Week of August 25, 2008

Leila started the Delayed Intensification treatment stage this week. She had a spinal tap along with Vincristine and Doxorubicin. These are both chemo treatments that are given into her central line. She also started taking Dexamethasone (THE STEROID) again for 21 days. On Friday this week, she will have the PEG Asparaginase which is another chemo given intramuscular in her legs. This treatment stage is considered the toughest round, so we are preparing ourselves both mentally and physically. Leila has done so well throughout all of this, so we hope for the best and take each day as it comes.

Leila had her first home school tutor session today with Mr. Gardner. He will be coming three days a week to work with her. He will be keeping in touch with her first grade teacher to keep her up to date with what her class is doing. Hopefully this will help her to make a smooth transition back to school when she is able to return.

Thursday August 21, 2008

Leila has had another good week! Her Aunt Dania came to visit us and we spent the past weekend at a hotel on the strip for a quick get away. Leila, Rami and Deena enjoyed swimming, eating out and walking around on the strip.

Leila had her weekly doctor appointment on Tuesday this week. Her white blood cell count was still quite low, but she has plenty of energy. She is due to start another new stage of treatment next week called Delayed Intensification. Her overall blood cell count needs to be at a certain level for her to start this round of treatment. We will find out next week if she is able to begin the chemo or wait another week.

Grandma and Grandpa Brown also arrived today for a visit. They will be here for two weeks. We enjoy them being here and helping us out!!

Week of August 11th

Leila had her weekly doctor appointment on Monday this week. She is doing well, although her white blood cell count was quite a bit lower than last week. She still has plenty of energy and is eating well.

We are looking forward to seeing Ziad's sister (Dania) this weekend. She is coming to stay with us for a week and has never been to Vegas. The kids are excited to see her and have someone else to play with.

Rami will be starting school on August 25th and Leila will resume her tutor lessons at home the same week. Deena will be starting preschool two mornings a week for the first time. Rami is not looking forward to the start of school, but mom sure is!!

Leila's "Cancer SUCKS" cheer video

A weekend in Arizona

We went to Sedona, Arizona for a weekend get away as a family. We enjoyed the scenery and beautiful Red Rock mountains. Leila was feeling better, so we relaxed together and spent time in Old Town Sedona. We did a little shopping and met a nice cowboy. We stayed at a beautiful resort where the kids enjoyed swimming and playing.

Rough week for Leila

This week Leila had another Spinal tap along with four different types of Chemotherapy. The days following the treatment were rough for her. She had leg, stomach and back pain for several days after the treatments. She slept a lot and laid around with mommy trying to comfort her as much as possible.