Saturday, April 2, 2011

Chemotherapy and radiation

Well, I am falling behind in my updates. Jessica made it through her week of chemotherapy and 1st time radiation. After an overnight stay for chemotherapy from Monday to Tuesday, we reported to Huntsman Tuesday morning, March 28th, at 7:15. I am so proud of Jessica! They had an anesthesiologist on call worried that she would not be able to hold still. Well Jessica proved them all wrong. We did practice a little, we took a tour, watched an animation about radiation, and we just talked about how they would have to give medicine to make her go to sleep if she didn't hold completely still. Jessica shocked them all. The first appointment she had to lay still for at least 30 minutes, but every appt. after that has been around 5 to 7 minutes. Jessica is an amazing 4 year old. I have so much I want to write about and pictures I want to post, but I am going to have to spread things out a little and in small chunks...wow am I finally getting the idea of a little at a time and not all at once :) Jessica's Immune system has bottomed out and we are just hoping her ANC won't stay zero too long. We are hoping to avoid any hospitalizations because of a fever. Today is Wednesday, April 6th, and it is Jessica's older sister Alyson's 8th birthday. We love you so much, Alyson! We are hoping to go home this weekend, like we did last weekend, but if her counts are still low, the doctors would like us to stay close. Alyson's baptism has been scheduled for this upcoming Saturday, but we may have to reschedule if Jessica's counts are still low. Jessica has done great through radiation. The side effects of nausea and diarhea did finally show up on Monday. We are able give her a medication called zofran which helps, but it is no fun to throw up and be running to the bathroom. Today after tears from her tummy hurting, a run to the bathroom, and then throwing up, I laid Jessica down and was just holding her hand and scratching her back. She began to relax and then seemed deep in thought. Out of the blue she said, "Mom, did you hold dad's hand like this and dance together when you got married?" I told her yes and then she just started talking cute about our wedding and the pretty crown that I wore on my head. I asked her if she would like to wear my crown/veil when she got married and she thought that sounded great. :) I then said that she would make a wonderful mother someday. She thought for a minute and then said, "Mom, after I'm a mom I want to be a cowgirl." How cute is she. For not being much of a cowgirl myself, I certainly have some daughters who LOVE horses and the idea of being a cowgirl. I guess I do have a little experience with dairy cows :), but not much experience with horses. Hey, I guess that does make me a little bit of a "cow" girl. Anyway, the precious little conversations and time spent with Jessica is priceless! I am so grateful for the opportunity and blessing of being a mother! There truly is no greater calling than that of mother!

5 comments:

  1. You are so right, no greater call! And what a wonderful mother you are. I so admire you and happy to hear Jessica's dreams of being a cow girl, must be in St. George water, as Emily wants to be one too. It's hard to be away and be so far from loved ones in this stressful moments. We pray for your togetherness again, but I take great love in seeing even though you miss your family you are always really there maybe not physically but spiritually. Chandra you and your family have an heavenly amazing love for one another and the best outlook on life. You are a wonderful person and mother. I can hear the love you have in every word you write! We love you and your family and you remain in our deepest thoughts and prayers! Love The Bagley Family

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  2. Love you and miss you, Chandra! I miss cute Jessica and Jacob, too. I thank Heavenly Father for your great faith and powerful testimonies. I couldn't help but think about all of you as I listened to conference. I especially thought of you as I heard Elder Paul Johnson of the 70. He said that affliction is part of our mortal experience. No trial we experience is wasted. Thus, we won't be the same after our trials. We will be so much better. He reminded us that the Savior learned as He suffered pain and affliction of every kind. After much tribulation, come the blessings. He also told us that we are given the exact trials we personally need. Trials help us to put on our divine nature. What an awesome talk! I know your famlily knows these things. You are walking, living, righteous examples of these concepts. Thank for! God bless each of you.

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  3. Oh, Chandra, Jessica, you and your family are so beautiful. Even though you are apart right now, I know you are growing closer. You are so right, there is no greater call than being a mother. You are fulfilling that call so well. We love you and your family and know that Heavenly Father does, too. Keeping you all in our prayers. You will treasure your sweet talks with Jessica.

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  4. Chandra,
    I just got on to check in on your little Jessica. My kids include her in our prayers all the time. They are all chipping in money to buy her some beads to play with at the hospital. You are in my thoughts and prayers friend. I know you have a lot of support and family, but your kids have not been to the river with the Stookey's, and should you be feeling bad while you are up north, you call me and I will take them to have a great time. I can't imagine how hard this all must be to balance. Love. Loni

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  5. Thank you so much for the update on Jessica. Chandra, you are such a wonderful example of being an exceptional mother to all of your kids. I know that Cody and you have been concerned about the toll this has taken on your other children, and I'm amazed at all you do to keep each of them feeling as connected as possible. Alyson's party sounds like it was so much fun, I'm happy for her that you guys were able to do that before heading up. I'm also thrilled to read your entry here that indicates Jessica is positive and looking forward to being a mom and a cowgirl. That is such a blessing that she is so hopeful and that her spirits are up despite being so sick that she can have happy things to look forward to. I'm sure your positive, sweet family give her so much strength and comfort and help keep her looking forward to a wonderful life. Prayers and hugs (and meals if we can ever get a healthy one of us at the house) for your entire family. Love, the Dickeys

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