On October 8th Hazel received her VERY LAST infusion of chemo! It brekas my heart that we have to celebrate something like this, but six months ago I felt like this day would never come and now it has not only come but it has gone! We (prayerfully) never have to knowingly pump poison into my baby girl's body again and she will never have to deal with the crappy side effects after these next few weeks are over. Praise God we made it!
On October 9th, Hazel received her infusion of life saving Stem Cells. We have been working up to this for so long, and although it was a beautiful moment it was quite uneventful actually! There had to be about 6 medical professionals in the room, and once the cells were hung it took about 10 minutes total. They have to take her vital signs every five minutes, which she did not care for at all(!) and she even tasted a bad flavor in her mouth; which I was told was from the preservative the cells are kept in. It gave off an aroma of creamed corn to me, but others say they smell something different or nothing at all. It is hard for my mind to grasp that she just went through a life-saving procedure because she is still feeling so well and it does not appear from the outside that her life needs saving. But I make sure to remind myself any time that I can that her body would not recover from the Chemo she just received and it is because of her stem cells regrowth that she will be able to become strong once again. She will have to be weakened before she gets stronger, so please pray for us through these next days, as they will likely be our toughest.
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| Her stem cells! |
Way to go pizza girl. From your buddy, Clothing Scott
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear she is still in good spirits! My little girls and I think about Hazel everyday and wish her a speedy recovery and a long and healthy life!
ReplyDeleteHoping for an easy week! I love that they let kids wear their own clothing now, instead of hospital gowns.
ReplyDeleteI bet you can't wait for that red curly hair to grow back! xoxo
YAY! so happy! Happy re Birthday!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you posted this update. I stumbled across your FB page and then from there, your blog the other night. I then stayed up past midnight reading every single word, my heart breaking with yours as I read through tears. For the past two days I've found myself wondering about your Hazelnut often and wishing for a positive update. She is beautiful and her story has touched my soul. I hold my own little ones a little tighter and for that I am grateful. I'll be watching and praying with the rest of the world for this little warrior to go home to her siblings stronger and healthier than anyone could have imagined. I pray I never need to tap into the strength you and your family have had to find throughout this but I believe you will all come out on the other side stronger and closer and able to pass that strength to others who need it. Lots of love being sent your way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update from Canada. I hope for a miracle.
ReplyDeleteWay to go pizza girl. and u have alot of prays out here going for u from yucaipa ca
ReplyDeleteA wonderful day indeed! I've just stumbled across your story. My daughter was dx with high risk, stage IV NB in May of 2010, just before her second birthday. She has been off treatment for 2 years and Oct 22 marks 3 years since her stem cell transplant. She has been NED for almost 3 years as well! She turned 5 in June and started kindergarten in September; she just started her third year of ballet and is a fish in the water. I tell you this to keep hope! When I was where you are three years ago, I not only prayed for Paige to beat the disease but also prayed for a good story to keep us going. Here is your story... keep going!!
ReplyDeleteHeather Ingrando
She's a sweet doll...ever smiling. Thank you for updating. My good thoughts and prayers goto hazel several times per day. That cute face is stuck in my head and i think of her and your family often.
ReplyDeleteI have been praying for all of you during this process. I found your blog because of your pizza story and am utterly in awe of your strength as you get through this part of your family's journey. Please know what an impact you have had on me and prayers pour forth for healing for Hazel.
ReplyDeleteThe Merrick family is still praying for Hazel and the whole Hammersley family regularly! Love this wonderful news! =)
ReplyDeleteI read she had red curly hair! I do too! She will make it and have a wonderful outlook on life. I was diagnosed with neuroblastoma within 24 hours of being bornand was life flighted to a hospital that knew how to care for me. Lucky for me I don't remember any of it. I am now almost 21. I see myself in her story and happy to hear she is feeling better. I will pray for her and all the angels that helped me will be helping her too :)
ReplyDeleteStill praying for your family. Hazel is a fighter!
ReplyDeleteThank goodness this is over, she's so brave and happy not matter what she goes thru, our prayers are with you and am so glad so doesn't have to go thru this anymore. You are by her side so she's a winner. Love Susie
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update. God bless your family!
ReplyDeleteWell wishes. Lauren: reading your blog replays each and every moment that my wife and I have lived 6 yrs back. Today is our daughter's 10 and half birthday. We can feel what you are going through but hang on. You have good medical support, family and friends. I am sure you will come out stronger and happier in the end. (Rajeev from Burnaby, BC)
ReplyDeleteim being stamped on for sharing anything, so plz listen. dont put anyone through this.... cures are real. http://go2.theTRUTHaboutCANCER.com/global-quest/1 good luck people[save humanity]
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