Yesterday was the last day of the "Induction" phase of Ainsley's treatment. She finished it off the way she started, with a lumbar puncture and bone marrow aspiration. It went well. Her ANC has continued to improve, so have her white blood cells. Her platelets are staying strong as well. So that is positive. We will find out in the next week what the bone marrow looks like to determine the residual disease left (it gets compared to the first look at the bone marrow). It's exciting to find out how she responded to the chemo. She'll get the full 2.5 years no matter what the marrow looks like, but the pathways vary a little bit depending on the cancer cells that may or may not still remain. She did well, but she is definitely feeling it today.
Last night at dinner, we were looking ahead at the next month. Grandma Sue leaves today and we were starting to feel the weight of not having a third adult in the house with us. We are so grateful Grammy and Grandma Sue each got to be here over the past month. Ainsley wasn't feeling well, Hudson was crying, Meili, Rhyan, and Ava were telling us about their day; of course all at once! It was quite a sight. Jenny and I looked at each other with that look of "Are we going to survive this?" Jenny joked that maybe she could just run away for a little bit. Ainsley looked at her and said (in her cutest little singing voice)"Mommy, if you stay here, after dinner you can spank my Tushie!" It was some well-timed comedy relief for sure. After we all laughed, she said "that will make your tummy feel better!" She sure knows her way to a Mommy's heart!
We are anxiously awaiting the steroids to begin wearing off. Her last dose was Wednesday night. I know it sounds like a broken record, but oh boy will it be nice to get our little girl back from those steroids. Thank Heaven for medicine that gets her better, but it doesn't mean I have to like it, right ;-)
Hi, Our friend Ron Campbell, told us about your blog. We just moved to AZ 3 weeks ago, and last week found out our 5 year old daughter has ALL as well. It has been comforting a bit to read a few of your posts, and realize we are not alone in this struggle. It also makes me very sad. TO see your sweet daughter and all that she has gone through. As I find time, I look forward to looking at your blog and reading more. Thanks for you posts. I am sure they will help me in the weeks ahead. And good luck to your sweet Ainsley and your family.
ReplyDeleteLauren Brown