, was going to help make it a good night. She has been our nurse the last two nights and we've had her before. She does a great job of keeping quiet when she comes in and is great with Rebekah. Rebekah is in great hands with Dad and Katie. All of the nurses are great about changing diapers - especially the night nurses. So Dad won't have to deal too much with that. Dad will take her down to radiation in the morning, so Mom can sleep in a little (as long as Sarah cooperates).

Grandma C stopped by a couple of times. She brought smiles to the girls faces.

Please pray and pray and pray some more. People ask how we do it and the only answer we have is prayer. It is not our strength, but God's.