2nd Round of IM

For each round (5 rounds) of IM she is count dependent. Meaning her ANC has to be higher than 750 to move forward. Each child tolerates chemo differently. This phase is more tailored/custom for each child. If they tolerate the methotrexate then they elevate the dose each time. For the first two phases of treatment she was only count dependent to start the phase.

CBC Results:
WBC: 6.3 (this was the number that was elevated with leukemic cells)
HGB: 10.9 (hemoglobin-Red Blood)
Hct: 32.4  (hematocrit-Red Blood) When this number is >24 they do a blood transfusion
PLTS: 288 (Platelets) When this number s >50 they will transfuse
ANC: 3.7 or 3700 (Immune fighting)
These numbers are the numbers that we hear about most often but they actually do quite a bit of blood work each week

So with an ANC of 3,700 and her other blood counts looking good, we only had to get two does of chemo today in her port (IV). Vincristine (the one that makes her hair fall out) and Methotrexate. 10 days ago she was given 60 milligrams and tolerated it very well. Today she was given 90 milligrams. So each week if her body can tolerate it they will elevate the amount of methotrexate they give her until her body no longer can tolerate it.

We love when the dogs come to play at clinic

Getting chemo and an Otter Pop.

Sharing with "Princess". Thanks Andrea for the fun experience at Build-a-Bear

Presley and Kristen (our favorite nurse)

Today was pretty easy our only drama was after Kristen accessed her port, I moved my leg and pulled on the tubes, out came the port needle. Yikes. But no big deal she reaccessed and then got that sticker on before I pulled it out again. This would have been traumatic if it were 2 months ago. We got to see one of the service dogs at clinic, and have a Popsicle. Tonight we get to go to "Dream Night" at the zoo!
We have another 10 days off clinic. So Monday June 17th will be our next appointment.
Presley continues to amaze me with her strength. Last week she rode 2 miles on her bike, along side us. The doctor today was explaining that the dose they give to the High Risk kids is 50 times what they give to Standard Care kids. But her point was that High Risk A.L.L kids get even higher dose than what adults get because adults cant tolerate that much methotrexate. I was wanting to know Presley's dose vs. what an adult would get. Young children are so resilient. They don't know they can complain, they are nature fighters. Presley is so strong and so resilient. Her ability to fight what has been given her is amazing. She is an inspiration to many people around her. My heart just smiles when I see that cute bold head, Fred Flinstone style on her bike riding through the hospital halls. Everyone looks, she makes me so proud.