July 22, 2006

Samantha had her 4th platelet transfussion on thursday and we are happy to say it went a lot better than the last one. She was still having trouble with breakthrough seizures so we decided to take her to see the Neurologist in Orlando that has been following her since January. Once again we will be increasing/adjusting meds in hopes to get the combo needed to make her seizure free without putting her into a daze.
We decided since we would be in Orlando we should try to make it fun for the kids. We visited Sea World fed the dolphins, saw some shows and had breakfast with the disney characters. Of course things did not go as smooth as we would have liked but all in all they enjoyed themselves and we all came home very tired.
We will be doing labs again on Monday. Her white count was starting to drop on thursday so we may not be able to be out and about for a while but we did a lot while we could. We will update again after we have results.
With Love,
Audra, Kurt, Christopher, & Samantha

July 18, 2006

Samantha has had a lot of ups and downs during the past 10 days or so. In trying to stop the morning vomitting we started her on a new medicine that seemed to be working and she was having a few great days. When the med started to build up it made her totally out of it. She was sleeping the days away and when she was awake she was in a complete daze. When we stopped that med the vomitting started again along with seizures and no appetite. She gave us a good scare over the weekend but seems to be bouncing back some. We were able to get some food in her and keep it down Sunday afternoon which gave her a little energy. She did pretty good yesterday as far as eating... no vomitting and no seizures. We will keep our fingers crossed!!!
She had her third transfussion of platelets yesterday which didn't go so smooth but we all got through it okay. The rest of her labs are still looking pretty good which gives her a little freedom to do things when she feels up to it.
Her hair is really starting to come in and she decided she is happy about it now. She remains in good spirits and keeps that beautiful smile on her face that brightens our every day. As of right now we are still scheduled to return to Memphis on August 7th.
Please keep the prayers alive for Samantha and all the other children and families facing this nightmare as well. Thank you once again for all your love and support we can not begin to express what it means to us.
With love,
Audra, Kurt, Christopher, & Samantha

July 6, 2006

Samantha finished her chemo on Sunday night and was glad to get it over with. We had a nice 4th of July. She got to spend some time playing in the pool with some friends during the day and went to watch the fireworks with some other friends in the evening. She has been very tired and has been napping everyday but has been able to get to PT & OT two times this week and has been excercising in the pool as much as possible.
We had labs done today and suprisingly to us her platelets have already dropped, she is having her first transfussion this evening. Kurt gave today so she will have them ready for her if she needs another round on Monday. We are still battling the morning sickness but will be trying another combo of meds tonight in hopes to stop that for her.
We are scheduled to return to Memphis on August 7th but are thinking we will probably be pushed back a week as we started chemo later than expected. While in Memphis this time she will have an MRI done along with various appts with different docs and clinics. We pray that we will have some positive news to report and of course cant stop hoping for that miracle she so deserves!!! Please continue to pray for that as well. Thank you all once again.
With Love,
Audra, Kurt, Christopher, & Samantha