Ella had her second dose of Chemo on Wednesday and she's doing well. She is receiving Vincristine every week and Dactinomycin every third week. It's the Dactinomycin that makes her feel lousy.
Accessing Ella's port hasn't gotten any easier. Greg had her on his lap giving her a big bear hug - holding her arms down and her legs by crossing his legs over hers. I had to get her feet because she tries to kick anyone coming near her port. She screams at the top of her lungs and flails about. She completely exhausted herself and us. I am grateful for her strong will and that she has the physical strength to fight, but I pray she can have peace and understand that not fighting makes accessing the port easier. We have been talking about that this week as well as letting her know that it is okay to scream and cry but not okay to kick or hit.
The trip to Seattle for Chemo takes at least 2 hrs each way, the time in the Heme/Onc clinic is about 3 hrs, Wednesdays are long, exhausting days. There is one Oncology trained pediatrician in town with whom we hope to talk with this week about the possibility of him giving Ella her weekly chemo.
6 comments:
UG! Hang in there! Continuing to pray for you all! That would be WONDERFUL if the doctor who is closer could do it....I am sure that would so much stress off your shoulders!!!
How exhausting! I pray that somehow Ella decides to let you access her port w/out all the fight... though I can understand on her part how hard it could be to NOT fight it! My Bereket would act the exact same way, I have no doubt. Continuing to pray for you guys.
I'll be praying for you guys this Wed. If you are ever too tired to go home, or if you ever need a meal or rest, you are always welcome at our home. You know that. Love you guys.
Greg and Stephie,
Rob and I, with Girum in our arms, pray for you, Ella and Binyam. Other than that, all I can do is sigh deeply and shake my head.
Rob and Amy
(Ethiopia)
The Lord has given you much strength to deal with this situation in a loving way. It is wonderful that you are able to sympathize with Ella and let her know that it is okay to scream and cry, while at the same time encouraging her not to kick or hit. What a hard time for everyone! May God bless Ella and give her peace and understanding. Much love also to Biniyam!
[Sigh] You are going through so much... you are doing great though and.... you are in our thoughts and we are continuing our prayers:
May the Lord bless you with local treatment options for Ella and may He bring you all more and more comfort and peace during this time of struggle through understanding/acceptance and ultimate healing.
T, C & A
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