ROUND 2 under way

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It was exactly 4 Monday's ago. We left our pediatrician and ended up here at Duke Children's just about this time of day where we were about to receive Charlotte's cancer diagnosis. It was any parents worst nightmare as we came to learn and understand this diagnosis. It feels like 4 months ago. We are still coping and feeling our way, but never in a million years could I imagine being in this "place" that we are today, emotionally and spiritually. We are still coping and going through the grieving stages, but hearing the news today that Charlotte is healthy enough to begin round 2 was great news. A couple weeks ago, hearing that your child needed chemo was gut wrenching but today it is music to our ears. It means Charlotte has recovered from round 1 and is ready to continue to fight and heal while we all cheer her on.
Her spunky spirit is back. She had a wonderful, restful weekend home playing with Taylor and Parker and also getting to see some family and a few friends who could come by. Her feeding tube is out for now (she made that decision for us during a lovely 2 year old tantrum Saturday night lol and thank goodness our medical team decided to let her go with it for now since she is eating and drinking so well for now). This round of chemo has the same 2 chemo therapeutics given as the first round and we will pray she has a smoother, easier reaction to it. Hopefully, we will be at Duke Childrens as an outpatient for the next five days while she gets chemo. It is the only out patient round she will be able to have. Then, the remaining 16 days are recovery at home. In addition, she will also have a couple procedures during this round to harvest her stem cells for later use during her treatment. As always, your love and encouragement are truly felt over here. You may not realize it, but your support, prayers, light hearted jokes and distractions, messages/reaching out, and presence in our lives are an important foundation in which we are standing on at this time.
Ready for round 2


Who needs a feeding tube she says

Great weekend at home



Comments

  1. Tim and LaniApril 11, 2016 at 4:16 PM

    Thank you for the update. I think round one was so difficult because the cancer hates what you're doing to it. It doesn't like that you're taking it down. Prayers that round two goes much more smoothly. We love you all. Your strength and grace is truly inspiring.

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    Replies
    1. jenrvballApril 12, 2016 at 12:06 PM

      I think that too. Brian said "it's the tumor screaming as we kill it".

      Delete
    2. Tim and LaniApril 13, 2016 at 7:57 AM

      Exactly our thoughts. We'll keep the prayers coming, you guys keep your chins up!

      Delete
  2. CarolApril 11, 2016 at 4:27 PM

    I'm so happy that she was able to spend the weekend at home with her family and recharge! I think about you guys every day and send all my love!! XOXOX

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownApril 11, 2016 at 6:41 PM

    So glad Charlotte got some time at home and is ready to take on round 2. keep the fight up sweet girl!!! I think about you all constantly and am praying round 2 is easier. Love you!

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    Replies
    1. jenrvballApril 12, 2016 at 12:09 PM

      😘praying for Frank and your sister too. I hate that you have so many people in your life you care about battling cancer

      Delete
  4. UnknownApril 11, 2016 at 7:55 PM

    PG
    She is the Best
    And Tay is Magic with her. So Great To see them together
    PG for a Great famiky weekend
    Prayers for Continued progress
    And way to go SuperMom and Dad
    Prayers for you both
    LY
    Pops

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownApril 11, 2016 at 8:29 PM

    Love the pictures and video. You got this sweet Charlotte!! You will get through this!! Praying round two is a lot easier. Love you guys! Xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. jenrvballApril 12, 2016 at 12:09 PM

      😘 sibling magic I like to say. They are good medicine aren't they

      Delete
  6. Erin WallaceApril 11, 2016 at 9:42 PM

    Thumbs up to you Dr Charlotte! Love the video. What amazing kids you have Jennifer and Brian. (Not that we didn't already know that). Here's to kicking that tumor's butt, round 2!

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownApril 11, 2016 at 10:00 PM

    Great pics and video. Charlotte, you've got spirit and fight in you and a fantastic family to support you through it all! We love you all and pray for you everyday!

    ReplyDelete
  8. InnaApril 11, 2016 at 10:35 PM

    Thumbs up, sweet girl. Love you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. jenrvballApril 12, 2016 at 12:11 PM

      😘you should have seen her reaction to the video of Elise dancing lol. Furrowed brows and all

      Delete
  9. Kevin SweeneyApril 12, 2016 at 8:17 AM

    Been thinking of you daily, sweet Charlotte. You and your family have a circle of support unlike anything I have ever quite seen in my life. Strength in numbers to get a strong fighting girl through round 2. Keep on rocking it, Charlotte. Love you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. jenrvballApril 12, 2016 at 12:12 PM

      We have no words that can say enough by everyone's out pouring if love. Loved seeing you guys, thanks for coming

      Delete
  10. Annette StackApril 12, 2016 at 1:54 PM

    You go Charlotte...you call those shots and let the docs know when your nutrition is up to speed! So good to hear that she is doing "normal" two year old stuff, gotta love it!! We are praying every single day for your entire family. We pray that round 2 is smooth and that she stays healthy enough to remain outpatient!! There is no better medicine than time at home with your siblings!!! Love you all xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownApril 13, 2016 at 9:07 PM

    The kids are precious! I'm so glad you guys had a weekend together. Charlotte (I just love that name) is a warrior and so are you!

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownApril 14, 2016 at 10:33 PM

    i put a comment under april 4th that was supposed to go here. opps:)

    ReplyDelete

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