Update as of May 16, 2007 @ 10:00pm

Cassidy was a sleeping beauty most of the day. Chemo makes her want to sleep and she complains of dizziness, but both doctor and us had hard time getting Cassidy to tell us whether she was really feeling dizzy or nauseous, that's a very important differenciation she has to be able to make and here's why.

If it was nauseous, then the doctor knows that it would just be the side effects of the chemo drug and they would not be too alarmed, although the doctor says the chemo should not make her sleep this much. But if it is dizziness, then they would need to be very cautious because it can be a precursor for stroke. And why would they fear stroke? Because ultra sound today found hat Cassidy has blood clots in her knee and that her whole leg is very swollen. This clotting is caused by the tumor above her knee and the doctor will prescribe "blood thinner" for her in injection form, for the whole duration of her chemotherapy - which may be up to 2 yrs.

The good news is, the doctor says Cassidy has a septic knee, meaning there's an infection, and they believe it's not the tumor growing down to the knee. The doctor says it won't grow that fast. With the antibiotic, they are hopeful that her swelling should get better in a few days.

With addition medication, Cassidy is passing water better since this afternoon. Further medication is prescribed for her to have a bowel movement. But her not eating is not helping. Cassidy did throw up a few times today and she got scared at eating anything that would make her throw up again. So let's pray that Cassidy would not fear eating and starts eating something and be able to hold them down.

Doctor found that Cassidy's protein level is severely low and they suspect that it was due to her no-meat diet. This is also a factor in her water retention and blood clot problem. They plan to prescribe protein and "food" to be given to her by IV to replenish because she is now too nauseated to eat enough amount to replenish what she needs.

All in all, little Cassidy has been a very brave girl enduring a lot of pain and suffering. Although a bit cranky at times, she is generally getting along with the nurses and doctors who take care of her and that is a good thing. Let's pray that she gets over the dizziness soon and be able to get up and around to join the playroom activities.

Carmen is very exhausted and stressed especially emotionally. Andy is holding up ok but Cassidy likes to bossy over daddy. Aaron also came to see Cassidy in the evening. Cassidy will have an MRI tomorrow, let's pray that God grant wisdom to the doctors to continue the best care and treatment for Cassidy. Doctor says Cassidy would likely have to stay for a few more days till after the weekend. Aaron will be going to the EMD retreat this weekend @ Redeemer college, let's pray that he has a good time at camp, while Mom and Dad focus at helping Cassidy get better so she is well enough to go home soon.