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Ups and Downs ... We focus on the Ups!

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The last 3 weeks have been a bit of a roller coaster regarding Violet's ANC. One week after Violet's 3rd round of chemotherapy her ANC dropped way down to only 100. Then, last Thursday it climbed to 1900! That was a very happy day! Yesterday it was back down to 384. (For those of you who are new to Violet's story please see this previous post HERE for an explanation of ANC.)

We knew that even with the Neulasta injection (an injection used to lower the chance of getting an infection by increasing white blood cells in the bone marrow) her count would most likely go down before it came up, but we thought once it went up that it would stay up until the next round of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, Violet's system reacted against the norm.

I do want to make sure that I mention Violet did so well in tolerating the effects of the Neulasta injection. Prayers were definitely answered! We were both amazed and very happy at how strong she was and how it seemed that her discomfort was minimal throughout the week. :)

So, as I don't like to focus on the negative, I would love to tell you about the week where Violet's ANC was up at 1900! This was the highest it had ever been since Violet began treatment over 3 months ago. It was a huge blessing. For the first time, her doctor said to enjoy our week by taking Violet to see family or taking her on a short outing (still keeping her away from anyone not feeling well of course).

I had the biggest smile on my face hearing the great news and was excited to get Violet out of the house to somewhere other than the hospital. It had been months since Violet was able to go anywhere and she has grown and developed so much. I knew she would love it.

We thought that we were going to have to stay at home for Halloween but with Violet's ANC up we were able to go to my mom's house where she does a huge outdoor haunted house on Vashon island. We did not feel comfortable having Violet outside at night around the hundreds of people that visit my mom's but we could at least be there inside the house and visit with family. We had a great time!

Violet was a kitty by day ...



And a koala bear by night ...



Thank you God for letting us be out enjoying a fun day with family!

This week we are back to keeping ourselves indoors but as always we make the best of it. Violet and I listen to lots of music (surprise surprise!) and dance and clap together. Her daddy shows her how to play the guitar and I show her how to play the piano! She loves playing with her doggie Pixie and hugging her stuffed animals and Lola doll.

This coming Wednesday, November 9th, Violet has her next exam under anesthesia to see if the tumor in her left eye has gotten smaller and come off of her optic nerve. We are praying that it has! Please join us in praying for this and for her complete healing.

Thank you all so much for your support, love and prayers.
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  1. GildaNovember 12, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    Shenay, would you email me? There are some things I'd love to ask you....you can also message me via FB or email me at giildaa@gmail.com
    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete

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