Simply in Awe

Isabella just got home from school.  That’s right.  The day after coming home from the hospital after five days of intensive chemotherapy, Isabella wanted to go to school.  This will probably be her last day of school for at least a couple weeks as we expect her blood counts to bottom out within the next couple of days.

Everyday, Isabella finds a new way to amaze us, and on some days, she finds multiple ways.  For instance, the last couple days in the hospital, Isabella was too weak to really walk, but when we left the hospital, she walked all the way from her room to the parking lot.  Today, we thought Isabella would only have enough energy to spend a few hours at school and we were fully expecting a call that said she wanted to come home.  But not only did Isabella spend the whole day at school, she also finished an entire OT session afterwards.  And she wasn’t done yet.  After dinner, we went to a furniture store for an hour where she walked all over and even walked up an entire flight of stairs, something she couldn’t do just a few days ago.

She is doing so much better than after the last round of chemotherapy which included the same set of drugs.  At this point last time, she didn’t have enough energy to move from the couch or chew her food.  And although she had a bit of a suppressed appetite a couple days ago, she’s eaten much better the last two days and has not had any nausea yet.

We don’t know whether the chemo is working or not, but Isabella is certainly trying her hardest.  I know she’s frustrated at not being able to do what she used to be able to do just a few short months ago.  Whether it’s climbing stairs or writing her name or just simply talking, nearly everything has become a struggle for her, but she continues to try.  And while she’s willing and able to try, we’ll be there alongside her. 

She has truly become a huge inspiration.