I know many have asked about Greta's CT Scan results from Wednesday. We probably won't hear anything until Monday now. After the incident at the hospital on Thursday we figure there was a lot going on and we could wait to inquire on Monday when we return for round 3. As of Friday the Oncology floor that Greta regularly visits was still closed for repairs. Hopefully by Monday they will be up and running again.
We too are anxiously awaiting the CT Scan results, we are hopeful that they show more improvement. In the mean time we are enjoying lots of play time with Greta. Her walking has greatly improved and she is acting more like herself every day. It is such a joy to see her doing so well.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Rest Assured!
None of us were at the hospital today. Greta and her family are fine. Our prayers go out to those who were injured, as well as their loved ones, and to all who were at the hospital during the incident.
For those who are not local (who haven't heard), there was a helicopter crash on the roof at Spectrum Hospital (where Greta has been treated these past several weeks). You can read the story by clicking here.
For those who are not local (who haven't heard), there was a helicopter crash on the roof at Spectrum Hospital (where Greta has been treated these past several weeks). You can read the story by clicking here.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Our Little Fighter
Greta's stem cell collection today was successful. They were able to collect almost 2-3 times what they had hoped, so she'll definitely be set if a transplant is needed in the future. Fortunately they were also able to fit her in for her CT Scan today saving us another trip to the hospital tomorrow. The good news now is we have the next 4 days straight at home.
Just like when Greta was sedated in the ICU, she was fighting the sedation today. After 3 rounds of anesthesia, Greta was still sitting up and fighting to stay awake (and exercising her lungs real well). And now 6 hours later she is still fighting the effects, her poor little eyes are so heavy, but she continues to fight to stay awake. We are taking that as a good sign that she'll be this feisty in her fight against cancer too!
Just like when Greta was sedated in the ICU, she was fighting the sedation today. After 3 rounds of anesthesia, Greta was still sitting up and fighting to stay awake (and exercising her lungs real well). And now 6 hours later she is still fighting the effects, her poor little eyes are so heavy, but she continues to fight to stay awake. We are taking that as a good sign that she'll be this feisty in her fight against cancer too!
Long Days at the Hospital
Tuesday Greta was back at the hospital for lab work and an ultra sound. Her white blood cell count was high enough that we are scheduled to come back Wednesday for a stem cell collection. Her stem cells are being collected now while she's healthy in the event that she'll need a transplant in the future. That meant for Greta another blood and platelet transfusion on Tuesday, so we spent most of the day there with a not so happy little girl.
Wednesday's procedures will be done under sedation, so she'll have a more relaxing day. I can't say the same for Mom and Dad!
Wednesday's procedures will be done under sedation, so she'll have a more relaxing day. I can't say the same for Mom and Dad!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Quick Update
We're having a great weekend with the family. It's so nice to be home, although we have appointments at the hospital almost every other day. Today Greta had to go in to have her platelets checked and as expected they were very low and required a transfusion. The platelets help the blood to clot and prevent her from having nose bleeds and bruising. We're back in again Tuesday to check labs again and Thursday for a CT scan to check the progress of the tumor. Next Monday we'll check back in to start her 3rd round of chemo.
Yesterday the weather was finally warm enough that Greta was able to check out the new play set. She enjoyed climbing up the slide with Grandma Betz's help and sliding down on her belly. We have a toddler swing, but it wasn't long before Greta was insisting on sitting on the big kid swing.
Thank you again all the prayers. It means a lot to our family.
Love the Betz Family.
Yesterday the weather was finally warm enough that Greta was able to check out the new play set. She enjoyed climbing up the slide with Grandma Betz's help and sliding down on her belly. We have a toddler swing, but it wasn't long before Greta was insisting on sitting on the big kid swing.
Thank you again all the prayers. It means a lot to our family.
Love the Betz Family.
Holiday Weekend
Greta continues to amaze us; we have seen so many smiles and heard loud, silly laughter this weekend!
Randy and Kristi are constantly watching her for signs of fever or other discomfort - a real feat when they suspect she's probably teething at the same time! Her numbers continue to come is as hoped and expected, but the treatment definitely takes a toll on her little body. Today she needed to stay at the hospital for most of the morning to receive a platelet transfusion. She had a nice nap while she was there, and between that and the transfusion itself, we had a content little lady to play with and adore this evening.
Gavin has enjoyed playing outside with his friends; we're really grateful that this is going on during the summer when he and his buddies can be outside - the playset has gotten quite a lot of mileage already!
Greta's still eating and drinking pretty well, hasn't lost her hair, and doesn't yet seem to have nausea or any other of the side effects we've been bracing for. She's only a little cranky now and then, and a lot more clingy with Mom and Dad, but most of that we think is probably due to frustration at not being able play the way she'd like to. She's walking a little bit more, but only a few steps at a time, and that's probably hard for her to take, too.
We continue to thank God for her pleasant nature, her terrific response to the treatment, and the comfort we receive daily from so many well-wishers. It's truly been a blessing to share this long Holiday weekend with her, to hear her gorgeous laughter and enjoy her squinty, excited little grins!
Love to all,
Kari
Randy and Kristi are constantly watching her for signs of fever or other discomfort - a real feat when they suspect she's probably teething at the same time! Her numbers continue to come is as hoped and expected, but the treatment definitely takes a toll on her little body. Today she needed to stay at the hospital for most of the morning to receive a platelet transfusion. She had a nice nap while she was there, and between that and the transfusion itself, we had a content little lady to play with and adore this evening.
Gavin has enjoyed playing outside with his friends; we're really grateful that this is going on during the summer when he and his buddies can be outside - the playset has gotten quite a lot of mileage already!
Greta's still eating and drinking pretty well, hasn't lost her hair, and doesn't yet seem to have nausea or any other of the side effects we've been bracing for. She's only a little cranky now and then, and a lot more clingy with Mom and Dad, but most of that we think is probably due to frustration at not being able play the way she'd like to. She's walking a little bit more, but only a few steps at a time, and that's probably hard for her to take, too.
We continue to thank God for her pleasant nature, her terrific response to the treatment, and the comfort we receive daily from so many well-wishers. It's truly been a blessing to share this long Holiday weekend with her, to hear her gorgeous laughter and enjoy her squinty, excited little grins!
Love to all,
Kari
Friday, May 23, 2008
Smiling from Ear to Ear
My son, Aidan, and I were lucky enough to get some visiting in with Greta last night...alright, I got face time, and Aidan stayed out of the house, playing with Gavin - no need to risk bringing "my little petri dish" inside!
Greta, I am thrilled to report, is laughing, clapping, playing, smiling, and eating as though there's not a thing to be concerned about. It's hard to believe that she's as sick as she is, because she's just so sweet and happy!
Just wanted to let everyone know that our prayers are being heard; the Betzes are doing great, and Greta is truly amazing.
Love to all,
Kari
Greta, I am thrilled to report, is laughing, clapping, playing, smiling, and eating as though there's not a thing to be concerned about. It's hard to believe that she's as sick as she is, because she's just so sweet and happy!
Just wanted to let everyone know that our prayers are being heard; the Betzes are doing great, and Greta is truly amazing.
Love to all,
Kari
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