Progress continues

Cydney continues to get stronger and stronger. Continually working on her physical strength and gaining endurance. She is also doing well with school and her retaining information.

The first two weeks she was back in school I attended with her, taking her from class to class; with the Special Education teacher coming with us to get to know Cydney. We then had a meeting to talk about her needs, what comforts her when she  gets upset, and how much to push her in preparation for me to step out of the room and let Cydney attend on her own. Last week she went on her own, with the Special Ed teacher and I waited in the car. This was hard for Cydney, she likes me to be close. I was nervous for her, hoping she did not get too upset and could enjoy her time in school.  Both days went well and she did enjoy herself. She gets upset as she is taken back to class, but returns happy and excited to tell me what she had done that day.  It reminds me of when she was 2 and going to day care. Every day I would return to pick her up and she would be so excited, running across the room with her arms held up saying "Mommy, you came back, you came back, I missed you!" She always had a big smile on her face and welcomed me with a huge hug and kiss. I would wrap her up in a hug and then we would walk out while she talked about all she had done. 

 "Crazy Hair Day" at school

Cydney has started eating ice cream by mouth. This is a step forward as she has previously not liked the taste of anything. We are still trying other foods and textures, to which she declines after trying.  She expresses wanting to not be tube fed anymore and is tired of having "pea soup" all the time.  Her formula Nourish is referred to as Pea Soup. We still blend food for her as well.  Until she can obtain the necessary calories by mouth, she will remain tube fed. Our goal, hope, is for her to eat by mouth and only need the tube as a supplement for when her appetite is low due to the chemo treatments.

Therapy continues to go well. Sessions have dropped down to twice a week at the Therapy center along with her two days at school she gets therapy.  We work at home the days she does not go in for Therapy.  Taking trips to the park, working on using her walker and wheelchair to get herself around, and playing with Nathan and Lily are also good  ways for her to build up strength.  She is able to stand for longer periods of time, is able to dress herself and is beginning to get the strength to crawl. 

We still struggle with emotions. Keeping her from swinging to the extremes is difficult some days.  It is worse when she is tired and has not gotten enough rest during the day.

Our newest family member Sonora:

The next round of chemo starts next week. This will  be round 5 of 9.  Another "A" cycle.  Three treatments over the next three weeks before another three week break.  We also go back to Phoenix for another MRI on the 26th of April.   The MRI will be once again to look at the spot seen in February, checking for any changes.

Thank you for the thoughts, prayers and continual messages of encouragement sent our way. 


 
 

Results came back....

Wednesday afternoon we received the phone call about Cydney's scans she had in Phoenix. The results were reassuring for now.  There was no change from the previous MRI, and the PET-CT was negative. There are some enhancements shown but unsure what they are exactly.   We will be going back for scans in six weeks.  

It was a weight lifted off our shoulders. Our worst fears were not confirmed, we can breathe a little easier for now.  There will be anxiety as more scans come up I'm certain. Treatments will continue as planned.  

Chemo Day: Cycle 4 Round 2

Receiving her Vincristine during Chemo infusion 

On the road to Phoenix for scans

In recovery at Phoenix Children's after her scans, waiting for anithesia to wear off and for her shunt to be reprogrammed before heading home 

H.O.P.E Presentation & Monkey in My Chair

A week before Cydney started school we went in to meet the students and to sit in on the H.O.P.E. presentation to the entire Third Grade. The program addresses the issue of childhood cancer; through facts of the realities of cancer, and preparing the classmates with strategies for a successful transition in Cydneys return. 

After the H.O.P.E. presentation was complete the Child Life Specialist and Educational Specialist from Banner University talked with the class more specifically about Cyndey, the procedures she has gone through and what treatments look like for her.  They used dolls and stuffed animals to show them a Port and Mic-key button, explaining their functions. Discussed proper hand washing, wearing of masks when needed and sanitizing of the classroom. All important to help Cydney be able to come into class and lessen her possibility of catching a cold or other illness. We discussed her emotions and her tendency to get upset quickly and easily. We discussed ways to help her calmly explain what she is needing and the importance to give her space when she requests. 

They then presented the Monkey in my Chair. The monkey is a representration of Cydney on days she is not in school. The class can take the monkey with them throughout the day to different classes documenting the day to day activities.

Cydney named the monkey Cydney

Back to School
This week Cydney went back to school.  There was a lot of excitement for everyone.  The classmates are eager to help her anyway they can, and have been very encouraging of her as she adjust to the classroom setting.

She is attending two hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays each week.  Her days consist of some classroom time, therapies and recess. She does get very tired by the end of the two hours. It is a lot of activity to take in and can be overwhelming at times. The school has been very supportive and accommodating to her needs. Giving her a place to have quiet time when needed, time to transition from one activity to next and helping her express her needs as far as the amount of help she wants from her classmates. 

I am attending with her and slowly keeping my distance as people learn to communicate with her and provide her the assistance she needs.  The therapist either work with her in the room or in their own classroom one on one. 

Once we leave she returns home for a nap before the homebound teacher arrives. 

Ready to head into the school

Working on her Art project

Made a clay cupcake

Working in Speech Therapy

Going for a walk with friends

Looking through drawings and cards made for her by friends

Working on fractions

Getting help from a friend with a fraction puzzle

Taking a tour of the classroom

Books donated to the classroom by H.O.P.E

                  Occupational Therapy

She has completed the 4th cycle of Chemotherapy. Next one begins on April 3rd.