Theres been many ups and downs since my last post. We had a few scares here and there. Kenzie ran a fever for 4 straight days back in April, but luckily Misty was able to break them.
We had to skip chemo for 2 weeks because kenzie's blood counts dropped to much and the docs were afraid if they gave her the usual dose, it would mess her up pretty bad.
But overall Kenz is a champ. Shes been going on long walks almost every day. Shes had way more energy then most 3 yr olds. And shes made it through her treatment without complaining once.
So today... We go to hell. It almost feels like the biblical kind of hell. Its hot (100 degrees in Sacramento today), theres torture, and you have to watch your loved ones being controled by this evil being (cancer).
Im not trying to make this a pity party type of blog (i have been accused of that on other posts). I guess its just my way of relaying how it feels to ME.
As i write this post, were sitting at UC Davis for McKenzies treatments. I made treatments plural because she has alot going on today.
We left Tahoe at 6:45am to try and make it down here by 9am since she had to have a heart echo done. The reason for this is because shes starting a new medication today that can cause heart murmurs, palpatations, and complications. We have to do this every 2 years for the rest of her life now.
Well...we made it to the heart doctor finally at 9:45am. Almost an hour late. See, what happens every time we drive down the hill to come to Sac is Kenzie throws up. Partly because of car sickness and partly because of treatments. So we had to pull over a few times so she could throw up (once on her brand new summer dress).
The good news is that we made it. And that her heart checked out perfect (whew). Now she is sitting in her chair at the chemo center, getting her usual chemo injected into her port, along with a brand new chemo. A stronger chemo. A more "side effect" chemo.
Today she starts Phase 3 of her treatment.....Hell phase. Not only does she recieve this new harsher chemo for 8 weeks, but also starts the medication that can cause the heart problems, goes back on her steroids, and has a spinal tap today.
Side note: Since the start of all of this she has had 7 spinal taps, 6 platlet transfusions, and more blood transfusions then i can remember (around 12 im guessing).
We met with our doctor last week to discuss this phase of her treatment. He told us this was going to be the hardest part. Not only on her, but us as well. They have kinda done Kenzies treatment backwards from most patients. Usually you start with the hard part first and then go to the easy stuff. With her they did the easy stuff first, and now we go through the hard stuff (personally i thought the easy stuff was hard enough already...thus....HELL)
So after our meeting with the doctor, Misty and I left with tears in our eyes. This whole time we've been so happy because Kenz really hasnt got that sick and hasnt lost her hair. But thats because they hadnt started her harsh stuff yet. So now...both of those things will change. She will get extremely sick after these chemo sessions. She WILL lose all of her hair within a week from today. And she will balloon up from the steroids again.
This will go on for 8 weeks. 8 full weeks of hell. Her birthday is on June 25th and she wont be able to make her hair all pretty, have a party with all her friends, and most likely not be able to get out of bed. And they pushed back the date they think she will be allowed to go back to school. Now were looking at the end of September. Oh and the lovely state of California has denied mine and Misty's family leave act payment. So i will not get any money for the month i had to take off work (and every friday since) and Mit has not and will not get a paycheck since Jan 18th.
Just adds to the rest of bad shit thats happened. But the main thing is that Kenzie is still in remission and she is getting better. One day i will have my healthy, happy, cancer free daughter back. And then we can say goodbye to hell and welcome back heaven.
P.S. For those of you in the Tahoe area...a great contractor in the area recently got into a really bad accident. His name is Tyson and he really is an amazing person. He's currently recovering at Renown in Reno. Please say an extra prayer for him and his family, and if you could make a donation to them, im sure they could really use it. From what i understand, Tyson will have to be in a wheelchair for no less then 6 months. Check out Team Tyson on youcaring.com for details.
Until next time...we love you all.
We love you all too! I've missed your posts!
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