3rd round of chemo

Gracie started her 3rd round of chemo yesterday. We came home Thursday evening and had to be back to the hospital at 2 o'clock Friday. Grace was not happy. She knew we needed to go back to the hospital but she thought we would be able to come home that same day--sort of an outpatient thing. When she realized that we were staying for a week she just began crying, all energy gone, she just sagged. She's tired of it. I have to admit, every time we bring her home I have this overwhelming desire to throw her in the car and head for Mexico or Europe or somewhere and just make it all go away. As if sandy beaches would cure her. I feel like if we pretend it's not happening it'll stop and we can go back, she'd be smiley, bouncy Grace again, and we could forget all about this nightmare we can't seem to wake up from. But she still has cancer and needs more treatment. I can hardly stand it and yet, it must be so much worse for her.

None of us would be able to cope at all if it weren't for all the love and support we've received. I don't know how to express forcefully enough, or just enough, enough how much we appreciate all that you are doing for us.

Thanks--thanks--thanks!!!!

Blood and Fever

Late last night Gracie's fever went to 102 and after consulting the doctor were sent straight to the hospital where we found that her Hemoglobin and Red Blood Cell counts were dangerously low. She got her 2nd blood transfusion along with platelets too. Her fever continues to go up and down according to her Tylenol doses. Her electrolytes were off from dehydration--she wasn't taking in enough fluids the last couple of days. This afternoon we found that her White Blood Cell count is beginning its rise so we are hopeful that her fever will break and her mouth sores will heal quickly. She is on morphine again but she is comfortable and sleeping better than the last few days. It looks like her White Blood Cell count will be high enough by Wednesday and she'll start her next round of chemo on Thursday or Friday.

Have a goodnight--We'll update as soon as we can.

Some Rough Water

The last few days have been a little rough. Grace did get some swelling and mouth sores--but her temperature hovered between 99.3 & 100.9--thankfully, it never reached 101.5 (that's the cut-off for her to be hospitalized)!! We've been able to semi-control the pain with a Tylenol/hydrocodone mixture! She'd be pretty good and comfortable for an hour to 2 hours, but by 2 1/2 hours she was uncomfortable and by 4 hours when her next dose was due she's been beside herself. And then the cycle starts again. This is how she was last time when her mouth was beginning to heal--her mouth is already beginning to slough off--it's painful and she's really tired, but it's been drastically better than last time. We've been able to be at home and sleep a tiny bit better--even interrupted sleep in your own bed is better than at the hospital. It's really hard to see her in pain. She just keeps doing her best, she gets frustrated easily when we don't understand what it is she wants or needs. But she has all her blanket's and stuffed animals and cards around that help her feel better. Sometimes when we walk into the room she'll just be looking at the posters we've made out of all the cards and well wishes she has received. She'll reach out and touch it card or picture. It helps calm her down and she's able to rest.

We appreciate all the support, help, love and prayers we continue to receive.