This morning's procedure went much better than the same one on Friday. At this point in time, the new Central temporary IV is placed and fully functioning. We are so grateful for this.
Maggie's been off of her morphine drip for the last 12-14 hours--she was off of it when she lost her IV access during the night, and the doctors wanted to try to leave her off. Unfortunately, she seemed to be uncomfortable much of the afternoon and it is so hard to pinpoint why. It could be achiness from her new IV line, or it could still be mouth sores. We don't know exactly what it is, but she received a single dose of morphine this afternoon, and again some Benadryl to make her comfortable. Our hope is that we can keep her off of the morphine drip, but that is probably the next step if Maggie continues to not feel well.
The oncologists are making final decisions about continuing chemo. One option is to start tomorrow morning--despite her body not being fully recovered from the last several rounds. There is also some mention of the option to wait for her ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count) to return to 500--a safer level of immune ability--before giving her the Methotrexate chemo. Also, they are discussing how comfortable they will be in letting us go home while Maggie's counts are low. Again, there are two schools of thought. For higher risk cases, some prefer to keep patients in the hospital until counts are at a more safe level. Or, we could go home while Maggie's counts grow. At this point, Maggie's ANC has been at zero for several weeks and we haven't seen any growth at all.
As we look ahead and learn how long (and where) we will wait for chemo (12 hours? Or 3 weeks?) we are glad that her IV access seems to be in perfect condition right now. Please continue to keep Maggie in your prayers. Specifically, that she would not experience pain, not get new infections, experience some happiness and act like herself, and that the doctors and Whitney and I would be able to pinpoint Maggie's pains, discomforts, etc. so that they can be treated appropriately.
Thanks.
Maggie's been off of her morphine drip for the last 12-14 hours--she was off of it when she lost her IV access during the night, and the doctors wanted to try to leave her off. Unfortunately, she seemed to be uncomfortable much of the afternoon and it is so hard to pinpoint why. It could be achiness from her new IV line, or it could still be mouth sores. We don't know exactly what it is, but she received a single dose of morphine this afternoon, and again some Benadryl to make her comfortable. Our hope is that we can keep her off of the morphine drip, but that is probably the next step if Maggie continues to not feel well.
The oncologists are making final decisions about continuing chemo. One option is to start tomorrow morning--despite her body not being fully recovered from the last several rounds. There is also some mention of the option to wait for her ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count) to return to 500--a safer level of immune ability--before giving her the Methotrexate chemo. Also, they are discussing how comfortable they will be in letting us go home while Maggie's counts are low. Again, there are two schools of thought. For higher risk cases, some prefer to keep patients in the hospital until counts are at a more safe level. Or, we could go home while Maggie's counts grow. At this point, Maggie's ANC has been at zero for several weeks and we haven't seen any growth at all.
As we look ahead and learn how long (and where) we will wait for chemo (12 hours? Or 3 weeks?) we are glad that her IV access seems to be in perfect condition right now. Please continue to keep Maggie in your prayers. Specifically, that she would not experience pain, not get new infections, experience some happiness and act like herself, and that the doctors and Whitney and I would be able to pinpoint Maggie's pains, discomforts, etc. so that they can be treated appropriately.
Thanks.
4 comments:
Whitney and Andy-
We are praying for a nice night of rest for you all, i am sure the three of you could use it! Sorry for all the delays this weekend - it must be hard. I pray Maggie's discomforts are quick to heal so you can get some sweet smiles in the morning! You are surronded by prayer and love, and on weekends like this, keep reminding yourselves of how many people are praying for you!
sarah
Hey guys,
We're thinking of you two. Whitney, Alyssa tried to call today. Don't worry about it, but she'd love to catch up sometime. And FYI, Ian rolled over on Friday. Very funny, he was just fussing and moving his arms and legs and over he went. Love you guys,
Steve and Alyssa
Hello Bixler Family,
Many thoughts and prayers continue to be sent your way. We will continue to keep you in our "God Blesses" and ask the angels to comfort Maggie with her pain. She is such a strong and beautiful little girl. We will also continue to pray for the doctors and nurses taking care of Maggie. Extra good vibes your way for smiles this week.
Melissa & Family
It was so good to see you all today. You're amazing. I know God is truly with you.
Debbie M.
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