Emersyn is radiant. She is so beautiful, compassionate, and friendly (although much more hesitant now). She’s curious about the world around her. She’s loving and generous and just…the best kid anyone could ever dream to know.
In early 2021, Emersyn complained of neck pain, which became nausea, lack of appetite, and lethargy over the span of two weeks and constant doctor appointments and ER visits.
On January 22, 2021, Emersyn had a CT scan that showed tumors everywhere. She immediately had surgery and chemo started the following week. We completed 5 rounds of high-dose chemo. In July and August, she completed 32 rounds of proton radiation. We are currently on a clinical trial to buy her more time.
I resigned from my teaching position and my husband left his position as well, although he returns in a few weeks. Due to COVID, the extended family just recently saw Emersyn face to face for the first time in easily 18 months.
Cancer has changed everything for us. Emersyn is an only child, so being immunocompromised has isolated her more than ever. Her trauma from the hospital has matured her but left her with emotions and struggles that we’re working on getting a therapist for. I sleep with Emersyn as she is connected to a feeding pump and the clinical trial drugs cause late-night emesis. We’ve leaned heavily on our community for support: groceries, money for gas/bills, yard work, anything, and everything to help us get through this.
She’s endured so much but there isn’t an end in sight. We received the news last week that anything we do now is not curative. We tried the one cure, and it didn’t work. So anything from here out just buys Emersyn time, which is devastating, but I am hopeful we have years, not days. Every day with her is precious.
Hope session by Jess Montgomery Photo & Fine Art | Facebook