PART 1:
Ionas treatment is now in the recovery stage of the first cycle of chemotherapy.
In a couple weeks time an MRI will give us our first detailed measure of how well the cancer is responding to the chemo. What we can see visually is that the lumps on her jaw line and the big one on her lower back have significantly reduced in size.
If the cancer responds well to the chemo, there will be four cycles of chemo. If not there will be two cycles then a bone marrow transplant. Each cycle is approx 5-6 weeks and between cycles we may get 2 to 5 days at home.
Currently she is suffering the affects of mucusitus, in which ulcers develop along the gastrointestinal tract as a result of the chemo. Pain management is key, as it is simply a waiting game for it to repair.
At the moment, Iona has been running a fever that is proving hard to shake. The doctors are constantly testing for bacterial and fungal infections and adjusting treatment to suit. There are many daily challenges to navigate, ongoing discussions with doctors and specialists to plan the next tweak to support her. As of yet, there has been no improvement to her inability to control her bowels, bladder or legs.
At times all we can do is sit and be present with her while she zones out or sleeps. However when she is lively and playful, it is amazing and joyful. The cheeky and engaging Iona wants to come out and play as soon as she can handle it.
Continued in next post..
