Tuesday, July 7
Monday, July 6
Ｃｏｍｆｏｒｔ Ｚｏｎｅ
Sorry it has been a while since my last entry, but it has been busy!! Zoe's ANC was low when she went last Monday for her CBC. She's being taken off all her chemo medications and antibiotics until her counts recover. Which means the family will be in isolation until her ANC comes back up.
The Maintenance phase or Continuation therapy consists mainly of daily oral chemo drugs, steroids for 5 days each month, a monthly infusion of Vincristine(a chemo drug) through the port, and a spinal tap (Chemo injection into the spine) after every 3 months. During which, the doses of oral chemo will at times be adjusted to allow her body to tolerate the regimen.
Despite the low counts, Zoe remains in good shape and in high spirits. It has been a tough, long journey. Our situation doesn't make it any easier, as Zoe's mom had to take time off from work so she could care for our baby. I, on the other hand, must stay behind and work to maintain the family's Medical Insurance. I don't have a choice. I can sit here and sob, but it's not going to do anything to help my daughter. Being away from Zoe hasn't been easy at all. I'm constantly on skype to let her know that I'm here and, even though we're miles apart, to let her know that I'm always thinking of her. With skype, I'm able to take her to work during the day with me, and I get to share bedtime stories with her at night.
For a family to leave work, the experience is taxing not just emotionally, but financially. We have come out of our comfort zone pleading for help. It has been a battle advocating for support from our government. Our appeal for government assistance was denied with a logic beyond comprehension. I'm now convinced that here in the Marshall Islands, our people have a tendency to play gods. When you're in a position where you had the choice to help but deferred for the wrong reasons, then it's time to re-evaluate yourselves as people. Have some compassion for those families in dire need. There's not many places to turn to for aid in our country; However, having family and friends that you can trust and rely on helps. I'm sorry if this post may sound a bit too negative, but sometimes its best to express what we''re really going through.
I can't say enough of how in awe I am of Zoe and her courage and determination in fighting this awful illness. She is truly my hero. Sallyann and my daughter Chloe have just been strong as this has been so tough on them as well. It is amazing what family can do during times like these.
The road ahead is still long and tiring but it has a lot of hope. I encourage you to stay in touch, continue to give if and when you can. My family can not say Thank You enough for all your love because it has been overwhelming. Please continue to pray for our family.
The Maintenance phase or Continuation therapy consists mainly of daily oral chemo drugs, steroids for 5 days each month, a monthly infusion of Vincristine(a chemo drug) through the port, and a spinal tap (Chemo injection into the spine) after every 3 months. During which, the doses of oral chemo will at times be adjusted to allow her body to tolerate the regimen.
Despite the low counts, Zoe remains in good shape and in high spirits. It has been a tough, long journey. Our situation doesn't make it any easier, as Zoe's mom had to take time off from work so she could care for our baby. I, on the other hand, must stay behind and work to maintain the family's Medical Insurance. I don't have a choice. I can sit here and sob, but it's not going to do anything to help my daughter. Being away from Zoe hasn't been easy at all. I'm constantly on skype to let her know that I'm here and, even though we're miles apart, to let her know that I'm always thinking of her. With skype, I'm able to take her to work during the day with me, and I get to share bedtime stories with her at night.
For a family to leave work, the experience is taxing not just emotionally, but financially. We have come out of our comfort zone pleading for help. It has been a battle advocating for support from our government. Our appeal for government assistance was denied with a logic beyond comprehension. I'm now convinced that here in the Marshall Islands, our people have a tendency to play gods. When you're in a position where you had the choice to help but deferred for the wrong reasons, then it's time to re-evaluate yourselves as people. Have some compassion for those families in dire need. There's not many places to turn to for aid in our country; However, having family and friends that you can trust and rely on helps. I'm sorry if this post may sound a bit too negative, but sometimes its best to express what we''re really going through.
I can't say enough of how in awe I am of Zoe and her courage and determination in fighting this awful illness. She is truly my hero. Sallyann and my daughter Chloe have just been strong as this has been so tough on them as well. It is amazing what family can do during times like these.
The road ahead is still long and tiring but it has a lot of hope. I encourage you to stay in touch, continue to give if and when you can. My family can not say Thank You enough for all your love because it has been overwhelming. Please continue to pray for our family.
Thursday, March 26
Maintenance Phase!!!
Wow it has been a very long time since my last post. Zoe started her delayed intensive treatment on 26 Jan 09. This was by far the most rigorous part of the treatment protocol and was 7 weeks long. For the first few weeks into this phase, Zoe became lethargic and would only want to lay on the couch. There were a few times that her blood levels would hit rock bottom, and she would require blood transfusions. Treatment doses during this phase were more intense and frequent, and this was when Zoe began to lose all of her hair. Fortunately, during the second part of this treatment, she bounced back with high spirits and showed glimpses of herself again. Not for long, she was tearing down the apartment again, running and bouncing all over the place. Zoe, once again was back to her normal self. Overall, I think she weathered another obstacle, however many there may be, towards her recovery. Again, thank you all for all of your ongoing prayers and support. Zoe is now in the Maintenance Phase!
Sunday, January 25
Delayed Intensification
Hi all,
Zoe just completed the interim maintenance phase and is scheduled to start the Delayed Intesification phase of chemotherapy on Monday. This will be divided into 2 blocks for a total of almost 60 days.
I ask that you spend time to pray for her and my family as this will not be easy. Thank you for all the ongoing support. Your prayers and thoughts have truly been our source of strength. Please continue to make time in your day to send a prayer for Zoe. Thank you all and God bless.
Zoe just completed the interim maintenance phase and is scheduled to start the Delayed Intesification phase of chemotherapy on Monday. This will be divided into 2 blocks for a total of almost 60 days.
I ask that you spend time to pray for her and my family as this will not be easy. Thank you for all the ongoing support. Your prayers and thoughts have truly been our source of strength. Please continue to make time in your day to send a prayer for Zoe. Thank you all and God bless.
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