End of 'Induction'

Well, we have pretty much made it through this first phase of treatment, which has included weekly IV chemotherapy as well as high-dose oral prednisone (a steroid medication). All of these medications have potential side effects of course and Emma has had to deal with these (mouth sores, tummy upset, reflux, fluid retention). It's been an intense month, obviously the shock alone of finding out about this and each of us attempting to process what the hell has happened to our previously programmed life is only one of many layers. 

I keep thinking it's like something (cancer) has come along to our well-thought-out dinner table setting of life, put its uninvited hands under the table and flipped it, scattering everything everywhere. Some pieces have been broken irrevocably and other pieces just need to be adjusted and placed back on the table. 

Emma's birthday is tomorrow - her 11th birthday on 11th April - her 'champagne' birthday. In the sliding doors of life, we would have been in Australia, celebrating with family there, exploring the Great Barrier Reef and seeing the birds that Emma adores so much (cockatoos are a favorite, but really any tropical bird). So, there is grief over losing that trip and that time together - again, each of us has to process that somehow and reconfigure. We will have a nice day and fill it with nice, easy things that Emma loves (animals, gardening, crafting and painting), but it would be remiss to not mention what it might have been. I guess that is the beauty and the sadness of being able to hold two feelings at once. There has been a lot of that lately. 

Anger at the situation, but a calmness and stripping down to what is singly important. Grief at the sudden change in situation and gratitude for the discovery, quick commencement of treatment and outpouring of love and support. Fear of what is to come at the same time as determination to face it. Sadness and helplessness in seeing Emma uncomfortable, confused and in anguish. 

In a practical sense, this weekend has been quite nice. We gathered with the Freeman family for an outside meal - the weather really cooperated! Emma has felt well enough to start some crafts and projects, planting seeds/gardening being one project, making bracelets and painting. Chris and I were both so relieved to see this energy come back to Emma, although we know that this will come and go in cycles with the chemo treatments as we go. She has even resumed interacting with Alex, which is absolutely heartwarming. She showed him how to make slime the other day and last night allowed him to see her port in her chest. He is very curious, but respectful and you can tell that he adores Emma and cautiously waits for her cues to interact and play. He does have a lot of 'boy' energy that is difficult to manage when Emma wants/needs to do quiet activities, but that's okay, that is also part of him processing how things have changed. 

This Wednesday is a big day with a repeat lumbar puncture and bone marrow biopsy, the results of which will tell us how Emma has responded to this first intense phase of treatment. Phase 2, called Consolidation, will start the following Friday with IV chemotherapy of a different combination. 

Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers and keep on sending that healing energy - we feel it 100% and it matters! 💕

I also want to mention two really wonderful events that are being organized to support Emma: 

1) Blood donation clinics for 'Team Emma' - see attached picture for which days and how to sign up. If all the slots are full, there will be more added (note that this blood will not go directly to Emma, but the idea is that every donation counts for us and many other families going through medical treatments for a variety of conditions)

2) Yard sale with proceeds going to ChildCan - this is being organized by friends and will tentatively be held next weekend in Old South. Details to come - one person's junk is another person's treasure!