Where to begin...the last update we were waiting to see what the go forward plan would be based on the decreased heart function. It was decided to wait for two weeks and perform another Echo before giving any more Chemo.
On August 11, Kira went back to Calgary for a leg fitting...very excited...Jon (Kira's Prosthethis) had the foot socket and upper leg support ready for fitting. This took a few adjustments and some measurements for the next step of putting them together.
August 12 Kira met with her orthopedic surgeon (Dr. Kiefer) to review her leg x-ray. He was happy with what he saw and gave his blessing to start walking with a prosthetic leg! She then had another Echo on her heart followed by a port access and a few hours of waiting for the Echo results, which when they finally came showed no change in heart function which is good that it had not decreased. However it was expected to see an increase. So the plan was to stop giving the Doxorubicin (chemo that effects the heart) and continue with the Methotrexate (chemo that does not effect the heart, but does effect the kidneys). This started at 8pm and including the flush after ended at 8pm on Saturday August 15th when we headed home! Late night but totally worth it!!
August 18th - back in Calgary for another leg fitting, this time it was mostly put together. After a few adjustments and measurements Jon had what he needed to attach the foot and finish up the KR-001, the first temporary leg. Nothing major, just had to basically take it all apart and start again...turns out prosthetics for rotationplasty are challenging...and Jon seems to be loving every minute of it.
August 19th - Another round of chemo (methotrexate) and 72 hours of flushing. This one started at 1:30 and ended on Saturday the 22nd at 1:30pm. Much better time to go home!
August 20th - just hanging around, flush is running @ 250ml/hr so staying close to the bathroom. Jon arrives with a rebuilt KR-001 and some tools for another fitting. This was the day Kira took her first steps since the morning of May 5th. It was AWESOME!!! Lots of cheers coming from the Oncology Unit that day!! Jon's instructions...take it home and give it a try....the next day Kira was so swollen up due to all the fluids that the leg did not fit.
August 24th - leg fits again!
August 25th - back in Calgary for kidney tests (GFR) and heart tests (echo).
August 26th - meeting with Oncologists to review kidney and heart tests. Kidney tests results were perfect. Heart test results showed.....back to normal heart function!!! It was still mutually agreed that no more Doxorubicin be given! Next stop...Jon's office for a leg adjustment...there's going to be lots of these! Next stop...Banff for Cow's Ice Cream, then on to Invermere, BC for a mini holiday!
August 27th - while in Invermere Kira got to visit with Keira Neal (who also has rotationplasty) for lunch. Great to visit with them!!
August 29th - Kira went to the Lion King musical in Calgary which was booked before she was diagnosed with Cancer. You can decide if she liked it by looking at the attached photos.
September 2nd - Kira went back to school!! This was the first full day of school since February!
So lots of HUGE things happened since last update...
- Heart function back to normal
- Got her first prosthetic leg (KR-001)
- Took her first steps
- Invermere and Lion King
- Hair starting to grow back
- Back to school
ONLY 4 MORE CHEMO SESSIONS LEFT!!!! The last one on October 14th!!
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| Jon taking measurements for Kira's prosthetic |
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| Jon showing the kids the process of making a leg. And what a process it is!! |
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| Kira's new leg X-ray! Very large plate and lots of staples. |
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| Kira and Kenyon crafting in bed |
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| Had a visit from our cousins, Katie, Rylan and Kenyon |
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| Doing surgery in the Sunshine room |
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| One of the amazing nurses we love, Beca! |
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| Thumbs up to getting her new leg!! |
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| Trying out the new leg |
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| Decorating her room door |
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| Getting ready to take her very first step |
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| First steps! Walked around the nurse's station 6x. She's being cheered on by all the nurses! |
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| Of course the new toes have to be painted! |
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| Walking is exhausting! |
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| Kira's friend Mya came to visit! They crafted, played xbox, did some play surgery, made a movie... |
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| Kira missed so much this summer! One thing being her cousins birthday parties. Thank you to Katie for sending Kira her own special cake!! |
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| Kira was missing Jace this summer. This was the message they sent each other. |
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| Post chemo swelling is down, time for another leg adjustment and a try to walk |
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| She left wearing her leg. So nice to have it fitting again |
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| Cow's ice cream in Banff. We love it! |
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| She just wants to enjoy summer and go swimming so bad. Some days are harder than others |
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| Quick stop at The Continental Divide |
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| At The Lion King. Absolutely amazing show. Kira loved it so much. Everytime I looked over at her, she had a huge smile from ear to ear. I have a Broadway lover on my hands. |
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| She brought home a Simba, thank you Cindy |
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| First day of school! She was SO excited to be back!!! |
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| Kira with her awesome 3rd grade teacher, Mrs.VanRingen. She was Jace's teacher last year, and has been so supportive and helpful! We are lucky to have her teach our kids! |
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| Kira's hair is growing back!!!!! YAY! She asked to use shampoo last nite! She's excited!! |
