Friday, July 6, 2012

HOME!

We are all home! Esther's fever went away and never came back, but her hemoglobin was dropping quickly, so the doctor decided that in order to enjoy a weekend at home without any blood draws or trips to Denver we should do a blood transfusion today. She handled it well and I was surprised to realize how quickly her complexion changed. I didn't realize how pale she was. As we were driving home she commented along the way how we were "almost home." Home is a sweet place to be.

There is a big tree in the lobby of the oncology unit that has lots of branches with hats hanging from the branches and big baskets of hats at the bottom of the tree. This is the first hat Esther choose. Here's a picture of the first hat Esther choose, a sweet choice I think.


A note on her droopy eye...there are some neuroblastoma cells around her eye. This is a very common place to find them. There are a few reasons her eye is swollen and droopy...first there are cancer cells near them and they are a little bigger because when she had her MIBG scan on the 4th, the cells took up the dye and are larger. Also, there is some bruising because those cancer cells are dying and trying to get out of the area (YAY!). The larger tumor on her head is also pressing on the nerve that controls her right eye and is impacting the muscles that help keep her lid open. The last reason is that because she was under general anestesia for the MIBG scan and they taped her eye lids closed and her lid is a little bruised.

 

12 comments:

  1. Oh we are so happy! What a a brave strong girl, and what a cutie! I know this is a small victory in a very long road, but I am glad that God gives little mercies along the way. We love you and are praying continually!

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  2. We are so glad you are home. We have missed you!
    Love you,
    Becky

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  3. I am so glad you guys get to spend the weekend at home! Her hat is wonderful. Love you guys so much.

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  4. She is so beautiful!
    I'm praising Jesus in advance for her complete healin so she can be an inspiration to people of all ages & all the glory will be our God, Lord, Jesus Christ who can heal Every hurt &illness! Jesus, please protect this beautiful little girl heal her body completely & continue to renew the energy & perserverance of the family & friends who support her. We love you Jesus & thank you in advance for ur miracle for lil Esther!!!! Amen! Amen!

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  5. I'm glad you get to enjoy home for a while. I read your posts and I can totally relate to everything you're saying. The road is such a wild one and there is always unexpected turns up ahead. I'm finding that every time I ask a question to the doctors or nurses, the answer is always "it depends on the child". Nothing is ever the same from patient to patient it seems. Esther looks so pretty in her new hat. My son's hair is slowly falling out, but his treatment for leukemia started April 2, so I have no idea how come it isn't all out by now. See, everyone is different. ;-) Enjoy your time at home and we'll keep praying for your family all the way over in Washington state. We serve a Mighty God!

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  6. Mom thought the pictures of Esther were cute! I dig the hat! YAY FLOWER! Um, enjoy your weekend at home!

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  7. SO glad to see that Esther is HOME for the weekend!

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  8. Welcome home! We have chemo gloves if you need more. Never thought I'd be saying that to anyone but I was encouraged by your realness and the verse you shared. God is near! So cast all the burdens on him.

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  9. She is so precious. I just want to hug her. Thank you so much for keeping us updated. It's hard to not know so I am grateful to know...you know? HA! Sure miss you and grateful for the doctors care over sweet Esther.

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  10. So glad your are all home! I remember how well Danika did with support at home vs. being in the hospital. The feeling of being home is so helpful to the healing process. May you all draw comfort from it!

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  11. What a cutie! Glad you guys made it home. Hopefully it will be a relaxing and peaceful time.

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  12. Esther is so adorable! Praise God you are home!

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