Emily Adamson
Emily Adamson
Neuroblastoma Stage IV, in treatment
http://www2.caringbridge.org/fl/emilyadamson
Our Story
Sunday August 31, 2003
The day that will change our lives forever.
We had been having some difficulty with Emily with potty training, and with her being a twin, we noticed that her newly acquired habits were a bit different than her sister MaryGrace. She would continually sit on the potty with no results. We took her to the pediatrician 3 times, where upon they diagnosed her with constipation.
The day of August 31st started like every day. It was not until the afternoon, that we realized there was a problem. Instead of swimming in the pool with MaryGrace, she wanted to lie down and watch cartoons. For dinner, she ate nothing. Around midnight, after crying, looking pale, and vomiting, we were off to the ER.
The doctors ordered the usual blood work and x-rays, but were not able to find anything overt. By the Grace of God, our ER physician ordered an ultrasound, and then a CAT scan. This confirmed that Emily had a large mass in her pelvis. After speaking to the admitting doctor, you can not imagine the disbelief when they felt the mass was malignant. This is a situation that no parent should have to deal with. The biopsy on September 2nd would confirm the diagnosis of Neuroblastoma.
After days of tears, sleeplessness, fears, and disbelief, we decided the only path, was to turn Emily over to God. We continue to do this every day. It is out of our hands, and in the hands of the Great Physician. We have been so blessed with a wonderful staff of doctors and nurses. We thank God for His care during this time.
Emily has completed 6 chemotherapy treatments, and 4 surgeries. She has had a multitude of hospitalizations, 2 episodes of pneumonia, a bout of pseudomonas in her blood, infected Broviac line, fungal and staph infections, and tons of fevers. She underwent a Stem Cell Transplant at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida. She went through 12 radiation treatments, and has completed her 1st round of Accutane. She was officially declared NED on June 16, 2004. We are also receiving Monoclonal Antibody Therapy with 3F8 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. In spite of everything she has gone through, her little spirit is amazing. She has been the teacher of bravery and strength.
We are very thankful to everyone that has helped Emily reach this point, her doctors, nurses, prayer chains, fundraisers, clergy, friends, family, and well wishing strangers.
And please, remember to say a prayer for Emily. We are praying for a continued miracle, for Emily and all children suffering from this horrible disease.
Thank you
Having lived through the horrible thoughts of your child having cancer, it is extremely encouraging to know the support, caring, and love of people willing to help. Thank you, Lunch For Life, for searching for a cure to this monster. My hope and prayer, is that not another child will have to go through this.