Archive: March 9, 2024
Greta was discharged from the hospital last Sunday, and the Erskines were home for a day to rest (and do laundry) before they would have to return to the hospital. The time at home included Greta modeling some amazing wigs she was gifted. Every time she took a wig off, she said, "wig...snatched!" There were also three (!!) other gift packages that arrived, so her short time back home was a party (photo), and Greta was feeling good.
After Monday's imaging appointment, the Erskines were back at the hospital to check-in for another scan before her next chemo infusion. Greta's weight was still low, and the family had to have a hard talk with doctors about surgical options (inserting a rod/limb salvage or amputation), and whether she should get a feeding tube to help her gain weight in anticipation of surgery. Sarah and Alex asked Greta what she thought, and got a typical no-nonsense response: "If I need a tube, I'll get the tube. If I need chemo, I get chemo. If I need to throw up, I'll throw up." The doctors reviewed the imaging, discussed amongst the expert medical team, and made some decisions that they shared with the family on Thursday: The plan is for Greta to have the amputation surgery on March 21. The main reasons they decided for amputation rather than the rod: (1) the tumor is taking up too much of the bone and surrounding tissue, (2) because of the fracture/slow healing, the surgeons would be trying to hit a moving target, and (3) she's so young/still growing, so with a rod she would have to have surgery every year for the next 4-5 years to make adjustments, and then likely every 15 years for the rest of her life. Also, with the rod, they wouldn't want Greta to run or play sports (things she loves), and the amputation will be less painful overall. It will be the best for Greta in the long-term: she can get a prosthetic and live a normal life. Greta is mostly looking forward to being able to move more easily.
In addition to a solid surgery plan, the family and doctors decided Greta would not have a feeding tube (yay!). The truly GREAT news: the scans show the tumor is still shrinking and they don't detect cancer anywhere else! The chemo is working, and should get any 'straggler' tumor cells. Chemo the rest of the week went reasonably well, Greta was able to keep some food down, but did get a fever again. They are grateful to be in the hospital during these times, as the medical team is quick to react and bring her fever down. And, as usual, Greta is her sweet self, taking it all in stride.
Greta now gets a 1.5 week break from chemo, and the family should be discharged today to head home and "fatten her up" for surgery. Greta has requested a farewell party for her leg, so there will be celebrations as well. Thank you to everyone who has been supporting: keeping Greta and her family in your thoughts/prayers, sharing encouragement, and sending gifts...you are all bright lights!