Hello Everyone,
First of all, thank you so much for hanging in there with us after all this time. There is still such a long way to go. Thank you also for everyone that sent cards and gifts for Brooke's 5th birthday on 11/27. She was able to enjoy 3 mini birthday parties with family and Dr. Dave & Miss Liz (honorary family at this point)! She had a good couple weeks at home and was able to gain the 3 lbs she lost during her last treatment. Part of this phase of her treatment involves taking the drug Accutane (usually prescribed for severe acne) which only comes in pill form so she had to learn how to swallow pills. She has done remarkably well (not surprising to her proud mama) and has for the past 14 days been taking 4 pills a day.
Brooke was admitted to CHOP yesterday (Wed) and started the first part (IL2) of her second round of Immunotherapy this morning. So far she is tolerating it well but this is typically a pretty easy week while next week (thurs) when she starts the 2nd part of round 2 (IL2 + antibodies) is typically very difficult. Please keep her in your prayers. She hopefully gets a mini break between the 2 parts and may be discharged on Mon for about 48 hrs. If all goes well with the 2nd part she should be discharged on Mon 12/21 (hoping we make it home for Christmas)! From what I understand, most kids feel pretty cruddy for about a week after this round. It was Christmas Eve last year when her syptoms started and she felt pretty bad last Christmas day. Would love to see her feeling strong and great this year and really be able to enjoy herself. Knowing Brooke, she won't care where she is on Christmas day. She is just as happy being here at CHOP as she is at home! Either way we are just truly blessed that she is with us this Christmas. I know everyone is probably stressed at the moment and franticly trying to get ready for the holidays but try to take a deep breath and enjoy this time of year with your loved ones and remember the true meaning of Christmas
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I will do my best to keep you posted but hoping for an uneventful week (2 uneventful weeks would be fantastic)!
Blessings,
Amy
My son and I say a Prayer for Brooke every night! Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and your family, Brooke. Merry Christmas
ReplyDeleteI have prayed for Brooke since I first heard of the cancer. Having her with us this Christmas is like a living miracle. Brooke will always be in my prayers no matter how old she is and how many children she may end up having. She brought a whole community together, has had people donate money and donate time to fund raise, she's proved to all of us that miracles do happen and prayers do get answered.
ReplyDeleteBrooke, Amy, Rob and extended family...I wish you a Merry Christmas and much health in the New Year.
Keep fighting the Beast!