A long day and a bright spot (or two...or more!)

We broke all records today for long waits at MD Anderson.

The day started with a radiation treatment which are still going well for Amanda with no side effects (that is one bright spot).

From there we headed up to Adolescent Center on the 7th floor. That stop was not in our schedule but unfortunately, Amanda has still not cleared the Methatrexate from her system. Because of that, we had to go up for lab draws and new level counts. Also, in the last 36 hours Amanda has developed mouth sores and so that needed to be discussed during our regular Monday appointment with Dr. Anderson.

After many, many card games, a few quick dashes to the cafeteria for snacks and a drink, and a 5 hour wait (yes...a 5 hour wait - definitely not a bright spot) we had our appointment with Dr. Anderson and I can report this.

Dr. Anderson is not too concerned with the time it is taking for Amanda to clear. They are watching her levels closely, it is clear that there is still some elevation but they are not at a dangerous level at this time. We learned that the mouth sores are a side effect from having the Methatrexate in her body for so long. He gave us a new prescription swish that coats her mouth and has a pain reliever in it and Amanda found that it gave her immediate relief. (That is definitely a bright spot.)

Dr. Anderson is very pleased that Amanda is pain free. He is hopeful that this is a positive indicator that the chemo and the radiation are reducing the new tumor sites. He did have to make the decision not to give her a second dose of Methatrexate. He feels that at this time it would be harder on her body and organs than the positive that could come from it. He wants to let her clear this dose, rest a couple of days and then begin another form of chemo.

Our day finally ended with us arriving home at 6:10 in the evening. (Not a bright spot by any means.) But waiting for us at home...presents, balloons and streamers. It is Abby's 18th birthday! (A major bright spot!)

Amanda and I are so excited that she is here for us to share this day with her. We had chosen her presents and decorations before she arrived and last night, after she was asleep, we prepared the apartment for her to wake up to today.

Sisters...they are precious. Abby supported Amanda all day, encouraging her, playing games to pass the time, finding ways to make us all laugh...never once complaining about hanging out in a hospital all day long. And Amanda, with her fluid bag on her back, grinned and kept fun surprises a secret all day for Abby to find when we got home this evening. Together they are incredible, what a gift their relationship is.

Tomorrow we head back again for another lab draw and to see if we are closer to clearing this drug. We really, really need this out of her system. Really.

A long day, yet a day with things to be thankful for. Happy Birthday, Abby. You are a gift to us all...and thank you for sharing your "gift" with Amanda and I during this long day.