Hello Elly's Warriors,
This is Elly’s mom, Kathy. First of all, I want to thank you all for your prayers! Knowing how many are praying for Elly is overwhelming.
Yesterday started off with a bang as Ben had kept both Elly and Alex awake through the night with a painful ear infection. Thankfully, Alex was able to get him into the Dr for meds while we headed to Aurora’s Cancer Center in Mayfair, the closest one to offer Cold-capping for Chemotherapy. This is an option that causes the freezing of the scalp to help save hair follicles from burning with the chemo. The “red devil” can cause permanent hair loss.
     On treatment day, Elly will always have to start with labs, followed by an exam with either the Medical Oncologist or his PA.
Once she got the go ahead, we were led to the infusion center, a large open room with many cubicles for treatments.
     First thing Elly had to do was get her hair completely wet, then brush it down as close to her scalp as possible. There is only 1 Cold-capping machine at this facility. Elly had to buy her own cap which has tubes that attach to the machine. When she gave me the instructions for how to wrap it around her head I was quite overwhelmed. Thankfully, two very competent and experienced techs were happy to get her all set up.
     This cap literally freezes your scalp. Elly brought an electric blanket as well as a heating pad for her back, and a warm hoodie and socks. She was such a trooper, very determined to stick out the total of 6+ hours between setting up the cold-cap, actual receiving of the medicines and then the finishing process of the cold-cap. They begin with anti-anxiety and anti-nausea meds. The first chemo to go in was “the red devil” which is injected manually from 4 large syringes. Followed by the slow drip of the 2nd chemo. Then another 3 hour freezing wait. There were tiny icicles all over her head by the time it was done!
     We were able to have a little lunch thanks to her Dad, and then Elly even fell asleep for a bit listening to quiet praise music. So thankful for that! The last thing Elly got was an auto injector of Neulasta which will go off later today to help boost her white blood cells.
     She got home worn out and a bit nauseous but so thankful to be done with the first round.  As a reminder, she will receive Ac for 4 sessions over 8 weeks followed by Taxol as one per week for 12 weeks.
     Today, she is already feeling the effects so please pray for these symptoms:
- Nausea
- Shakes like flu
- Fatigue
- Sores roof of mouth
- Headache
     We are so grateful for the many people who have already brought meals, helped with chores and ferrying of the boys. If you are looking for ways to help in this next stage of Elly's journey, there are opportunities listed on the Support Now page. Having a meal already prepared is such a huge help when Elly is dealing with chemo effects and Alex needs to manage 2 busy little boys after work. Thank you for stepping into these needs.
     Elly loves receiving your gracious gifts, cards, emails and social media comments. These acts of kindness bring much needed encouragement when it is easy to be bogged down by the difficult battle.
     Elly's sister Suzanne created the Warrior artwork on our custom fundraising shirts. If you aren't familiar, the phrase "We Fight On Our Knees" is a nod to a worship song that says: When I fight, I fight on my knees, with my hands lifted high! Oh God, the battle belongs to you." Here's a link to hear the whole song. https://youtu.be/johgSkNj3-A?si=2dp1bYsnlVwCBIib We ask that you continue fighting on your knees with us, seeking God's healing hand and comfort for Elly. Thank you! - Kathy