Emily’s Smiles through Difficult Trials

Well today’s treatment went very well and much better than expected. Emily didn’t get sick during it, managed to eat a little chicken from Chic-Filet, and drank sweet tea and diet mountain dew! She grimaced a little when they withdrew fluid through the line in her head, but as long as she was kept “sidetracked” with something, it was over before she knew it. This afternoon when they had to remove all the tape covering her entire head, well, that was not fun at all. Can you imagine having a clear tape bandage removed from your head with new hair growth? But as always, she said “owie” a few times and held Mommy’s arm tight, and the nurse ever so gently inched it off with an alcohol swab to help ease the stickiness. She enjoyed playing Old Maid (she beat Pastor Paul & Heather) Magnetic Barbie, and playing with a miniature baby Cinderella doll. She didn’t like playing Old Maid with Eddie, she said “Daddy, you don’t play it right!” Emily talked our heads off, giggled alot, and the day passed rather quickly. At 4:00 they released her and she got dressed and pushed her stroller, loaded with goodies we took her, right out the room, to the elevator, and out on the sidewalk. We had to run to catch up with her because she was fast as lightning! She said she was going to the apt. to “play, play, play”. After helping unload at the apt. and working on their laptop, me, Heather & Stephie Lynn headed back home feeling great faith & encouragement about Emily and this new treatment.

Before we left the apt. Emily had begun to slow down and was chilled. One time she put her head in Dawn’s lap and said “I’m so cozy Mommy!” Then she opted for reclining with Eddie and snuggling to get warm. Unfortunately, about 9:30 Emily was running a fever of 102 and they had to take her to the ER. They were giving her antibiotics, fluids and took come cultures. Hopefully after a little while they will be released back to the apt. Tomorrow’s treatment will begin about 8:30 a.m. provided they get the fever under control.

Please continue the prayers. We need to keep the fever and infections away as we do not want the treatments to be stalled or prolonged. Tomorrow’s treatment should not last as long as the one today and the first round should be finished on Sunday. Emily also has a big day planned for Friday while having her treatment at the clinic. She will be having her Kindergarten graduation service there, complete with her cap/gown, marching in, certificate by a Principal and celebration cake! She is very excited since she can’t join her class her at NTES.

I will post another update just as soon as I have one! Until then, Keep Praying!
Love, Stephanie

“Persistence, Prayer & Patience are a part of God’s Plan”-Lori Wildenberg-

Emily has been resting this evening from a long day at the hospital. Today they did the spinal fluid flow test which meant they had to inject the compound into the reservoir to check the “flow”. Once injected a machine (similar to a cat scan) monitored the flow, then they went to the apt., but had to return every couple of hours for a designated amount of time for more pics. So, by the time they got back this evening they were a tired trio! Emily didn’t like having her head “tapped” but as always, this brave little girl conquered the discomfort!!! Don’t each of you reading this wish you were so brave? I know that the next time I have an ache, I’m going to try to be just like Emily!!!!
Tomorrow they will be back early in the a.m. for more labs, hearing test and other testing at the hospital. All of which are necessary before beginning the chemo.

Dawn and Eddie have certainly felt the prayers today and said they could feel the hugs. Thanks to all that have prayed throughout the last 24 hours and lifted them up. Please continue to do so. Also remember the family here at home, Trey, Nana & Grandaddy, Paw Paw, Granny Mom and the rest of Emily’s extended family. They all need your prayers of support.

Love, Stephanie

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “Plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Emily & Dawn got in late this evening “homie home” for the weekend. They got a late start home due to having to wait for Emily’s meds, but never fear, they got them and on the road they went! Emily wanted to rest at home this weekend and see Trey & her grandparents before returning to Duke on Sunday. She has the testing on Monday & Tuesday for the spinal fluid flow and other labs that must be done prior to chemo. The protocol for this chemo is to begin the treatments as soon as possible so they have decided to go ahead and start it on Wednesday the 6th through Sunday. Then she will have a break between treatments. Eddie and Dawn will both be with her for this new therapy.

Pray for strength for the 3 of them to get through chemo again. It really takes a toll on Emily’s little body and her parents do not get any rest during this time either. Pray for patience and endurance and that God will guide the hands of the Doctors and Nurses tending to Emily during this treatment.

Faith, Courage & Strength…… “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13

Love, Stephanie