enter IVIG

We are still going strong with all of Madi's treatments and medicines.  We've been very fortunate/blessed to remain on schedule during cold and flu season.  All her numbers have remained at good levels with no need to get blood or platelets.

Madi ended her 7 day round of steroids (dexamethasone) on the 8th and then received treatment on the 9th.  I kept her home Wednesday night while everyone else went to church services.  My thinking - why drag her out in the cold if all she is going to do is sleep on the way there, have me carry her in, sleep all through class and worship on my lap, have me carry her out and then sleep all the way home?  (This scenario has happened multiple times.)  Also, do you remember me lamenting the fact that our little Madi goes silent during steroid treatment?  What a difference a day makes!  She was bouncing off the walls all evening, talking nonstop and couldn't settle in to go to sleep that night.  (Melatonin to the rescue!)  I was this (holding fingers up scant mm from each other) close to asking her to PLEASE be quiet for a little while.  Instead I just smiled and enjoyed the moment.

Treatment on the 9th went smooth.  She was pretty 'lazy' early in the day, but a lot of that is due to her not being able to get a deep sleep while taking steroids.  If you look closely, you will be able to notice a little puffiness in her face.  That went down quickly, but I'm sure it will be back this week.

Numbers for the day:
WBC - 9.7
Hgb - 12.6
Plts- 427
ANC - 6460

Today, Jan 16th, Madi and I got to go back in for another treatment.  She started steroids again this morning and has a total of 14 doses.  Her appetite has been back up, but she only wants certain foods.  We've tried to anticipate what she will want and keeping the pantry stocked.  She hasn't lost any more weight and hopefully she will gain a little bit back in the next couple of weeks.

So, the title of this post contains IVIG.  Ever heard of it?  I hadn't until the call from Dr. Rob on the 10th saying it would be good for Madi to have.  Basically, IVIG will boost Madi's antibody levels and help her fight infection since the chemo has depleted her own natural levels.  Not a big deal, but it did add about 3.5 hours to the day.  I know I've said it before, but I am SO grateful for our friends in the St. Louis area.  Lezlie was kind enough to keep the 2 littlest ones for me, as she has in the past.  It made her day a little more complicated, I know, but it was a huge help for me to be able to focus on Madi the whole time.  I was even able to sneak in some learning/school while we were at the Center.

We made it through a couple of educational games for kindergarteners, Brain Quest for 4-5yr olds and some of the Brain Quest for 1st Grade before she was ready to lay down and rest.

Since we arrived at the Cancer Center at 9:45am and didn't leave until 2:45pm, lunch was purchased at the little cafe on the first level.  Not bad.  Not super good.  Edible and filling.  It had probably been in the warmer for a little while.

Numbers for the day:

WBC - 1.1

Hgb - 10.9

Plts- 219

ANC - 180

Notice the big change?  Yep.  Those have definitely gone south.  It was advised that keep her in and away from large crowds at least through the weekend.  We can go in Saturday morning and get another CBC and see where she stands.  

Next week all she has is a CBC on Wednesday.  No more treatments or procedures until the 30th.  Hooray!!  If anything else happens between now and then, I will try to post and keep everyone up to date.