Home Sweet Home

Abby completed round two of chemo today. Two down, two to go. Besides the allergic reaction on the first day, this week went pretty smoothly. Doctors mentioned that only one kid a year has a reaction to the medication a year. Abby's tumor is rare and so was her reaction to the medication. While most kids are allergic to peanuts and cats, Abby is allergic to chemo :) 

She was discharged this evening from the hospital. Abby will continue to have weekly labs done for white and red blood cell counts and platelet counts. In addition, she will have another sedated MRI and lumbar puncture (spinal tap) in two weeks to see how the tumor is responding to treatment. 

Abby's appetite is poor and did not eat much this week. She continues to loose her hair. It is thinning rapidly and is getting patchy. 

Round Two- never a dull moment

Abby's blood levels increased which means she could begin round two of chemo. She was admitted to the hospital today and began chemotherapy around 5pm. She receives 2 chemo medications over a 3 hours span. The first one is given for and hour and the second one is given for two hours. Approx. 10 minutes into the second medication Abby had a severe allergic reaction to the medication. She complained of dizziness, headache and was holding her throat because it was swelling. Her skin started getting blotchy. Nurses rushed in and gave her a shot with the Epi Pen and followed it with Benadryl. Chemo has stopped for today and will resume tomorrow with a different type of medication. Abby slept a lot this evening and seems to be doing OK. 

"Abby's Carnival"

Girl Scout Troop 1526 is hosting a fundraising carnival in honor of Abby. We hope to see you there and help us raise money and support the Radke family.

Friday, May 14th

4:00 pm-7:30 pm

at Nicolas Valley Elementary School

39600 North General Kearny

Temecula

Please join us for games, jumpies, food, silent auction and family fun!

Special thanks to Mrs. T, Shelley, Krista, Terri and Girl Scout Troop 1526 for organizing this event!

Today's Blood Test

Blood test results today showed that Abby's levels have increased slightly although they are still considered low. She did not require a blood transfusion today. She will have another blood test on Tuesday April 27th. If her levels have improved she will be admitted to the hospital that day to begin round two of chemotherapy. 

Preparing for Round Two

Abby is scheduled to start round two of chemotherapy on Tuesday, April 27th. This is all dependent on her blood levels. Her labs drawn on April 13th showed decreased levels of white and red blood cells and decreased platelets. This was to be expected. Follow up lab work on April 20th showed continued decrease of all levels. It was the hope that the levels would increase this week to be able to receive the next round of chemo. Abby will go back on Friday, April 23rd to repeat all blood work. At this time she is dangerously low of all levels and may need a blood transfusion and possibly a bone marrow transplant as well. She is considered neutropenic which is a term used for chemo/ cancer patients who have low white blood cells and needs to be on a neutropenic diet as well. This diet means eating food with no bacteria. All food must be prepared at home to avoid contact from restaurant cooks and germs. All food needs to be cleaned well and fresh fruits and vegetables must be peeled. 

Abby is doing well. She has a great attitude and is acting normal. She gets tired and takes a nap almost every afternoon. She looks a little pale and puffy which is a result of the steroids she is taking. Her hair is starting to come out in her brush and on her pillow in the morning. 

Let's hope her levels start to increase by Friday! 

Scottsdale, AZ Restaurant Fundraiser

"A Celebration of Hope and Love - A Benefit for Abby Radke"

Peter Piper Pizza in Scottsdale AZ  

Thursday, May 13th at 4:o0 PM - 9:00 PM

Peter Piper Pizza is located on Frank Lloyd Blvd at Hayden

During the fundraiser there will be a raffle, kids t-shirts and kids visors for sale and bracelets.

This event is being hosted by Terri McSherry, Marie White, Joan Olson, Candy Terris, Samantha Holligan and Terri Carman.

Those unable to attend may make a donation in the name of Abigail Radke. Checks should be sent to Terri McSherry: 5046 E. Peak View Road, Cave Creek, AZ 85331

Home to a Germ Free Zone

Abby was discharged from the hospital today. She did really well with her first round of chemo. Doctors and Nurses explained that the effects of chemo will come 5-7 days after chemo. Meaning, she may feel tired, nauseous, lose of appetite, start losing hair and generally feel weak. The chemo eliminated cell division in her body and now her body needs to recover from that. She will have blood tests once a week to test white blood bells, red blood cells and platelets and see how they are restoring. During this time, Abby is susceptible to infection and illness. It is important for her to stay in a germ free environment (as much as possible) to stay healthy. She also needs to stay healthy to be able to get the next round of chemo.  Abby will be home schooled. She cannot go in crowded germ filled places (mall, grocery store, restaurants or even the park due to germs on the play equipment). No flowers or exposure to plants and grass due to the pollen and fungus she could inhale. It is a whole new way of life.