Two milliliters into Emmy’s chemo infusion yesterday, she began to have an anaphylactic allergic reaction. We were told going into this appt that there was a 10-15% chance for kids to have a reaction like this with their second dose of this specific chemo.

Emmy asked that I cuddle with her while she got the medication, so we laid in bed while the nurses watched her for any type of reaction, while I silently begged that she have no reaction. And then there it was, a little clearing of the throat and some whimpers. The nurse asked Emmy what was bothering her and Emmy says “my throat”, I jumped out of that bed so fast because I knew exactly what that meant. The next thing we knew there were people everywhere. The whole thing was traumatizing for all, so just add it to the list. In about an hour  the room was empty and Emmy was sleeping. 

Unfortunately, due to that reaction we had to be admitted to the hospital, Emmy can no longer have that medication (a very important component in her leukemia treatment), and our clinic visits went from 1x weekly to 3x weekly to accommodate the alternative medication. Yesterday happened to be the first day Emmy didn’t scream and cry with her port being accessed, but now not only will she have to do that, she will also have to get shots 3 times a week for the next 2 weeks. 

Today, before they let us go home, Emmy received her first injection of the alternative medication, which was actually 2 shots, one in each leg. I already knew the shots were going to be difficult. The nurses and child life specialist were amazing though. We used lidocaine cream, ice, a “buzzy bee”, freezing spray, and a needle blocker. Emmy was very worked up knowing about the shot but almost instantly stopped screaming when the needle went it. She later told Dad that it wasn’t “that bad” and she might have to do more. 

Everyday she amazes me! But I really wish she could catch a break! 

Here’s to hoping that was the only hiccup this cycle 🙏🏻

❤️ a very tired Mom