Phoebe commenced the third cycle of her chemotherapy treatment on Thursday (13th), receiving fluids in the morning and chemo drugs in the afternoon. We have been in to see Phoebe a few times with her cousin Rosanne and Reuben. On Thursday morning I took this photo of Phoebe tucking into a second breakfast. It has been good that, towards the end of the two week gap between chemo cycles, her interest in eating returned, such that she had put on a little weight.However, within 36 hours Phoebe was very ill. Her temperature started rising on Friday afternoon, and when we left she was shivering feeling cold, but actually extremely hot. During the night her temperature continued to rise peaking at 40.4 deg C, and her pulse reached 180. After a number of failed attempts they finally managed to insert a new cannula, through which they could supply further medication. Thankfully during the night Rachel was able to get some sleep, and early this morning Rachel took over from Matt so he too could have some rest.
Marcus called into the hospital this morning to take Rachel some coffee and croissant and was able to see and talk with Phoebe. She is still very hot to the touch, but her temperature has dropped to 39.0. She still feels cold and wants a blanket, and is tearful that she has to remain uncovered. Thankfully she is talking clearly and when I arrived she was having a conversation with the nurse about Disney characters. I was able to give her kisses from Grandma, Grandma Sheri and Grandpa Bill.
This morning we were intending taking Rosanne to say cheerio to Phoebe; but as Phoebe is in ICU we cannot do this. Rosanne's visit has been lovely. As GrAVy (Great Auntie Valerie, Jen's sister) has said, Rosanne has been spreading her rays of sunshine among us all. She has played happily with Reuben and been a pleasure for Phoebe. It will be odd not having her around with us.
Do please pray that Phoebe will continue to recover and will soon be well enough to leave ICU and return to her room on the Oncology ward. There is also the need for great wisdom in future decisions for Phoebe's treatment, but the medical staff and for Rachel and Matt. May God give them all much skill, wisdom and courage to make good decisions.
Thank you.
