Chemo, Diet and Thanksgiving

Kennedy finished her steroid-round and had chemo on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.  Maddox came with us to clinic and we were glad he did because it was a long day; we got in at 9am and finally left close to 1pm.  Maddox kept us entertained.  

Kennedy gained 4 lbs in one week from the steroids, nearly 10% of her body weight.  The weight gain resulted in Dr. Manera wanting to up her nightly 6MP (mercaptopurine) oral chemo for her new “surface area”.  The goal is to have the kids on the maximum tolerable dosage.  Sounds nice right?  Tolerable?  Tolerable is a good word since the medication keeps Kennedy nauseated most of the time, I couldn’t imagine giving her more. 

I can’t believe I did what I did but I actually negotiated with Dr. Manera. I told him I would make sure Kennedy got her weight down to pre-steroid weight so the increase wouldn’t be necessary.  We would need to trim the weight in 3 weeks;  much harder than it seems.  One week on her diet and she’s actually gained almost another pound.  Poor K, my stalling tactics won’t survive the next visit and her 6MP will most definitely be upped.  Stupid cancer.

 

Maddox’s birthday fell on Thanksgiving this year.  Since we didn’t know how Kennedy would feel after chemo and from her roid withdrawl, we decided to celebrate at home.  We felt being home would be the most comfortable place for her and also a place we could focus on Maddox turning 8.  Grandpa, Grandma and Uncle Sergey, spent the day with us. 

By Saturday, all was seemingly normal again and K lost her roid rage and became a complete doll again.  We had our family photo shoot on Saturday (THANKS LIDIA)and Sunday K got to celebrate Maddox’s boy-birthday party with him at Laser tag.  Being the token girl, she had the time of her life.  On Monday, I unfortunately got the flu so am on lock-down.  Praying that everyone stays healthy!!!!