10/20/2020

Hey there!  It's Rachel!  

It's been a month since we started this crazy cancer journey.   Today we are on round 4 of chemotherapy. Ceci is in a great mood. The nurses have all gotten to know us and our routine.  

This round will consist of a two-day therapy.  She will receive doxorubicin, vincristine, and cyclophosphamide. 

Next up is our outpatient infusion; when she has her one-day infusion, we come to the cancer center, get outpatient chemo, and come home.  Cecilia prefers the outpatient because we do get to go home as soon as we're done.  Being in the hospital is what brings her down the most.  

After her outpatient, we will be back in for inpatient for five days, where she receives etoposide and ifosfamide. 

Schedule: 

VDC- 2-day admission

Vincristine alone - Outpatient in the infusion center

IE- 5-day admission. 

Psych has been in, and we have talked up a plan to do one activity and take one walk while inpatient to keep our "happy" brain chemicals happy!  

I had a tough time setting this page up and to start typing.  I was scared, nervous, and possibly a bit depressed after this had all happened, but now seeing how much love and support in the community, my eyes have opened up to something new and uplifting. It's been constant and overwhelming, but this has been in the best way.  I didn't know how to start and what to say.  It's been hectic and busy; I've worried and cried and worried more than I have in my life.  But here we are, and we are ready to fight and keep the updates coming! 

I will now update this site as we go along in treatment and keep our family and friends updated as much as I can. 

I cannot thank everyone enough for everything, from fundraising (Jamie is my best friend and QUEEN of organizing), donations, cider stands,  cards from classmates, co-workers, and strangers.  

Thank you to the 5th-grade class at SMPS (and Teena Miller) and for the Miller twins to give up gifts on their birthday and give everything and then some to Cecilia.  They filled my heart for days!

Thank you to the 4th-grade class at SMPS for taking the time to create a chemo bag with goodies and gifts. 

Thank you to the 4th-grade moms at SMPS for making meals and delivering them to our home.  

Thank you to Nikki Dunkin and her amazing selfless family. I’m forever grateful.