Chemo Cycle 2 Starts This Weekend

Isabella's second cycle of chemo starts this Saturday, January 10. Just as a reminder, the chemo cycle is comprised of three different medications: carboplatin, vincristine, and temodar. Carboplatin is given through the port in Isabella's chest over a period of 4 hours. Vincristine is given through the port in a single push. Temodar is given orally and is the one that Isabella really had problems taking during the first cycle. Since Isabella couldn't swallow the temodar pills, it had to be opened up and given in liquid form. The taste of it made Isabella throw it up. We are currently working with a child psychologist to try and teach Isabella how to swallow pills whole so that she won't have to taste the temodar.

The schedule for this chemo cycle is as follows:

Day 1 (January 10): Carboplatin, Vincristine, Temodar
Day 2: Carboplatin, Temodar
Day 3: Temodar
Day 4: Temodar
Day 5: Temodar
Day 7 (January 16): Vincristine
Day 14 (January 23): Vincristine

On Saturday, January 24, Isabella is scheduled for an MRI so that we can see how the remaining cancer cells are reacting to the chemotherapy. This will be our most anxious time. If it looks like the cancer cells are shrinking, then we will continue with the 3 more cycles of chemotherapy. If it looks like the cancer is continuing to spread, we will immediately move to radiation therapy.

We hope to get back to Rusk on Monday, January 12. Isabella hasn't gotten much therapy at all while in the pediatric unit, so we are anxious to get back to rehab.

Also, as a reminder, St. Thomas Church will be holding a prayer service on Wednesday, January 7 at 6:30 PM. You can refer to the "Prayers for Isabella" post below for more information.