Day 17 – Sunday 24 January, 2010
This is a photo of Emily’s Beads of Courage.
Yesterday afternoon Emily started her second round of chemo treatment. This is a different type of chemo from last time. It is being infused over 24 hours and has stronger side effects. At this stage she is tolerating it well but she is likely to become quite ill. Emily is starting to lose her hair gradually.
The medical team are trying to keep Emily’s platelets up (clotting agent in the blood) as her nephrostomy tube (artificial opening created between the kidney and the skin which allows for the drainage of urine directly from the upper part of the urinary system) has been draining blood rather than its intended role of draining urine.
They will be doing an ultrasound later in the week to check the size of the tumor.
Reid’s comment, “Emily Kate Wooddin, you will still look beautiful without your hair, love from Reid” made her day! She was so happy especially with a comment like that coming from ‘a boy’.
Kath said that Emily’s mood changes hour to hour but she’s such ‘a trooper’.
Leona and Vanessa
michelle arnold
January 25, 2010 @ 8:08 pm
Dear Emily lots of hugs and kisses to a very brave girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are always in our thougths and prayers. Get well soon. Love Auntie Michelle and Uncle Dave
Abbey H
January 25, 2010 @ 2:15 pm
Dear Emily
My Nanny lost her hair last year when she was having chemo. I will love you without your hair ’cause your still my friend.
I love the picture with all your beads. I loved your joke and told it to my Nanny and Grandad.
I got some Littlest Pet Shop from Santa and when you are feeling better they want to come and meet you and play with your Littlest Pet Shop.
Love from
Abbey H
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Heather Mutu
January 25, 2010 @ 1:08 pm
Hi Emily,
Have you met my very good friend of mine Pauline Crates yet? She is a nurse and works in your department. I used to babysit her when she was little, she’s lovely and shes really funny. If you see her you could ask her what its like to have no hair because she got all her hair shaved off one day to support all the sick kids. I agree with Reid you will still look beautiful whether you have hair or not! I love you hun!!
Heather Mutu
Charlotte Connelly
January 25, 2010 @ 12:32 pm
Dear Emily
Don’t worry about loseing your hair I will still love you hair or no hair. Keep being brave no matter how hard it is to be sometimes, but you have your friends thinking of you.
Love Charlotte
Deanne Holland
January 25, 2010 @ 7:46 am
I think your friend Reid is a very wise young man!! You WILL look beautiful!
Daniel and Madison have counted the beads on your necklace and we have explained to Daniel how you get the beads. Dan’s reply was ‘Oh, she’s brave and a girl!
Hope the rest of the week goes smoothly xox
Love to Kath, Gary, Jack and Charlotte
Rachael Morris
January 24, 2010 @ 8:54 pm
Hi Emily – what a week you have had. I think that you are very brave. Did you know that my friend’s hair fell out when she had chemo, but when it grew again it was lovelier than before – she looks like Rapunzel now!! She had lots of fun with different coloured wigs and scarves.
Lots of healthy vibes and love coming your way from Rachael, Eggy, Rosie and Andy, and special hugs to your Daddy, Mummy and Jack and Charlotte.
PS your joke rocked!!
ALEX PRENDERGAST
January 24, 2010 @ 8:41 pm
Hi Emily
Looks like you have been EXTRA brave to be getting all those beautiful beads, and we agree with Reids comment 100% oxoxoxox
Alex Prendergast & Family
Sonya Dean
January 24, 2010 @ 7:28 pm
Emily and Kath: you are no doubt the bravest girls that i know. Your strength is amazing and awe inspiring. Big hugs to the both of you xxxxx
Julia, Karl and Willow Mountford
January 24, 2010 @ 7:14 pm
Hey Emily,
Willow will be soooooo jealous with Reid’s comments she is very fond of him and you know that he is right you will be beautiful hair or no hair. Thinking of you lots hunny.