I have been getting a lot of texts and messages wanting to know how Summer’s tests have gone and a general idea of “what’s up”? Summer was left in the capable arms of my Mom and her sister Carla as of last Sunday. This was the first time visit for Carla, but the second go-round (at least) for my Mom. I was never worried.
As I mentioned in the last post, Summer did have some extensive tests this week after a small Chemotherapy treatment midweek. She had her MRI Wednesday, and on Friday had a very delayed Lumbar Puncture procedure. The MRI results came back clean. That’s always a relief, but the fluid from her spine is the test I want to hear about. If everything had been on schedule… I think she might have seen some results from the lumbar before the weekend. As it was, the 11:30 appointment on Friday drug out till later in the afternoon… The procedure was done late in the day and I think she will be waiting for an interpretation of the results next week.
Summer’s weight is holding steady and she texted me earlier in the week to rub my nose in it. I told her last week that I knew what she was getting for Christmas… She asked what it was. “A feeding tube,” I said. When we visited with dietary on my last week, Summer confided that she was taking 1 appetite stimulant a day instead of 3 like she is supposed to. You can’t do that and then act shocked if you lose weight. I know she was at least doubling up, but I want to see her take them all. It’s a matter of how they make her feel, otherwise this would be a non-issue.
Summer did see Dr. Gajjar twice this week. He looked at her numbers later in the week and said she was clear to go to Carbondale for the weekend if she wanted. Surprisingly… Summer just wanted a few hours in her college home base to spare the risk of getting any the number of viruses or diseases that are going around. Mom and Carla will drop her off Saturday morning and then Aiden and Alex will pick her up a few hours later to take her back to Target House.
Everyone and I mean everyone, has been nervous about how Aiden, Alex, and Summer will get on over the next few days. I talked to both the boys this morning about Summer’s reservations about their “caregiving”. They both acted like they have heard this from 1000 people over the last week. I am confident that they will do whatever is needed while in Memphis. Just in case… Nate is taking the train down on Tuesday to spend the rest of the week with Summer before she gets the word that she can come home.
If everything goes to plan… Summer’s numbers will be good enough to travel back to Tremont on Christmas weekend. I don’t think we have had her home in months. Which, honestly is not unexpected. We do live 6 hours away and most St. Jude patients do not have the ambitious travel schedules we keep. It’s also a big plus that Peoria and the St. Jude affiliate is in our backyard if it was needed.
Thanks for all the prayers, shares, and thoughts. I have been back to work for a week and have been overrun with folks concerned about Summer’s condition and treatment. I know for a fact that she has no idea how many people are praying and thinking about her. It’s not even fathomable to me sometimes. Thank you!
Post from Mom to wrap up this week:
Oh, and if you feel like sending a note after reading Mom’s post… Here is the address again.
Summer, your little brother (and Alex) are on the way to Memphis for their “caregiving” assignment with you this next week. No, not the other way around! But I am sure you will love giving him instructions on getting around the St. Jude campus. Have fun, and I baked brownies for you all to munch on. Love you!!!