Update.
We will not have the PET scan readings for a couple of days. Olivia did great but she did not like having the barrier between us so I had to move it slightly so she could see me. The PET scan was easy but as always, she was a little nervous and didn’t like having the medicines injected into her IV.
Olivia’s port will be inserted next Tuesday or Wednesday at which time we will begin her chemotherapy treatments. She will remain in the hospital for a couple of days for monitoring. They REALLY want to get her back home for Christmas.
Her oncologist expects her to be in a stage 3 or stage 4. I asked what that meant…I asked how long she had with us, if she was terminal because when you hear stage 4, that’s immediately where your mind takes you. Oncologist explained that rhabdomyosarcoma is a little different from other cancers where stage 4 does not necessarily mean terminal. It’s serious but we aren’t at a point of thinking terminal. Thank you Jesus!
We will most likely head to Memphis for the proton beam radiation treatment in a few months. This is typically an 8 week process.
We asked how long she’s had this going on. The oncologist stated only weeks. This is a rapid and aggressive cancer, which is why we want to start chemo sooner than later.
We ask for continued prayers for our sweet girl as she starts her chemotherapy treatments next week. We’ve tried to prepare her for the vast array of side effects from chemo. We ask that if you have children that know Olivia personally, please prepare them for some physical changes that they may notice. We’ve started these same conversations with our other children.
As always, thank you for your continued love, support and prayers for our sweet Olivia! We need our village and warriors now more than ever!
~Christie
First posted on the OliviaStrong Facebook page.