Thursday, April 30, 2009

So far,so good .....



Arrived home, after the hand off with Mark, at almost 10:00pm.Dropped my bags and changed my clothes and immediately crawled into bed with the boys to read.Yes, it was late,way past their bedtime,yes we were all extremely tired but skipping our nighttime reading is never an option.Three books later,one asleep,one still restless and I decided to stay put a bit longer until he settled in.Well,perhaps I did the settling first because before I knew it,I was awakened by an elbow to the face.My little cat nap rejuvenated me enough to tackle the house discord,unpack my bag and do some laundry.Now,at 1:15 am,time for a quick Zoey update and off to bed.Zoey is handling things beautifully.Feels like the calm before the storm and from every one's opinion ... that is exactly what it is.At this point she has received three dose of her ARA-C with one more scheduled for 10am tomorrow morning followed by the dreaded PEG shots.From the outward appearance of things,Zoey seems unscathed by the process.In addition to the chemo every 12 hours she also has to have preventative eye drops every 4 hours and believe me,if she is asleep,this rude awakening makes her none too happy.The plan is to draw labs in the morning,administer her last cycle of chemo,give her the shots and send us packing.No fevers,which is the biggest side effect that we would see at this point and with none so far,chances are we will head home.However,if by chance her ANC drops very far from the already low of 780, than the better option would be to stay put.Because what will definitely happen during the time home infact she will more than likely drop completely to zero before our readmit on Tuesday,the chance of infection is so much greater.That decision will have to wait until labs are in.I'm tired.She is tired.We are all already tired at this very early stage of the journey.Scary when we know there is a whole lot more that lies ahead.Time to gather the reserves and buckle in for the bumpy ride that lies before us.Thank you for all the amazing comments left in support of our Zoey and the rest of us.Those beautiful words of encouragement continue to sustain us for each new day.We will keep you posted.

*Picture two depicts exactly what Zoey thought of our arrival to her room at CHLA.She had dirty looks for the first few who crossed her rooms threshold.Even choosing to drop her head and look away as some of her favorite doctors and nurses came to greet her.Within a very short period of time,Miss Zoey adopted the look of photo one and I am happy to report has continued with that magical spirit that only our little love can so beautifully exude.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

We are praying that this round goes as well as all the others and this "journey" will be over - love the pics that you add - looks like Zoey has grown leaps and bounds over the past 6 months - she looks like a toddler now to us. Again, praying, praying, praying for all you guys - take care, have strength and keep the faith!!

Robyn from Otisco

Stephanie said...

Glad your off to a good start, praying Zoey handles the rest with warrior strength.I think you are the best to be able to read to the boys , no matter what.Keep up the amazing work, All our love and prayers

The VW's said...

Her expressions are priceless! She is PRECIOUS!!!

I'm praying for all of you! I pray that these last rounds run as smoothly as possible and that God will sustain you and give you peace, strength and sleep! You can do this! Zoey can do this! Keep fighting! Hugs!

Unknown said...

Oh that sweet little bug...my son has very similiar expressions when we pull up to the hospital...smart little kids we have! ;)
Hang in there....praying and sending huge support and love.
Kate

Anonymous said...

awesome photos! Zoey's spirit is so evident in both photos. Hang in there Zoey, princess/warrior!
Prayers from everywhere are traveling your way. Prayers for mommy, daddy, your sisters and brothers too

Love & hugs to everyone

Bluebelle

Reagan Leigh said...

Great news. I'm so glad to hear everyone is fairing well. Zoey is such a little fighter! Pretty darn amazing. Hang in there little one...you're almost done!!

Googsmom said...

Continued Prayers. You are amazing!!

Lacey said...

I love the grumpy face, so sweet. I knew she would do beautifully. Me and Jax are continuing to pray that everything goes great and she stays her smiley self.

Junior said...

Keeping Zoey in our prayers, hope things continue to go smoothly for your amazing fighter.
Big hugs.

Unknown said...

You both have such beautiful spirits...truly! Glad the smiles broke through the still cute little scowles and I know she will waver this storm just like she has the rest, with pure grace, beauty and spirit. You, my friend, continue that impectible courage and strength and when those days get long and you are tired, cuddle those boys, sleep and if you can't... call me! :) Love you and am counting the days til I can hug you both!!

jturpin said...

What a beautiful brave girl (and Mama)! I love the pictures - especially the 2nd one.
We are praying for y'all!

Karen Owens said...

Love, love, love those looks! That girl has spunk!

prayers -- as always!

........ said...

She is too precious! That grumpy look was priceless! I think I'd look like that too for awhile...Bless her! Glad to see she brought out the sunshine. Even from afar she radiates pure joy with that smile! Prayers from UT.

Anonymous said...

Fight on Zoey and show them that Attitude girl! Deep prayers abound and love surrounds, Christi Harman

Scrappy quilter said...

Continued prayers for your little sweetie. That second picture is priceless. It touches me deeply when a tired mom still reads to her boys. What an inspiration to us all.

Kelsey said...

Heather and Family,

I was introduced to your blog a few days ago by a friend who mentioned that i should take a peek. Needless to say, i have basically spent the last 24 hours completely engrossed in all of your posts, I think you should be honoured to have such a supportive and loving family, it shows great bounds in some of the progress little Zoey has made since the beginning. In no way, shape or form can i ever begin to imagine what daily life must be like in your household, your 17 year old daugther, Taylor i believe, is definitely one of the most incredible gifts a mother could ask for. Not to discount what the other children do as well, it is just so amazing to see how the dynamics in your family work. I will keep you all in my thoughts and Prayers! Thank you for sharing Zoey's story with me!

Kisses For Noah said...

Awwwwww I love Zoey's expression in the second pic. I know she wasn't happy but even when she's upset, she still is just so beautiful and her personality just shines through :)
We're sending extra prayers your way, Heather :) I know this time must be extra difficult and exhausting. Lots of hugs and prayers!

Kristy said...

I love Zoey's second picture..is that her warrior pose?? She is too adorable even when she is giving the stink eye!!! Prayers to Miss Zoey that this last round is quick and easy on her. We love the Needhams!!

Kele said...

Getting updated on it all... Mikah and Jett have been sick the last week... doctor was unsure what it is, arg...there has been the 'swine flu' scare around here so I am happy to say they have turned the corner. You will be proud to know our Presley has stayed healthy thru it all.
I am praying like crazy this last round isn't as hard as they say. Reading your posts, I swear you are Wonder Woman, still making time for story time, always taking care of EVERYONE my sweet friend.
I love the pictures of Zoey, only she can get away with dirty looks and still look that precious.
Love you all and hoping you make it home for the few days. Will call this weekend!
Love you guys!