Here's what's new

I realize it has been about two weeks since I last posted an update. Honestly, there hasn't been too much to report on Arley until now. 

For starters, what little hair she did have growing back on her head has started to fall out again. She has little bald patches all over so I guess she has just about as much hair left as her papa Ron does (haha).

You would think that since I have already gone through this with her already that I would be okay with it now and know what to expect, but you would be wrong. It's not anymore easier this go around than the last time in the least. It hurts my heart even though in the grand scheme of things this is so minor. I guess as a mom certain things just strike a cord with you more than other things do.

Secondly, Arley went inpatient this week and it was honestly one of the worst visits we have had in a very long time. She was completely and utterly miserable. She was nauseous, gagged a lot, had a loss of appetite and had next to no energy. This was hard to go through for the both of us, because it caused an extra overnight stay. It's interesting because she has handled everything so well lately that sometimes you forget what its truly like to get knocked on your ass for days.

Not only that, but she has developed a red, I don't even know what you would call it on her face. It shows up randomly out of no where, is warm to the touch and takes it's sweet precious time to go away. Can't really call it a rash because it isn't one, but we are a bit perplexed as to what it could be and what the triggering effect is.

While the doctors on the unit are probably very knowledgeable, they don't know Arley so I called down to the clinic yesterday to see if her doctor was available to come upstairs and see her before he left for the day. I value his opinion and input more than anyone elses especially since he has been there right along with us since day one.

Anyways, he isn't 100% sure on what this is either. Could be an allergic reaction, could be post radiation glow showing up, or could be the start of an infection. She thankfully never spiked a fever (which I can count on one hand the amount she has had in three years) and it did eventually go away, but it came back again not that long ago today. Sigh, can my kid just please catch a break?

Well she actually will be getting a short break from chemotherapy as she gets a break every so many cycles, but still need to go in to have her counts checked to make sure shes staying the course and that her daily injections work. 

Next Monday we meet with the Physical Therapy team to go over Arley's walking issues and see what they suggest doing in that respect. I have an idea on the end result, but you know me, I like to be fully knowledgeable in anything happening before I go ahead and share it. I just don't want anyone to get worked up on this journey without being prepared. It also helps to stop the many questions, comments, phone calls, texts and e-mails that follow when you are really vague. I don't like being vague, but sometimes it's just easier, but you know that good or bad I will always share everything with you.

Speaking of which, I had hoped to conduct a "Day in the life of a chemo patient" segment for you all and document what Arley has to go through weekly with photos and while I did take some, this was just such a crappy visit that it needed a post all on it's own so I will try again next week. 

Side note- I feel like this month has just flown by too darn quick. I can't believe Halloween will be here in 9 more days. I feel so unprepared for everything and it's just another constant reminder that Christmas is right around the damn corner and I am even more less prepared for that. Seriously can I just crawl under a rock until 2015 arrives? Pretty please? Ugh... until next time...