Delayed Intensification Day 15
Today is Day 15 of Delayed Intensification. Today is also a great day.
The first two weeks went pretty darn great. Sofia got a little sad from the steroids for 1 day. She also got tired for 1 day.
Today she had the last dose of the "red devil" chemo, so good riddance! She also starts week 2 of steroids (she had days 8-14 off). Given that it's her second round we should expect the symptoms to be a big stronger, so day by day. We will keep her on zofran around the clock for the next three days to help with any nausea. Next scheduled chemo isn't for 2 weeks or longer, depending on counts.
When we arrived to the hospital today I was a nervous wreck because today has been 14 days since her last bone marrow aspirate. That special 1 in 1 million test takes 14 days to get results. So as Sofia's NP walked in I held my breath and she said no results yet! She then told us our Doctor is going to Europe for 3 weeks but they should for sure be back when he returns. I told her she was crazy if she thought I was waiting 3 more weeks. She promised that she would have a doctor call us even if it wasn't our Doctor. I agreed and we moved on with the "plan" for the rest of DI.
As we finished up chemo and the nurse came in to de-access Sofia's port, both our Dr and NP walked in. He was waving a sheet and was saying zero zero zero zero zero!!!!! Finally the words we've been waiting for... Sofia's leukemia is undetectable in every test possible! 1 in 10,000 = 0, 1 in 100,000= 0 and 1 in 1,000,000 cells = 0! I of course sobbed and through tears told him he could go ahead and go on vacation. So, now we power on and continue with 2 more years of chemo to make sure it never comes back!!!
7 months ago I realized how little control we all have in our lives. I've had a lot of dark moments and a lot of tears. But Mike and I promised to always smile and be nothing but positive in front of Sofia. Today when she saw me crying happy tears she just looked and me, laughed and gave me a kiss. She is literally my strength. Mike is the definition of positivity and baby Noni is 17 pounds of pure joy. Together we make a pretty amazing team!
Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers, your positive energy and your friendship.
Comments (18)
Crying happy tears right now!! Could not be happier for Sofia and her amazing family. Love you all so much.
That's wonderful news that Sofia's leukemia is undetectable! All the prayers and good thoughts have paid off! The doctors and nurses have done an amazing job also! It takes teamwork, patience and a strong loving family to get thru something like this! Hears to happier days ahead!
Today is a good day indeed! No one can really understand what the parents of a sick child have to endure. From the outside, I see the constant worry, the loss of "normal" life and the strength needed to stay committed and positive. Those of you who know my sister Gina, you know she's simply a Rock Star under pressure. I couldn't be more proud of who and what she is, not only to Sofia, but to her entire family. And really getting to know Mike over the past seven months has warmed my heart. I'm so happy this is the man my sister has as a partner. His outlook on life is always positive and he's so present for his wife and kids - you both are amazing parents. As Gina said, seven months ago we were reminded of what little control we have over some things in life, but through this beautiful little girl (and her brud), we as a family, are taking control of things in our power and making sure we spend time together and focused on the things in life that really matter. I love, love, love all of you...and we will all sleep a little better tonight. xoxo
Gina this is the greatest update yet. It's the one we have been praying so hard for. We won't let our guard down for a moment thought I will continue to pray as hard as ever for Sofia and of course her Mommy, Dad, and little brother. I am overwhelmed with joy and emotion after hearing this wonderful news!
What great news this is that the leukemia is undetectable! God bless you all! Prayer is powerful, for sure, and my prayers for all of you will continue daily.
What a great news! this is a VERY happy day for all of us! Thank you and all the best to your beautiful family,
Fantastic. You guys are an inspiration. This post just made my day!
So glad to hear positive news about the little warrior! Congrats and keep fighting.
Such terrific news!! Prayers really work! All of you must be overwhelmed with joy! Well done, Sofia!
Gina and Mike, That is amazing news and I am so happy for all of you right now! What an amazingly strong girl. Happy tears right now and grateful for all the prayers you have received. I've seen what Leukemia can do and it's not good. Keep up all the great things you are doing.
What fabulous news!! This post makes my day, week, month, and year to date. It is also the best Father's Day "gift" that Mike (and all of us) could ever receive. Thanks for this wonderful news Gina as we head into this weekend. Happy Father's Day to all you Dad's out there - most especially Coach Mike Rodriguez!!
What wonderful news!!! :-) Tears of joy indeed!!!
Best news ever! So happy to read this and will keep the prayers going...
Such great news! We are so happy to hear this! You are such an amazing family and we are so blessed that 3 years ago your family came into our lives. The Garcia's are saying prayers daily!! Love you to you all!! xoxoxo
I am so happy to hear this news, every time I get an update I hug and kiss both of my babies! You are an amazing family and I wish you all the best! Tears of happiness...xoxoxoxo
We are so happy to hear the good news. Happy tears and chills of joy from us. Love and Blessings to you all. Jim and Gail
Best news EVER!!!! So happy for all of you xoxoxoxoxoxoxo Mary and all the Helmers Family :-)
Such wonderful news and the best Father's Day Mike could hope for! We are so happy for all of you! Lisa Jim and Dylan