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Family Matters:  Aria's spinal tap.. *Update*  |
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julia hayes
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
julia
medical lake
wa
USA
1132 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 05 2009 : 1:39:41 PM
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is tomorrow morning. We had clinic this morning with lab work and an examination with her oncologist, who I just LOVE!! Aria is doing well..no worries at all. This is all part of her treatment plan. Tomorrow morning she goes under for her spinal tap. They inject chemotherapy drugs into her spinal fluid after they draw a sample to make sure no cancer cells have decided to show up there. Apparently leukemia cells really like to hide out in the spinal fluid. Aria has always had a clean bill of health in that regard. I can't tell you how many spinal taps she's had.. If I had to guess I would say she's had somewhere in the neighborhood of 10. She has only 2 more to go after tomorrow!! wooohooooo!! 
I won't kid you...there's nothing routine about what we have to face tomorrow. I try to be light. I try to pretend that I'm used to it given that we've been through it so often but the truth is, I'm not. I hate every single moment of it. It is just wretched. The odd thing is that the wretchedness has little to do with the procedure itself, which I know sounds ghastly. They really do have that all well under control. Aria is in no pain whatsoever. She calls this her 'dream' and has quite a time of it. I'm serious. What is so wretched is that despite her doing so well and feeling so well, she STILL has to endure this kind of thing. It is such a disconnect...She looks so well but in fact isn't...yet. She's on her way but isn't quite there...this is a hard one to reconcile and sometimes I get impatient.
I spend the day in clinic and it brings it all back to me with g-force precision and intensity. That's what is so wretched. I have every reason to believe that everything will go smoothly but I've come to accept that there are no guarantees and no promises...so with that, I ask that you give Aria a little extra cyber squeeze tomorrow.
Reo said to Aria this morning, "Hey Aria, don't worry about clinic tomorrow..I'll bring you your food when you wake up! I'll be there." He is just the sweetest kid!!!
Thank you so much..I am so blessed. ~julia
*UPDATE* 10-6-09
Aria came through with flying colors! We got to clinic at 7 30 this morning and were done at 10 30. All went super well. Aria is doing so well in fact, that we don't have to return to clinic for an entire month! I'm serious. For the first time in 21 months I will not be going to clinic at least every 2 weeks! When my husband told me, I just stood there in disbelief. "They said we don't have to come back for a month? You mean a whole month?" I could barely wrap my head around it. He smiled, hugged me and said, "They're waiting to talk to you since I told them you'd believe me but would need to hear it directly from them too!" He knows me so well. Sure enough, I indeed walked to the nurse's station and just looked at our nurse. She smiled and said, "I know darling...it's all true Aria is really doing that well." I hugged her and choked back a few tears. As we departed our nurse told me, "If you need to call me in 2 weeks to check in, please do." These people are just so remarkable.
I'll also let you know that Aria's last day of treatment is March 21, 2010! We have 2 more spinal taps to go...5 more monthly injections of chemo and we're done...of course we have her daily chemo too but the clinic stuff is what makes this journey such a grinding reality.
You know, you all give me an awful lot of praise and acknowledgment but I guarantee you that I would not be handling this as I have without all of you! The encouragement and support has been so enormous! I'm deeply, deeply indebted!!
Aria is resting under a blanket after eating a bowl-ful of Cherry Garcia icecream..her favorite!!!
My love to you all and thank you for being with us today!! ~julia
being simple to simply be
Farmgirl #30
www.julia42.etsy.com
www.about-aria.blogspot.com |
Edited by - julia hayes on Oct 06 2009 12:06:05 PM |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
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4HMom
True Blue Farmgirl
720 Posts
Kelly
Montana
720 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2009 : 2:07:14 PM
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Wow Julia...you are one tough cookie! I agree with Rene' you are amazing with what you're going through. Sending you and Aria an extra squeeze now and for tomorrow too!
"Be the change you want to see in the world" -Gandhi |
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CountryBorn
True Blue Farmgirl
1545 Posts
Mary Jane
New York
USA
1545 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2009 : 2:07:21 PM
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I am so glad that at least you can see the end of the tunnel in this long journey to good health for Aria. Just knowing that you are at least nearing it and it is in sight must be a relief beyond words. It is totally amazing how children adapt to things in their life isn't it. They seem to have a strength that they can call upon and make the best they can out of situations that would throw most adults in a tail spin. Aria and you will be in my prayers. I have a good feeling that everything will be fine.Thanks again for sharing your journey through all this. I truly believe your experience and honesty about all the trials and happy times will help so many other people. God Bless you Julia.
Hugs MJ
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2009 : 2:40:03 PM
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It is such a struggle to maintain a cheerful front when your child is ill. But she is blessed with a wonderful family, and the love and support you give her is a real treasure. Reo sounds like a real champ too. It is amazing how children respond to these horrendous heath issues, but they are so strong, so resilient, and that she is so calm and collected about her treatment plan. Aria is receiving healing thoughts from so many people. You remember to be good to yourself too....I trut all will go well tomorrow. Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
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lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Oct 06 2009 : 03:42:00 AM
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It's the resiliancy (sp) that a child possesses that is truly inspiring.
It must be really frustratuing for a parent to watch their child go through procedures like that.
Thankfully your daughter is sedated enough to "enjoy" the ride.
We'll pray for all involved! |
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Marcy
True Blue Farmgirl
2701 Posts
Marcy
Tiverton
Rhode Island
USA
2701 Posts |
Posted - Oct 06 2009 : 05:46:44 AM
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Sending love and prayers your way. Thank you so much for keeping us updated. Know I think of you often and always wonder how you are all doing. Aria is a special little girl and I pray one day that you can say she WAS sick, but no longer is. Give her a hug from me, know I care and please keep us posted.
Farmgirl #170
Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give...Eleanor Roosevelt
http://marcysworldofcreativity.blogspot.com/ |
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Lainey
True Blue Farmgirl
2401 Posts
Elaine
Waco
Kentucky
USA
2401 Posts |
Posted - Oct 06 2009 : 09:25:46 AM
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Julia, I'm thinking of you and Aria today. You and your family are in my prayers. I hope the procedure goes well. Please give that darling a hug from me, she's so strong and brave. I love that she calls it her 'dream'.
Farmgirl Sister #25
http://countrygirldreams.blogspot.com/
An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.' |
Edited by - Lainey on Oct 06 2009 09:26:58 AM |
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - Oct 06 2009 : 5:00:58 PM
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Wonderful news! I am so glad to hear things are going well for Aria. You will have to take a few deep breaths every now and again, and enjoy the beauty of the season with your family...
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Oct 06 2009 : 6:07:54 PM
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Though not a child, I understand what you are going through, on a smaller scale. Did all the tests, surgeries, shots... with my husband. I am glad all is going well, and that the end is in sight. Consider yourselves hugged. Prayers continue to ascend!
For tomorrow and its needs I do not pray, but keep me, guide me, love me, Lord just for today.
St. Augustine
#440
http://www.myfeetaredirty.blogspot.com/ |
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Miss2Missus
True Blue Farmgirl
407 Posts
Karen
Asheville
NC
USA
407 Posts |
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Marcy
True Blue Farmgirl
2701 Posts
Marcy
Tiverton
Rhode Island
USA
2701 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2009 : 09:35:18 AM
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Julia,
Thank you so much for the update. I am so glad everything went wonderfuly! Will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers and please keep us updated. Take care and give that sweet little girl a hug from me.
Farmgirl #170
Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give...Eleanor Roosevelt
http://marcysworldofcreativity.blogspot.com/ |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2009 : 12:51:51 PM
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What great news, Julia. So glad to hear this. I'm sure Aria is very happy, too.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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simplyflowers
True Blue Farmgirl
489 Posts
Jamie
Locust Grove
Virginia
USA
489 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2009 : 03:04:27 AM
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Oh Julia...your post has overwhelmed me with pure joy!! I am so glad that Aria is doing well!! thanks for the update! Really makes me appreciate life and happiness.... :)
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." -- Thomas Edison
Check out my blog!! http://thehappycalamity.blogspot.com/ |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2009 : 04:41:16 AM
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Your post has brightened my day, and I am so happy for this time when you can smile and feel the burden lift. Bless you all! Go Aria!
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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Lainey
True Blue Farmgirl
2401 Posts
Elaine
Waco
Kentucky
USA
2401 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2009 : 07:28:40 AM
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Julia, I'm so glad that everything went well and that there is such good news! I'm very happy for you all. Hugs!
Farmgirl Sister #25
http://countrygirldreams.blogspot.com/
An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.' |
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knitnpickinatune
True Blue Farmgirl
1140 Posts
Sherrie
Gardena
California
USA
1140 Posts |
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Family Matters: Aria's spinal tap.. *Update* |
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Aria's spinal tap.. *Update*
