written by Mom :)
"A happy person enjoys the scenery of a detour". This is a quote that a friend of mine (and cancer survivor) recently shared with me. How perfect it ties in with the discovery of the remainder of Chloe's protocall for treatment (aka...road map).
I have to admit, I was hoping that it would be a little shorter and a little more simple but I suppose cancer is not a simple animal......
Although Chloe has responded extremely well to treatment so far...her DNA markers showed that she is in the "average risk" category, so this is how they determine the different protocols throughout the duration of treatment. Most children with her diagnosis do fall in the "average risk" category.
There are several parts to the road map that include:
consolidation (28 days) and what she is currently taking part in
interim maintenance (56 days)
delayed intensification part 1(28 days)
delayed intensification part 2 (28 days)
interim maintenance part 2 (56 days)
maintenance (approximately a year and a half)
Each part of the road map requires different drugs, therapies, procedures, varying amounts of monitoring by the doctors and we are told some parts of it will be quite intense. They explained to us that they are trying to "trick the leukemia cells" and they need to cover ALL of their bases. There could be that one little leukemia cell that doesn't respond to one type of chemo but might respond to a different one. Ok...that makes sense....I think :0
They do try to stick pretty close to the road map and we are hoping that there won't be too much variance in her treatment schedule.
So, if you do the math....Chloe should be done with all of her treatments by her 7th birthday. That will be quite a day to celebrate!
We are grateful not only that the treatments are working so far...but that we have a solid plan in place to rid Chloe of this awful disease that has plagued her. There will be bumps in the road and unexpected detours, I am sure, but it will all be worth it in the end.
Princess Chloe's Cancer Adventure
5 comments:
We could all take a lesson from you Amy. You, and Claire, have not let this get the best of you. You have stayed strong and positive. What an inspiration you are!
Oh Amy, if anyone is strong it is you and Phil. You and Chloe will make it through this "adventure" and someday your caring, expertise, experience and guidance will help others in a similar situation. Know that everyone who knows and loves you will continue to keep all the Gelbers in their thoughts and prayers.
Never enough hugs, Ms. Nancy
You never cease to amaze me...you guys are truly amazing!
Grateful for a map. As a girl who has super useful degrees in Geography and Nursing, you know I love your quote and words today (and everyday). Wish you had a jet plane or rocket ship to get there, but you know you can always use my awesome mini van along the road. Claire can use it too:) You are such an awesome driver:) Love you LOTS Miss Amy! You are not on this road trip alone. xoxo
Amy , so glad the doctors are so thorough and fighting every angle. That paired with your and Phils awesome outlook will guide Chloe to place that may seem ordinary but you'll be thankful for. We hope the journey doesn't consume your zest for life- but allows you to see it in a new light one day at a time! Thinking of you always and here if you need anything:
Post a Comment