Overnight, Elena experienced terrible GI trouble and needed three different medications to help control the side effects and pain. After we got all of that under control, Elena went over to the regular Aflac inpatient floor and had her "conscious sedation" bone marrow aspirate. We are thankful that our prayers were answered and Elena's bone marrow aspirate this morning went well. We will not receive the results of this test. It was done only as a part of the research study protocol to help determine the new drug's ability to mobilize the leukemia cells in Elena's body.
In the tunnel on the way to radiation this morning.
(Sorry for the bad cell phone picture)
After this procedure, Elena was sacked out! She was taken to radiation on a stretcher with respiratory and heart rates monitored. She seemed "conscious", but later this afternoon, we found out that she doesn't remember much of the day! We got back to the room around 9:00 am and Elena went right to sleep. She was very tired, a little nauseous, and had a sore throat and dry mouth. She slept until almost 4:00 pm!!
When Elena woke up, she was her bright, happy, cheerful self. We were so happy to see that!! She worked on completing her daily jobs and listened to some music. At 6:00 pm, she walked to radiation for her sixth treatment. Only two more treatments to go! Praise God!
After radiation, we enjoyed visiting with two of her fabulous nurses, doing a little more room decorating, completing all of her daily jobs, and walking some laps with a new friend in the BMT unit. Elena's appetite is still suppressed. Today she has only had some grits, a few bites of cereal, and applesauce. Her throat hurts and she says nothing tastes right.
Maggie and Elena
Elena and Ashley
Elena is now back to sleep. Praying for a peace filled, restful night with NO GI issues!
Please also pray for her last two radiation treatments and that the new drug is doing the job it was designed to do. Praising God that we are surrounded by Christian nurses and staff!
Thank you for praying and for not letting us fight this alone!
In Him,
The Tates
"Look to the Lord and His strength, seek His face always."
Psalm 105:4
Not on the front lines with you, but definitely being a "prayer warrior" in this battle. Love you. Aunt Linda
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about and praying for you all each and every day. Please give Elena a big hug for me!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Ms. McKinnon
Continuing to cheer u on with thoughts and prayers!!! Glad to hear u r on the home stretch with treatments! Sleep well and keep on keepin on! We r so proud of all of u!
ReplyDeleteElena - your smile is so beautiful, like a ray of sunshine!! You're doing fantastic -- Love, The Slater's
ReplyDeleteMy hero...you make me feel so good. I am watching with wonder the way you are handling this. You and your family are a inspiration in so many ways. I love you, Rainey
ReplyDelete