Day 259 – Thursday 23 September, 2010
Some pics of Emily and a very wary and concerned Mother! Taken when her pain had subsided a bit. She would not look at the camera.
Emily has almost completed her first block of antibody treatment. She is the second child in NZ to have the treatment so a specific team of nurses and doctors have been assigned to her care. We have all been very anxious re the side effects Emily would experience.
The treatment has been really hard for Emily. Loads of pain (requiring morphine and other strong analgesics), nausea and a relentless cough caused by the antibody attaching to the nerves in her lungs/windpipe. She has required a nebuliser and oxygen to get on top of it. She has been very angry at the nurses as has to be monitored 24/7 and constantly has someone taking blood pressures, temp etc (not fun when you are too sore to be touched). A very angry girl at the moment (understandably).. with a fighting spirit that has helped her through this journey!
This is the first round of antibody treatment, four to go over the next four months with loads of medicines and hospital appointments in between.
It has been very very difficult to watch Emily in so much pain. We’re on the count down now til the treatment finishes – trying to keep the bigger picture in mind. ie. that this therapy will give her the best chance at long term survival. Just hard to see her suffering at the moment.
Hopefully she will be out of hospital tomorrow just in time to celebrate her little brother’s birthday. Happy 5th birthday Jack!
Kath
Gemma
September 24, 2010 @ 2:44 pm
Hey Em
Gemma here. Stay strong! so sorry it’s so bad. but you’re going to kick cancer’s butt once and for all after this, i know it! as so many people have said, KIA KAHA!
Gemma x
Grandma Sherilyn
September 24, 2010 @ 10:04 am
Hi Darling Emily
So sad to see you going through so much pain again sweetheart,its just so unfair, you have been through so much already, you just keep up that strong fighting EMILY spirit that you have got,I don’t think the Doctors and Nurses are going to mind you yelling at them, we all love you and are looking forward to you coming home again soon.
Happy Birthday Jack !!!
Lots of love and kisses
From Grandma and Grandad xxxxxooooo
Deanne Holland
September 24, 2010 @ 10:00 am
My heart broke all over again for you guys reading that heartfelt blog!
I know words seem a bit empty at the moment, but you are all in our thoughts daily and we continue to send Em all our strength to fight this battle. xxx
To you my dear friend Kath, I know and have seen the strength that you have and I know that you are doing an amazing job! Emily has your wonderful qualities within and this is helping her continue to be as brave as she is!!
Kia kaha xx
Deanne
Happy Birthday Jack ~ 5 is such an exciting age to be!! Enjoy xx
Lea Ribbon (Hatwell)
September 23, 2010 @ 11:31 pm
Just cant imagine what you are all going through. Brought tears to my eyes (again) reading that last blog. Poor wee girl…its all just so unfair. She’s been an amazing little fighter so far…look how far she’s come! Nearly there Emily! Keep strong and hope all that nasty pain & sickness goes away soon. Thinking of you all eveyday.Big Hugs coming over from England xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Lea
Helen Horton
September 23, 2010 @ 9:57 pm
Emily
Yesterday was “Trade Day” at Rolleston School. The Year 7 & 8’s borrowed money from the BNZ, then arranged activites and stalls to sell items to the students. It was a huge success and the kids made good profits. Our friend Ryan had pinata’s, they spent $24 to purchase them and made $120 from letting kids have hits….pretty cool. Mrs King told me Mathew had said “it was the best day ever”…..I heard that he had a least 3 bouncy castle rides at $2 a go…and also got a free one cos our neighbour Chrizanne was running it and she let Mathew and Reid on for free:)
I am helping our with Rolleston School Fair next year in February. I am so excited because I get to organise the craft and creativity activity. It’s the one where the children make things at home and bring them along on fair day for judging, there will be ribbons and prizes and lots of fun. Remember Mathew got a 1st Prize ribbon last year for his vegetable animal? I will make sure you get a list of the activities and entry forms, I’m sure there will be something you might like to enter.
Em’s, your amazing, we are sending you all our very best thoughts…….and Mathew says Thank You for the cool party:)
See you soon, Love Hortons
Wendy Booth
September 23, 2010 @ 9:48 pm
Guys
My heart goes out to you all- just an awful time for you as parents and of course for em. Nothing I can do or say to make it any better, but know we are thinking of you.
With much love –the Booths