Hello Friends,
Lauren has had another great month and we are so thankful. The end of treatment is in sight and we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Only 3 more IV chemo's left and one more lumbar puncture. Lauren had a lumbar puncture in April along with her IV chemo. Her numbers were looking good so the oncologist bumped her nightly oral chemo up just slightly and her 5 day steroid pulse dosage was increased slightly as well since her weight went up. The increased steroids caused her to have stomach aches towards the end of the week but once they were out of her system for a few days everything was back to normal.
A few kids that were diagnosed with leukemia around the same time as Lauren are starting to finish their treatment as well. It's been amazing to watch all these kids go through everything they did and reach the finish line. It's been a long road and in the beginning it was so hard to even imagine being able to ring the bell. As I watch each of these brave little ones who I met through this journey ring the bell to signal the end of treatment it just fills my heart with happiness. I am so proud of not only Lauren but all these brave little fighters. We all couldn't have done it without the love and support of all of our
and friends. Thank you to everyone who
has walked with us through this journey.
We are forever grateful for your support.
Xoxo,
Shawna
.
McKinley is doing really great. She's loving school, LOVING dance & enjoying being off chemo meds. It really is amazing how much she's grown, how much she's developed & how much more personality she has since she's stopped chemo. All things are looking great which is wonderful news. We've been very busy with advocating & promoting childhood cancer awareness month & attending a lot of events. We did have one scare at this months appointment but all was confirmed negative with an ultrasound. Myself, a few other "cancer moms" & McKinleys oncologist were all concerned about a vein by where her port was placed especially since she had a clot in the past. But all was confirmed ok with a quick ultrasound (Thank God). I'm not sure I'll ever be able to take a deep breath but I do try too. We are praying for a Halloween at home this year (last year we spent 8 days in the hospital fighting a nasty virus over Halloween). And although the nurses & staff came by her hospital room to trick or treat, I'm actually looking forward to sweating & fighting bugs on Halloween night this year. It's the little things 😉 Thank You as always for keeping McKinley in your thoughts & prayers.
xoxox,
Karen
LAUREN'S CORNER