Because Maggie has developed this intense allergy to the PEG-L-asparaginase, she needs to do an alternative treatment that requires two intra-muscular (IM) shots during each of six additional hospital visits over the next two weeks. We may be able to combine two of these additional runs to Norfolk with her regular chemotherapy visits.
About ten percent of kids treated with PEG-L-asparaginase develop an allergy to it. Dr. V reminded me today that if she had gotten her dose in one IM push like they used to do it, she'd likely still be in the hospital chasing the reaction.
Did I mention that Maggie has an intense aversion to needles? Any good ideas on how to help her deal with her fear?
Our little prayer today: Help us to be mindful that every path, even the unexpected one, is Your path.
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| Maggie getting her Vincristine. |
5 comments:
Sorry to hear she's struggling still, she's in my prayers.
As to needle aversion...that's a rough one. I'm scared of needles too. I usually hold someone's hand and look at their face until the needle stuff is done. I know when we were kids our doctor had lolly pops, stickers, etc...
~Ronda
I feel for her. My son got those when he first got diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Aug. 2009...it gave him some blood clots which ever since then he's been on Lovonox blood thinners shots in belly...it is strange these new ways they deal with our childrens cancers...my son is a now 18 year old...it's easier for him to deal w/ these things...my heart goes out to you and I wish the very best. God Bless You All, Betty Akens
Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jelly Belly's!
My daughter screamed if we even mentioned going to the doc - she instantly thought needle (she had no immunizations when she came to us so lots of pokes at every doc visit until she was 4) - We let her choose her Jelly Belly's and took them to the doc with us. She had her magical Belly's and munched them through the pokes. I know little Maggie has way more pokes but it's worth a try! :)
Lots of prayers are headed your way! xxoo
FYI, readers... Danette suggested:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version, ©2011)
I also am no fan of needles, but I have improved greatly to the point where I no longer need my parents in the same room, holding my hand.
How I got over most of the fear:
Listen to music and perhaps even sing with her. When I was younger, my mom and I would sing "Hakuna Matata" (Lion King) while my blood was drawn. Even now, I find it easier to put in my earphones and turn up the music on my ipod.
So:
Listening to music/singing and yummy treats are great helpers to get over the fear.
Hope this helps!
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