Monday Autumn and I drove to Santa Barbara for a long day of chemo. This appointment was part of the regular schedule, nothing unexpected, but a bit too long of a day to spend in the hospital. During this type of chemo, Etoposide and Cyclophosphamide, Autumn needs to be hydrated for about 3 hours prior to the administration of chemo and then about 6 hours afterwards. This type of chemo can cause serious damage to the lining of the stomach wall and needs to be flushed to prevent too much harm. Really? Doesn’t it seem likely that one would just use less chemo? There are so many intricate rules for each type of drug and so many side effects besides the obvious…not fun! Autumn seems to react with really watery eyes during this session, but she never really complains, she just keeps drying her eyes. Amazing what a little one will endure, just amazing.

One of the drugs is a red color, much like to color of blood. Autumn was pleased to find out that that same red color made her pee red too! I love what kids find entertaining; it makes life so much more enjoyable.

Speaking of kids, Sage made me laugh this morning. She was a bit jealous this morning (completely understandable since Autumn is getting the lion’s share of attention these days) and claimed that Autumn just loves going to the hospital because she gets all of these gifts! Again…really?? Out of the mouth of babes!

The treatment schedule is quite varied and offers all sorts of unique chemo regiments. Each week is seemingly different from the next. The only similarity is the continuity between the three sessions (we are currently in the second round). Next week and the week after we have short sessions…finally! There are a few of those tucked in between the endless days there at Cottage…for that I am thankful!

Have a wonderful week everyone, thanks for reading and keeping Autumn and her sisters in your thoughts!