Chemo #15



Family day at the beach Saturday morning (before Emalia's 3-hr nap!!!)

 Today was Emalia's 15th chemo day, and her MD added Avastin, a cancer-fighting medication about which we've heard many wonderful stories) to the mix. 

Although a pre-Easter moment, I thought you'd enjoy this happy photo!

Unleashing the FIRI!



Guess who was primed for the Easter bunny?

Emalia received a full dose of FOLFIRI today (up from 80% last week when it was introduced), and we're taking it day by day since this new regimen carries its own potential side effects. In all, today was chemo #14. She will continue to receive chemo every two weeks, blood count permitting.

Emalia's nausea and fatigue progress throughout the day so she naps as soon as Kahalakea goes to sleep and rests as much as possible in the afternoon. She is SO grateful for all of the dog-walking and meals you are giving them.  I can't really tell you what a HUGE help it is for them. A BIG MAHALO!





Brother and sister photo op this morning!

Christy Churchill saved the day by bringing Emalia an impressive array of magazines which offer at least some distraction from chemo!

Chemo #13

 

Yesterday Emalia had a haircut, and we're hoping
she can enjoy her new look for awhile and
not lose anymore hair!



Emalia began FOLFIRI today since she had become resistant to the FOLFOX, something that is expected after one has been on it for awhile.  All went well during this initial session, and we're hoping this new protocol does a great job in continuing to shrink the tumors.

Granted, I am totally biased, but I want to say how absolutely amazing and inspiring Emalia is to me. This treatment road has been very rough and bumpy, and Emalia has had many moments when a lesser being would curl up and not want to move. But, our graceful warrior stands tall and meets each challenge.



Becky Worley met Emalia's Maui medical team in person today--she has been an integral part of facilitating communication and appointments for Emalia since the get-go.



Chemo #12

Yesterday was chemo #12, and in the next two weeks Emalia and her MDs will decide what the next step in her treatment will be. A likely possibility will be to go on "chemo lite," which would continue to be chemo every two weeks but without the particular chemo agent most likely responsible for Emalia's increasing neuropathy in her feet.

Took the above photos of Emalia, Kahalakea, and Aito yesterday afternoon when we got home from Kaiser JB was working), and the photos below last weekend.  That would be Emalia's brother, Zadoc, and his youngest child, Declan; and Kahalakea, holding onto JB!!!!  

Home again!

We got home last Thursday after five weeks in the Bay Area and are happy to report that Emalia's scans showed continued tumor shrinkage. Also, the tumor marker number has continued to drop. HOORAY!!!! Emalia is continuing on the chemotherapy path right now and had chemo #11 yesterday. Took this photo then when Dorien Romanchak came by to visit!

Now that we're back, Emalia and JB could really use help in the dogwalking department. Also, having one or two meals a week "appear" would be a great help as well. If you want to help with either of these things, go to https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/662525/ for the calendar and details. Becky Worley will be updating that site/calendar very soon so you'll be able to sign up then.

Back to Maui soon missing photo!

Back to Maui soon!

Happy to report that all has gone well on this trip, and Emalia's tumor marker number has continued to drop! We return to Maui on Thursday, Feb. 21st, and Emalia will have chemo #11 soon thereafter. Doctors' orders are that she continue to prioritize REST, exercise, and diet! There have been many fun-filled moments on this trip, despite many medical appointments filling the calendar. Took this photo during such a time--of Emalia's cousin Christy Churchill, Emalia, and Kahalakea when lunching at Mill Valley's Dipsea Cafe.