Chemo Angels

February 15 - 21, 2010

We can't say enough great things about Alisha's Chemo Angels! You all are phenomenal and so wonderful to the girls and myself. We are truly blessed by all of your weekly wishes, cards, gifts, photos, etc. during this time and look forward to opening the next cards and gifts from you.

Alisha isn't doing well this week. She has not been able to hold food down and is losing weight rapidly. It has been a struggle, but she's staying positive and preventing herself from thinking about the negatives by watching the Winter Olympics. Tummy ache is taking over and nothing sounds appetizing to her.... PLEASE PRAY FOR HER!!!

Balding

February 8 - 14, 2010

The inevitable has slowly become a reality. Although about four months delayed, the massive hair loss has started. The saving grace is that the balding will not last as she enters the Maintenance phase of her treatment early April.

Alisha's taking her balding into great strides and she's slowly warming up to the idea of wearing wigs. Here are a couple of pictures for reference. Valentine's Day was extra special and Alisha received cards from the principal, her teacher and her classmates that she has never met before. She was thrilled to read each of her cards and could not wait to show me the prizes that came along with the card.

We celebrated Chinese New Year at home with game playing and enjoyed the Winter Olympics. Alisha is looking forward to all the figure skating events.

Weight Gain

February 1 - 7, 2010

Alisha was recommended a fortified protein formula two weeks ago to assist with her absorption of nutrients and weight gain. Fortunately, she scored in both aspects. She quickly gained about 5 pounds in 2 weeks, which caused the nurse to ask whether Alisha was put on steroids. After Tuesday's lumbar puncture with chemo injected, she still has 14 more of the horrific procedures under sedation to complete prior to December 2011. We cannot wait until this trauma-causing nightmare is over and pray that mild to severe long-term side effects will not exist at all.

This first of the 56-day phase was dramatic where one of her chemotherapy drugs causes her to have pinkish orange urine that is toxic to the touch. The side effects of nausea and vomiting commenced the day after the first treatment. As for the intramuscular shots on the legs, Alisha was very courageous and did not drop a single tear again.