Carter loving being a big brother
Carter had an outpatient visit this morning that ran into this evening. He was scheduled to get chemo at the Outpatient Infusion Center, and this would normally be a pretty quick appointment (although it never really seems to be). However, Carter vomited this morning while taking his meds and had diarrhea a couple times, so Matt and I were afraid he might get too dehydrated. We called CHOC to let them know and asked if he could get some IV hydration while at the infusion center today. The doctor thought it was probably a good idea, so they spent the day pumping fluids into Carter after he received his chemo.
Now, Matt and I are hoping Carter’s appetite will start to improve in the next few days. The further away we get from the beginning of this chemo cycle, the better. We are anxious for Carter to get all these poisons out of his body forever. We don’t hate chemo, we appreciate it. We know the good it provides, and don’t know where Carter or many other people would be without it. However, it’s hard to see the side effects it has on someone you love. Not only does chemo completely wipe Carter out in terms of nausea, lack of appetite and energy, hair loss, weakness, but he has gotten some very rare side effects from these drugs as well. As I’ve mentioned before, there is one drug he receives on a weekly basis that has done the most damage to Carter’s body. Thankfully, we only have ONE more dosage of this drug next Friday and then we are DONE! We will be dealing with the side effects of this drug for a while. It seems as though it is causing peripheral neuropathy in Carter. This is when there is sensory loss, pain, muscle weakness and wasting of muscle in the hands or legs and feet…hence, the broken leg. Also, this drug has caused Carter’s left eye to become lazy. So, the beginning of November we begin Carter’s physical therapy and meet with the eye doctor. We are looking forward to the rehab phase of his recovery!
Grandma left today after visiting for a week. Thank you so much for all your help Jill! Matt and I don’t know what we are going to do now that these crazy boys outnumber us! You may have to come and visit again soon!!
I speak health to Carter, a return of his appetite in the mighty name of Jesus. I speak strength to his bones, muscles and joints in the mighty name of Jesus. Holy Spirit pour out your horn of oil once again over, in and through Carter in Jesus' mighty name. Breath refreshing over this family right now in Jesus' mighty name. Pour out joy unspeakable over, in and through this family.
ReplyDeleteMany hugs my beloved Kipps!
Seriously a broken leg...come on!!!! Enough for this family PLEASE! I love your positive outlook and spin on everything as you face each crisis. You make everyone want to do better when all of us face little things and not waste negative energy on the nonsense of life! The pictures of all the boys with Matt is just precious. Davis looks like he is growing and healthy. What a cutie with big brother Carter. So thrilled you are almost done with the miracle poison...love it and hate it at the same time. Therapy will solve all these problems and he will be running soon. You might ask about an IV bone strengthner for him as he builds back his muscle and bones...big hugs to all and let's hope you have a calm weekend. You deserve it!
ReplyDeletexoxo Cindy and John
You guys are almost through the worst of it...and yes, chemo is a blessing and curse at the same time. My MOPS group all prayed for you guys again on Thurs. I update them every week, and when everyone heard the news this week about his little leg, there was a collective gasp and reaction of "Really? Come on! Hasn't it been enough???" I know if these women that have never met you all have felt that way, you must feel it a thousand fold.
ReplyDeleteDavis looks great and healthy...and clearly Carter enjoys being a big brother. What a gift to have such three beautiful boys. I continue to be so impressed by your gratefulness and grace in the midst of this whole situation. And you are right, there will be a point before too long hopefully when things will go back to being simpler. Different than before, but not as hard as now.
Thinking of you all-
Jenny