Just Breathe!

3 out of the 4 "yucky" treatments down - 75% finished or 1 more to go!!!! Whatever way you look at it, almost done with the hard stuff.  Not without it's complications, of course, but thankfully they were minor.  I was told that with this round of treatments they would get harder on my body, as the drug had a chance to "build up" in my system.  Optimistic as I am, in the back of my mind I tried to tell myself that with me, it would be different - not a chance.  I do know my energy is down so far that I hardly recognize myself, who is this person that has to sit down all the time or take naps? 1 more, just 1 more :)...

The major side effect we had with this round was shortness of breath that I experienced almost immediately after my treatment that lasted for several days.  Scary, yes, but thankfully tests were run and many major things ruled out, including damage to my heart. We are so so grateful to our circle of friends who are willing to do anything for me and did! Thank you, thank you, thank you!  While this journey has been unexpected one thing that has been so precious is seeing the outpouring of true friendship, help and love that has come our way, it leaves us speechless. Amazing, just amazing.

That is what constantly gets me through the tough times, knowing that so many are out there on our side willing to win this battle not only for me but for my family as well. And my family needed that this week, as I received a call from the school nurse on Tuesday afternoon "Ms. Reinke, Brooke is in the office with a broken arm".  Thankfully my mom, "mimi" had come last week to help out and was able to stay with Lincoln while I jumped in the car and drove with my heart racing and questions in my mind, "is this as bad as last time (two years ago), surgery, rods, did she hit her head, should I have told them to call the ambulance?' just get there.

She was sitting up and not crying when I ran into the office, the adrenaline had kicked in and I ran! When I looked at her arm it wasn't nearly as bad as the previous time but you could still tell it was broken.  Off to the emergency room and 5 hour wait we went. Then a three hour visit on Wednesday with the orthopedic doctor. I just can't seem to get out of these physician offices. hmmmm.....  My Brooke was so worried about me and kept telling me how sorry she was for doing this at this time.  Her tender heart.

Brian just walks into the room and ask how his medically challenged family is doing today and what we need. While Mimi is busy tending to two now.  Brooke asked me to take a picture with her for the blog and "work" my new do!  She has begged me to not wear a wig or hat out in public, she told me to "own it"!  So this is the first step, I'm owning it with her - for her!!!

 Brooke - 12 years old.