So last Friday (May 17), we were admitted to the hospital for our first round of high dose methotrexate. It is a chemo drug that runs for 24 hours and then we can't leave the hospital until it clears her body. To our doctor's surprise she was almost cleared Sunday night and by Monday morning (May 20) we were out. Not too bad. I can handle a short weekend stay.
So we had four glorious days at home. Bike riding, picnics, Tyrell's kindergarten graduation, lots of cousins to play with, and so much fun in the sun.
Then on Friday (May 24) , we once again were readmitted for round 2 of this second phase of her road map. We had the same thing, 24 hour drip of high dose methotrexate. Pretty boring. Other then early this week, Miss Evalette had a bit of mucositis in her mouth. She had one big ulcer at the roof of her mouth and wasn't eating well and was in some pain. The doctors told me that if her mucositis got worse and if she wasn't eating or doing well that we wouldn't be able to go home before our next readmit for the last round of chemo of phase two. We would be in the hospital for over 3 weeks. I flipped. Then I calmed down. As soon as we got settled in our room, I found the LDS reps that were at the hospital and asked if they could give her a blessing. They did. It was so beautiful. The next day, Evalette was eating great and feeling good. The doctors looked in her mouth and her ulcer was gone. Truly a miracle. What a blessing. She also needed a blood transfusion and IGIV (a blood product also). They went well. This was Evalette's third transfusion and she will need many, many more. It is amazing to see her go from pasty, white coloring to pink, red coloring in her face after the transfusion. So cool!
And we once again cleared the methotrexate quickly and came home this morning, just in time for Memorial Day.
Grandma and Grandpa Sparks came down for the day, so we spent the day at the Spanish Fork reservoir, swimming and playing. It was nice to be outside. And thanks mom and dad for driving 7 hours, just to spend 4 hours with us.
Now we have four days until we go back to the hospital for our last round of chemo in phase 2. We will be in the hospital for count recovery...meaning 5 days of chemo (which will wipe out her immune system) and then we can't go home until her immune system starts to perk back up basically. Doctors are telling to plan on two weeks at our home on the hill. I say, we are always full of surprises!!! Life is busy, but full of blessings and lots of love!
Thank you Melissa and Jen, some of my good friends from home, for the wonderful visit and gifts. Melissa, thank you for taking time out of your family vacation to visit us. You and your family brightened our day! And Jen, your letter was just what I needed and the gifts made me feel so pampered and thought of. You two are wonderful. Thanks.
