Day 29

We finally made it! One month of treatment. Today's treatment was a big one. After 29 days of steroids, we are glad today is the last dose. Presley was not able to eat this morning, we were glad for an early 9:00 am appointment. She slept until 8, I prayed all night she would sleep in. She has not slept much this last weak as steroids cause insomnia. Presley didn't really even ask for food this morning. She must of sensed it was a big day. Today Presley was given Vincristine (Chemo) through her port and then was taken down to RTU (rapid treatment unit) for a back poke (lumbar puncture) and a bone marrow aspirate. This is the second bone marrow aspirate, and the last, as long as she does not relapse. The bone marrow aspirate is done to see if her body has responded to the treatment and to confirm if she is in "remission". The doctors want 0% MRD (minimal residual disease), meaning no traceable amount of leukemia cells left in her body. Today Paul had to go to work, so Aunt Lynne was able to come to clinic with us. I love the support and extra hands. Carrying a weak 3 year year old around all the time gets heavy. Presley can't sit up on her own, roll over or walk. Just as the doctors said, she would be like an infant again and have to relearn how to roll over, walk and even potty train again.
 Its always good to see the doctors and for them to confirm that everything is going as planned. Presley numbers look good this week. Her ANC is  2900! No blood transfusions or platelets. The doctors were glad to see an ANC of 2900. The next phase of treatment, "Consolidation", requires her numbers to be at a certain level, or what they call count dependent. So next week we will go in, and check her counts before we start the next phase. Clinic was pretty easy today besides my nerves, really wanting to get the rest of the procedures done today. Presley's LP and bone marrow aspirate went good, it was just the waking up this time that was not as good. Usually Presley comes out of anesthesia very calmly. Today was a different story. Tired, hungry, "roid rage", and moody, was not the best combination. We had french fries waiting, that was her request. She cried for about 20 min and nothing could calm her down. Finally she was awake enough to get a hold of a fry and that did the trick. She ate the whole plate  of fries, while they watched her, and monitored her blood pressure, and pulse ox. Then for the sticker removal. Presley everyday tells me, I don't like the sticker. A few tears and we were off.
This week we have no medications! It was getting pretty hard to get 6 meds down her morning and night. Next week we hope to gain some strength and to keep her ANC up so we can start treatment next Wednesday. Thanks to all of you who are wearing your orange on Wednesdays. We can feel your love and support every week.