Monday, August 27, 2012

After only one week at home following a difficult round of chemotherapy, compounded by a life threatening stay in the Intensive Care Unit, Lexe reported to the hospital to begin her 4th and final round of chemo.  The day started with a visit to the Cardiology Department for an echocardiogram and an EKG.  Lexe then had clinic with her Oncologist who drew labs and examined her.  Clinic was followed by a spinal tap and bone marrow aspirate in the outpatient surgical suite.  Following the surgical procedures, Lexe walked herself up to the Cancer Unit to begin chemotherapy.  She did not want to be pushed in a wheelchair.

This round of chemo will last six days.  Chemo will be administered twice per day.  Lexe will be given both Ara-C and Mitoxantrone.  Mitroxantrone will be given for the first time and is a pretty nasty drug.  The drug is actually blue in color and hard on the heart.  The fourth and final round is called Intensification II.

During clinic Lexe was told that her heart has been slightly effected by a combination of chemotherapy and the shock of her Intensive Care experience.  The echocardiogram she received today was compared to her first echocardiogram given prior to any treatment.  Lexe's heart is not squeezing as hard today as it was prior to treatment.  Her physician is hopeful that this condition will correct itself once treatment is concluded and Lexe is fully recovered.  As added protection for her heart, prior to Lexe receiving her dose of Mitroxane, she will be given the drug Dexrazoxane which helps protect the heart against cardiotoxic agents.

Lexe has lost weight and is still a bit fragile but her physicians feel that pushing ahead with the final round gives her the best chance to beat leukemia.  We are all a bit nervous about things but we have put our trust in Lexe's providers and are hoping for a smooth course of treatment.  Lexe is calm and confident and is constantly telling us that everything will work out just fine.  So with Lexe's confidence we forge ahead!!



9 comments:

  1. We pray for Lexe every night. She is an inspiring young lady. So full of strength, courage, and faith. Thanks for sharing her story.

    Team Kenton

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  2. Lexe is always in our prayers. We pray for the strength that she will need to get her through this last round of cemo. Our prayers are with all of you.

    Love, Marilyn Bodily

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  3. I am a fellow mom of a cancer cutie. And the road to "getting better" never seems to be easy for any of our kids. I have mourned and prayed and cheered as I have read through Lexe's journey. What an incredible lady with a lot of fight in her. Keep it up girl! You will kick leukemia's butt!!
    lots of prayers
    Tara MOgle

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  4. Love you Lex! I miss you and think about you every day! Keep up the good work girlfriend! You are so strong!
    Love, Reggie :)

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  5. Lexe! I hope this last round goes smoothly and quickly and you can be done soon! You are such an amazing fighter and I feel so lucky to have gotten to know you a little bit! I'm sad I'm not working at the hospital anymore and I won't get to celebrate with you when this is all over, but I will be thinking about you and praying extra hard! Keep fighting! You are awesome!

    Love, nurse Amie

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  6. So glad to hear that the final round is underway! I hope and pray that it is smooth sailing from here on out. Good Luck Lexe! Love you and your family!

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  7. She is amazing. Thank you for the inspiration. I think about her everyday. I was in the Brigham City temple and open house tonight and thought of Lexe the whole time. I'm so lucky to know you lexe! Thank you again. Love, Avery C

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  8. Love and Prayers Lexe and family! We are cheering for you!

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  9. Hooray for being on your final round! You can do this!

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