April 24, 2013

Hi! Today I had my appointment at the clinic, I didn't get any chemo but they did my blood labs. Everything looked good they said. The doctor is worried about my weight. They said I can't loose any more weight or I'll have to have a feeding tube put in. Because I am going through radiation I am not able to have it put in my nose, it will have to go in my tummy which means another surgery. I was very sad to hear this because I have been trying my best to eat but my throat hurts really bad from the radiation. We were supposed to meet with the surgeon tomorrow, but my mommy said to give me some more time to try since I got a mouthwash that helps to numb my throat. On Friday I have to go  back in so they can weigh me again. We went to the store today and got some food that I thought would be good and wouldn't hurt my throat so much to swallow. SMOOTHIES!! 

April 22, 2013

Radiation is going well since we remade my mask, it doesn't hurt anymore. The machine is very loud and I really do not like being held down to the table by my mask. My mom and I made a paper chain with the total number of days I have of radiation so that I can take one off everyday and see how many more days are left. I told the tech that the third or fourth time the machine goes around me I smell something like a dirty washing machine. He said that it doesn't actually smell like that but that the radiation is over stimulating my senses causing me to smell things that are not actually there. I didn't get any chemo last week and won't get any this week because I am getting radiation. I will get two doses on the third week instead of three because one of them does not mix well with the radiation. Then none again for two weeks while I finish up radiation treatment. I had to have my fourth blood transfusion last Wednesday which normally I wouldn't have needed but they said they have better luck with oxygenated cells so I was a little low on my red cell count and went ahead with the transfusion. I always feel so much better after I get those because it gives me more energy.

I spent the weekend with my grandpa and we went on a four wheeler ride on Sunday and I had so much fun! It was a very long one! We also made a fort in the living room out of the couches and pretended the house was a cruise ship!

Below are pictures of the Tomo Therapy machine (radiation) SCARY!!!!!

April 11, 2013

I got to go home today which always makes me happy. I had my second day of radiation and I did very well. I wasn't as afraid today. My mask is super tight and it hurts, so we are going to make another one tomorrow that will fit me better. Everybody says they are so proud of me and that makes me feel good :)

Dan Vannoy came to visit me this morning in the hospital and gave me a package from him and everyone he works with. We want to say thank you for all you are doing for us with the Our Sweet Alexia fundraiser.

After we got home today I did a lot of resting and didn't want to eat so much. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow.

April 10, 2013

Today was my first day of radiation. It was scary and I cried. We decided it would be a good a idea if I thought of something to pretend while it was happening. The part I hate the most is the mask. It's so tight!! Thank goodness it didn't take so long. Three minutes for a CT scan and four minutes for radiation. I think tomorrow will be better, I just really don't like the mask! We are spending the night at the hospital tonight because I am getting all of my chemo medicines today. So far everything is going good!

April 9, 2013

On Saturday I went to St. Baldrick's Day and got to ride in a Hummer stretch limo! It was so super cool. I got to drink out of a fancy glass and it had cool lights. When I got there I got a sash representing I was a special child there. I got my face painted and I also got to ride in a firetruck! One of my chemo nurses shaved her head too.

I have been feeling very good and had lots of energy. I have been eating good too, my pants are getting tight on my tummy....I spent the weekend with my grandpa which was fun.

Tomorrow is a big day for me. I have all three chemo's and its also my first day of radiation. I drank a lot of water yesterday and today hoping that it wont take long to hydrate tomorrow that maybe I wont have to spend the night.

April 3, 2013

GREAT news!! I had my MRI and PET scans yesterday and got the results in today. In January when I was diagnosed I had 2 tumors for sure and they were uncertain about a third. The MRI and PET scans show that I only have one left. The tumor on the left side of my neck is completely gone and the one at the base of my skull is 1/3 smaller!! They weren't sure about there being a tumor in my tonsils because in the first scan they were swollen and bright. Now the only thing that shows is the tumor beneath my brain, and its so much smaller! The doctors are amazed at how well I am doing so far with just the chemo! I am super happy! I have been trying really hard to beat this stupid cancer and it looks like its working! Thank you everybody for your prayers! But keep them going because the battle isn't over yet.

I start my radiation therapy next Monday. I'm nervous about it but I know I have to do it and it's encouraging to know that its getting smaller.