Early Cancer (First Treatment)

Lilyana and Daddy

April 16th - Today we went into Starship hospital to hear the results of the tumour, for Lilyana to have a CT scan, and talk to the 'cancer doctor'. Lilyana's tumour was cancerous and they are not confident from their tests that they got it all. CT scan showed that the lungs are clear from cancer, hopefully indicating it hasn't spread through her body. Continued blood tests have been showing a decrease in the alpha-fetoprotein (cancer indicator). We now ask for your further prayers as we make the decision to either wait and see what happens or to start chemotherapy now. With both having so many pro's and con's and so many risks it will be a difficult decision. 

Lilyana before Chemotherapy starts

May 1st - Yesterday (30 April) we went to Starship hospital to talk with the surgeon and oncologist. Blood tests were showing a decrease, however the rate at which it was decreasing was slowing. We had to wait till this morning for yesterday's blood results. The Oncologist rung this morning. Lilyana's alpha fetoprotein has started to rise (indicting growth of the tumour). Thankfully this has made our decision a lot easier. Lilyana will be starting chemotherapy next week. Monday will we meet with doctors to discuss the plan in detail. Wednesday she will have a Hickman line put in and will start treatment Wednesday

May 5th - Not really much to report. Lilyana got a Hickman line put in today. I'm learning doctors like to change their minds. Tomorrow Lilyana will have some tests done and should be starting treatment on Wednesday if all is good. Hopefully we will be able to go home Friday. The plan at this stage, is for 4 treatments over 12 weeks. We will be able to be home for the other three treatments, just come into starship during the day for treatment but be home for the night. I'm learning lots and I'm sure there is a lot more to learn, a lot more.

Wagon rides in 27B. Cut on her neck is the entrance for the Hickman line

May 6th - Well today has been go go go which is a nice change to waiting. This morning Lilyana had hearing tests, blood tests and her kidneys tested. Hopefully we are all good to start chemotherapy tomorrow. We also talked with a dietitian and allergy specialist. Lilyana got to enjoy a bath in a little baby bath, she ended her day with Opa and Oma cuddles. Praying she will sleep well tonight. Thank you all for your prayers.

Toys

May 7th - Today had a very slow start. Lilyana played for an hour in the playroom, loved it, so many fun toys and lots of things to practice walking around. She will be walking before I'm ready for it. This afternoon Lilyana had an x-ray of her chest. And started a four hour round of chemotherapy (etoposide) at 2:15. She did very well, being connected to a machine that isn't mobile, she sat on me for most of it, either sleeping, cuddling or just chilling watching some cartoons. She is heavy, I experienced a number of dead arms. 
Lilyana is doing better than I thought she would. Praying she has a good sleep tonight. Tomorrows treatment will be the same as today plus an extra hour of a new drug (carboplatin).