Removal of the PORT Catheter

Naomi had surgery today to remove the PORT catheter from her chest. I went with Naomi and Nina, her mom, to the hospital. We arrived at 7am, where the staff was waiting for us. The anesthesiologists offered Naomi a mask which had been imbued with a watermelon scent, so that she could be sedated without needle pricking. Naomi was very pleased with that. The doctors took Naomi into the OR and completed the procedure with no problems! Naomi slept for just under 30 minutes after the procedure. Nurses on staff took various measurements of Naomi's vital signs and granted their approval for her to be discharged. Naomi spent the rest of her day hanging out with me and her mom, full of the usual spunk and energy you'd expect from a healthy 4 year old. It was a beautiful sight!

Victoria

Naomi going into surgery on Monday 2/26/07

On Monday Feb. 12 , during what should have been a “regular” chemo visit, Naomi’s PORT Catheter began to leaking into her Left Shoulder, causing her tremendous pain. The PORT Catheter, or central line, is a catheter placed in a large vein that supplies the circulatory system. A central line is needed for insertion of medications and blood products, and to provide a site where blood samples can be easily taken without pain to the child. Since Naomi’s PORT has begun leaking, it is no longer functional for her remaining 20 months of chemotherapy. Her doctors have scheduled the Line to be removed from her chest on February 26th. Please keep all of us in prayer at this time.

Thank you,

Nina

Naomi update

Naomi’s ANC (white blood count) has been rather low again for the past 3 weeks. In order to receive her standard dosage of chemotherapy, her ANC must be over 750, however Naomi’s ANC has been hovering around 500, which means her immune system is badly suppressed and could be easily compromised if exposed to illness, viruses, etc. Rather than skip the dosage altogether, Naomi’s doctors have been administering half doses. Ideally, to fight the cancer, Naomi should be receiving full doses. The doctors have no idea why her ANC is so low. Please pray that her numbers elevate again.

Other than a low ANC, Naomi is doing quite well. She has been enjoying Hula and Karate lessons, and spending her days at home with her mother, Nina. Nina has been working with Naomi on a preschool curriculum for about an hour per day. The family is looking into programs which provide in home instruction for up to 2 hours per day with a professional instructor. There are programs on the city, county and state level that provide such services for sick children.

On a happy note, Naomi is so excited about her hair returning that she’s taken it upon herself to style her hair. Earlier this week, she poured 1/2 of a bottle of hair oil onto her hair, and just yesterday she followed it up with 1/2 of a bottle of hair gel. Maybe we have a future stylist in the family!

Here are photos of Naomi in Hula class: