Methotrexate Success

Sierra went in for her second dose of chemo on Wednesday, April 18th. It was her first dose of Methotrexate(M), we were told some kids handle it much easier than the Cisplatin and doxorubicin that she received for her first treatment, and we were lucky that Sierra was among them.

Waiting room before being admitted.

Opening her "little wish", she got 3 barbies, a new DS game, and Break the Ice game.

When we got into her room on Wednesday, we were visited by one of the volunteers who comes by each week. He was a magician, and Sierra was really impressed, so was I. He did some fun tricks for her, and then her help do a few also. It was really sweet, she can't wait to go back next week so daddy can be there too.

Ryan the Magician

Before starting her M, she had to be on fluids for a few hours, they accessed her port(which she hates, this is when they put a needle into the port they placed just under the skin on her chest, where they draw blood and give meds) and hooked her up to an IV. They changed around her anti-nausea med this time, which was very successful. She never once got nauseated, and had no trouble with appetite. The chemo ran for 4 hours, and then they continued with more IV fluids to flush the chemo from her system. The first night was rough because Sierra had to go potty so frequently with the amount of fluid they were pumping into her, she was getting quite frustrated and really just wanted to sleep. She was also a bit moody since they gave her a steroid as one of her anti-nausea meds.

First dose of M.

Thursday morning she was feeling great, and eating well. Grandma and Grandpa Higbee brought her some Cinnamon Toast Crunch to the hospital so she could have the cereal she was asking for, she also got to have a McDonald's cheeseburger for lunch 2 days in a row. We have been told to let her eat whatever she wants to help keep her weight up:)
She got to make some pillowcase on Thursday also. She picked out a Littlest Pet Shop one for herself, and made a Spiderman one for Reece, and an Elmo one for Evy.

Sewing her pillowcase:)

Thursday evening I taught her to crochet a chain, and she quickly became a pro. She has been chaining away for the last 2 days, I think she is ready to take on the next step:)

Figuring it out.

So proud of herself, she has gone on to make this chain at least 10 times this size.

Saturday morning, before being discharged, the WSU football team made a visit to the Children's Hospital. Sierra got an autographed poster, and got to take some pictures with some of the team. She was pretty timid when they came into her room, but was all smiles.

Evy even got in on the action, high fiveing a few of the players:)

I feel so blessed that Sierra has felt so good throughout this treatment, I know it is because of all of the prayers that have been said for her. She will go back to the hospital for the same protocol next Wednesday, and we pray that she has the same outcome. For now we are happy to be home, and happy to be able to be together. Thank you everyone for all of your love and support, we couldn't do it without you:)