Not so great news

Hello everyone! Last night was an exciting night here with Team Evans. We tuned in to watch the Billikens game as they took on Xavier University for the last game at home and celebrating senior night! It was a Billiken blizzard at Chaifetz Arena, everyone got a white t-shirt for the game. It was absolutely breath taking to see the sold-out arena all in white! When they began pre-game coverage, I kind of lost it for a little bit. Seeing my teammates, the Sainsations cheer and dance teams, dancing on tv, made me so proud but so sad. There was no place I would have rather been then right down there on the floor dancing with them. Some tears were shed but I couldn't be more proud to be a part of the team. They all wore yellow ribbons to support me and a purple streak in their hair because it's my favorite color. I couldn't be more blessed with such amazing teammates and friends and seeing that on tv brought me to tears. I would like to give a special shoutout to Maddy, one of my captains on the cheer squad, and Alyssa and Candace the seniors on the dance team. It was senior night for them and I wish more than anything I could have been their for their last home game and to honor them. I've learned so muchh from you beautiful ladies this year and I am thankful to call you my friends. I love you guys! The game was one of the best I've ever seen as the Bills came from behind and took down the Muskies 70-59. What a way to send out the seniors and celebrate the last game at Chaifetz. So proud to call myself a Billiken.


Today, my day began bright and early as we headed to the clinic at about 8:30 this morning. It was time for my weekly check up, so Mom, Dad, Bianca and I wheeled into my doctors office where they took my vitals, my weight, and all around check up, as well as drew blood to monitor my counts. After a nice long chat with my nurse just asking more questions and getting answers, we got the lab results back of my blood. We were kind of shocked, including my nurse, and a little bit disappointed to find that my counts have dropped even lower than the normal "low." My nurse didn't expect that to happen, but I guess my body is still just adjusting and dealing with the chemo. She said that we shouldn't be alarmed, although I kind of was when she told me the numbers! They are in fact, extremely low. Other than the disappointment of super low counts, my overall health is great! My nurse was impressed by all my other check up items. She also inspected the scar on my leg from the biopsy which is just about at 5-6 inch line up the side of my thigh. She said that it looks fantastic and is extremely impressed with how it is healing and that the swelling is starting to go down a little. I am still in a lot of pain, but it's the pain that I was dealing with before the surgery, the pain of the actual tumor. So, that changed my plans for the day. I couldn't go out to breakfast this morning because I am considered "neutropenic" now. Neutropenic means my counts are so low that I am extremely susceptible to colds and infection, even more than we expected and have been preparing for. I am also disappointed because I couldn't join my family tonight down in Copley to watch Walsh boys basketball play their first playoff game. Good luck Warriors! I am laying low tonight and got to take a nice snooze this afternoon which felt great! Excited for Revenge and Modern Family tonight, its our favorite night of tv! 


Always praying for the city of Chardon and for all the families dealing with the tragedy. I cannot imagine what they are going through. Every time you think times are tough, tragedies like these unfortunately put things into perspective that some things are not as bad as they could be. Count all the amazing blessings that each and every one of you have because we are all so fortunate! Also, please pray for all the midwest states dealing with devastating tornadoes. So hard to imagine your community being destroyed. Despite the awful things happening in the news lately, I am so blessed to have amazing support. We all had some tears at the doctors office this morning imaging what it is like to go through cancer or illness alone. I cannot stress enough how humbled I am from all the support and love you all have shown and continue to show me and my family. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. The love is being sent right back to all of you. Keep your heads up and please keep smiling, you are all loved. 

On the rise

Feeling even better today than yesterday! I am so thankful my slow days are passing. Tomorrow is officially one week of low counts, meaning I should be good to go as far as being illness prone! I am headed back to the doctor in the morning for my weekly blood test. I am hoping I am in the clear now of some low energy days. I had a head ache for awhile today, probably from a lack of fluids (I've been lacking on my motivation to drink lots of water and gatorade today!)...not so smart. Today was also exciting because I crutched myself up to my own shower this afternoon and got to get cleaned up.


I feel so blessed today. It's been a great day of catching up with some friends at school thanks to the wonderful technology that is Skype. I am blessed and thankful for this that I get to video chat half way across the country with my amazing friends, shoutout to my best friend, my partner-in-crime, Ali, and my incredible boyfriend Greg. Today is Greg's birthday and I so wish I could be back at school! Happy birthday to Greg, thank you for continuing to be such a positive light in my life, sending you much, much love. Also, my beautiful cousin Bianca flew in from Seattle/Tacoma, WA, this evening. So great to be with her for a week! Tonight is a big game for SLU as the bills take on Xavier in their last home game in Chaifetz Arena! Today was the day that my grandparents and my family were planning on flying out to St. Louis to make it to a game to watch me cheer. Unfortunately, we will be tuning in at home, but it doesn't mean I won't be cheering as loud as I can here! So excited for that game that comes on at 9 pm EST on CBS Sports Network for all that are interested! I'll be watching the bills and my team, the beautiful ladies on the sidelines doing their thing! Saintsations, you all are the best friends I could ask for, the purple streak brings tears to my eyes and so do the yellow ribbons. I am so touched by your outpouring of love and support, and little ways you continue to brighten my days.


As another Tuesday comes to a close, I continue to live in gratitude for all the support that has been shown to me and my family. I am so thankful to the John Carroll community that has shown their support to my mom and to me. Thank you to everyone for being here and for showing me such love. I am so blessed! Please continue to keep the Chardon community in your prayers, such tragedy they are dealing with. Always remember how lucky and blessed you are and please remember to show your friends and family how much you love them. We never know what tomorrow brings and it is always a blessing!

Prayers for the Chardon Community

Before I give any update on myself, I need to express my most sincere thoughts and prayers for the city of Chardon and their community. This morning, shots were fired in Chardon high school by a student taking one life and injuring four more. This absolutely sickened me as I continued to watch coverage on the news throughout the day. I am so sad for the victims, their families, and the whole community that now is dealing with such tragedy. Because Chardon is so close to my city, it's unreal to think that this really hits home. These unfortunate tragedies happen but you never really think it could be your community. This story is getting national news and I know many, many people are sending their prayers too. Please keep this community in your thoughts and prayers as they prepare to go through a tough time of healing.


Today has been another day of laying low. I am still feeling pretty weak and haven't gotten out of bed until just now. I've been watching the news all day with coverage of Chardon high school and it just breaks my heart. I'm hoping tomorrow I will feel a bit more energy and strength as my counts will begin to start climbing soon. I am anxious for Wednesday when the masks get to come off at my house and my hands won't be so dry from hand sanitizer! My next doctors appointment is Wednesday where they will draw blood again just to monitor my progress. 


A few things to mention -- I would like to give a special shoutout to my Alma Mater of Walsh Jesuit High School as they began "WJ Fights Cancer Week" at school to remember that cancer affects so many people. I never imagined my picture would make the slideshow of friends and family with cancer at school...but life throws us surprises sometimes I guess. Also, another shoutout goes to my amazing sisters of Kappa Delta in St. Louis! They made a scrapbook of inspirational notes from the girls that truly made my day! I love and miss you all and can't wait to get back to school and visit! AOT in having amazing sisters that truly inspire me. 


So, to everyone that I have the privilege of speaking to, please don't ever forget how much you are loved. In times like today, sometimes we forget and get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day to truly show people how much they mean to us; to show love.  As my favorite TV celeb, Ellen Degeneres, always ends her show, "be kind to one another." Keep smiling and please keep your heads up. You are all loved, and thank you for loving me and my family.

Not a good day

Today has been a rough day. I really don't feel so good. My parents think that my cell counts have dropped today to the lowest the will drop, so I guess I just have to look forward to tomorrow where things will be on the up and up. I woke up this morning with more leg pain and a queasy stomach, but overall, I just feel achy. No fever though, which is really good. Any signs of fever or illness would send me right back to the doctor so we are really careful about that.


Pretty bummed today because I am missing out on my brothers basketball game (he's in the run for the city championship!) so I've been sending good vibes out to the Gesu Bulldogs today! I'm stuck at home because I don't feel good, and I'm still prone to infections. A crowded gym probably isn't the best place for me to be right now. 


I actually haven't gotten out of bed today, still in my pjs watching tv. I watched the UCA Cheer and Dance National Championships on ESPN this morning and it made me miss my team very much. Shoutout to my beautiful Saintsations back at SLU, I miss and love you all! The teams were all incredible, but I am biased to my wonderful team :) This morning I was reminded of how lucky I am to be where I am. Although it's tough be home and I miss my old life, relaxing and focusing on family has been really nice. It's made me appreciate my family all the more and the great community that I am surrounded by. 


To all my awesome friends, family, and blog-readers, please be thankful for all that you have. Be thankful for all the small things, because I am learning sometimes they are most important. And, Always remember to keep smiling! Much, much love.

Snow in Cleveland, Warm by the fire

Hello friends... it is MOMMA! on behalf of Emily.


We are overwhelmed by the generosity of prayers, support and gifts that lift Emmy up and help us through this.  The mere idea that folks read her updates and send good energy to her through prayer, thoughts and well wishes, is more than we could ask for.


As she said, she is in a "down time" for her blood counts and is laying low.  Having snow outside and a warm fire inside is about all she has planned for today.   The rest of us have been establishing a "new normal" and working together to keep all things clean and sanitized.  Face masks and hand washing are our new ritual.  Does feel like a hospital to some degree here.


Funny part of today is when Emmy woke up and the bedroom t.v. mysteriously changed channels... to a cartoon, "GOD ROCKS" on "Bibletoons".  Something new to us and we all giggled at watching the cartoon rocks sing and dance.... crazy stuff ..  we accept the message.


I guess all we can say on behalf of Emmy is "thank you".   The support is received, accepted and appreciated.  Again, if you simply read her update and send a good thought... that is all that we need.


Dad says "peace".


Stay close to us, we need you today and in the MONTHS to come.


MOMMA!

The Sulfa Theory

Wow. Today has been quite a busy day...actually, not "busy" under normal standards, just busy because normally I just hang around the house. Started off the morning with a nine o'clock appointment back at the Clinic which will become regular appointments about once a week. It was really great because my sister, Mackenzie, was off school today so she got to come meet my doctors and see where my regular appointments will be versus the unit where I go for chemotherapy. I had my blood drawn and we found out that I am handling the chemo great! All my numbers, the white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and platelets have all dropped below normal, but as expected. I'm still in the window of time where I am susceptible and prone to infections, and my numbers will continue to drop just a little more in the next few days. Funny though, I woke up this morning with some renewed energy! I felt great today and  still do, but when we were at the doctors office, I ended up getting sick, out of the blue. We laughed about it because I didn't feel sick at all, it was so random! Then, I got sick again on the way home, but I still felt fine! My dad pointed out that maybe the reason I was getting sick is that I took a new pill along with my daily regime of pills this morning. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I am supposed to take a pill just to keep my lungs healthy that contains Sulfa. My dad's theory is maybe the Sulfa isn't sitting well, so....we're not going to continue that one tonight. Overall, I feel great today even though my numbers are low!


After we got home, Mom, Dad, Kenz, and I had some lunch where I had a big craving for french fries...couldn't tell you why! I get so many random cravings for such random food! The funniest one is my desire to have Life cereal every morning. I also have to try and stay away from anything that has to be washed. Veggies or fruit that don't have to be peeled may contain germs that could make me sick. Limiting my food choices is just temporary (and annoying!) but im managing just fine. But, food doesn't taste the same. It's not that things taste bad, but nothing tastes like it used to...my doctors said that's normal and unfortunately a side effect that I will have to deal with for the duration of treatment. Just one more thing to look forward to when this is all over! 


After lunch, Kenz helped me wash my hair and I went for an appointment at a hair salon to talk about my hair and preparations for losing it. This will happen in the next few weeks, so were just getting prepared for when that comes. I actually haven't thought about losing my hair too much, it will probably be less of a hassle! It was fun though, Kenz helped me do my make up and I feel "normal" again, just like I used to do at school everyday. So, another day is ending, our fam has divided for the evening with Kenz cheering, Joe at practice, and Mom and I at home just relaxing. I got my housing assignment for next year at SLU and I am already looking forward to being back at school whether thats the fall or winter! Sending all my love to my friends out in St. Louis, I miss you all everyday. To all my great family and friends here in Cleveland, I guess that is the silver lining of being home; I get to see all of you. 


Life has it's ups and down's and that's the way it will be with all my treatment. I've gotten over the "shock" of all of this and everything is settling in that I can't change where I am. My parents have always, always, always told my siblings and me, "it's not about what you say, but HOW you say it. It's not about what happens, but HOW you handle it." Unfortunately, this is God's plan for me right now, but there is no other option for me than to be strong, because thats what my family is! Thankful and blessed for where I am right now and what I am dealing with, I'm learning life lessons everyday. Keep smiling, and always keep your head up!

Week ONE done

Today has been a fairly boring day. I'm feeling great, but restless. I'm geting antsy sitting around and I need help to do even the smallest things because I am "no weight bearing" on my left leg. My mom and I have had a fairly funny morning laughing at my dogs...they keep us entertained (right Dad!). However, today I am already more tired than yesterday. I can only stand on my crutches for a few minutes before feeling wiped out. I guess this is the exhaustion setting in. My mom has been spraying Lysol everywhere, "Purelling" every few minutes, and wearing a mask to make sure I am not at risk of catching anything. We watched an episode of House Hunters International (another one of my fav shows!) which was set in Costa Rica, hence the beach pic I have attached...you can probably guess where my mind has been wandering all day. I took this picture in Cancun this past August, where my whole family went for a wedding (shout out to big mike and Jules who got married!). My goal is to get to a beach sometime this summer...even though it may just have to be the Mentor Headlands...

Another side note, my mom and I watched an episode of Rachael Ray today where one of the audience members confessed she had never ever worn a pair of high heels, not even tried them on. Her reasoning behind this was that she thought they looked uncomfortable and she would fall. With the help of Rachael and another guest on the show, they got the woman in an awfully high pair of heels, helped her stand up, and she began to take baby steps across the stage. I thought to myself, "wearing high heels is easy, anyone can do it" but was quickly humbled by my current state of being. I can't walk, period and I truly have taken that for granted. For the next 9 weeks until surgery, I will be on crutches and im sure following the surgery will be a long recovery time as well. This whole story put things into perspective for me that everyone needs help every once in awhile. It's important to accept the help, especially when you need it and not be stubborn...(sorry friends, I am just realizing this now...) in however many weeks from now, I WILL be able to walk on my own, but until then, I do need help with almost everything. I am already looking forward to the day where I can slowly stand up, with my friends and family around me, and take my first baby steps with my new, cancer free leg. So, until that day comes, thank you all for being my support, helping me to stand each and every day.

Thinking about you...

Before I even begin about my day, there are some things I need to share...


I am currently rendered speechless sitting with my box of tissues shedding some tears thinking about each and every one of you reading this blog. Over the past week, I have seen more love and inspiration from so many people that I am so overwhelmed. When I was heading off to college in August, I pictured my freshman year to be a fairytale. I pictured an amazing dorm, amazing friends, great classes, and much fun. The first semester of my freshman year truly was that, a fairytale. I am so blessed to have had the experience that I've had so far. The people I have met and the friends I've made, and who could forget my amazing teammates, I have been inspired by so many people in my life so far that I cannot possibly list you all. Something that I have been blessed with is a support system that (I argue) compares to none! Leaving school and leaving my friends, team, and life in St. Louis was extremely difficult, but I feel connected to everyone over there everyday. Being at home with my family is exactly where I need to be right now, and I keep reminding myself "it's all in God's plan." I just wanted to take a minute to attempt to share my love and unconditional thanks to all of you who support me everyday. Through prayers, thoughts, cards, visits, I am so lucky to have you all in my life. This journey is just beginning, but I keep my smile on and keep my head up because of each and every one of you. Words will never be fitting enough to show you all how much you mean to me. Hopefully sometime in my lifetime I can truly show my appreciation. 


Today has already been even better than yesterday. My dad got to go into work this morning which made my really happy and my mom and I relaxed a little bit and I got to get cleaned up for mass. Today is Ash Wednesday so I'm rocking a nice cross of ashes on my forehead that marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is a time of fasting and praying that usually consists of giving up something. When I asked my parents what I should give up, they both laughed and said "Em, you've given up enough already" which made me laugh. 


With my dad wheeling my up to Church and my mom right by my side, I couldn't help but stop and think about how blessed I am. Yes, I was diagnosed with cancer, but through this experience, I've learned there is a positive side to everything. Think about this: I have osteosarcoma, BUT it is only in my leg. Yes, I had to leave school and my life in St. Louis, BUT I am at home getting treatment with my family. Yes, I will lose my hair in about a week, BUT I've never tried rocking no-hair before, so we will see how that goes! Suddenly all the little things seem to matter less and for that, I can say I am blessed. I challenge all of you to try and see some hidden positives in your life too! 


Today I feel great, some renewed energy thanks to all the love and support my family and I have received. I'm keeping all my meals down and am slowly gaining my appetite back. Today is officially day 7 of my (estimated) 29 week treatment plan, which is a big turning day. For the next week, my blood count will start dropping which is good! That means the chemo is working but the side effects are exhaustion and being extremely prone to infection and colds. I'm already feeling more tired because while I was getting ready this morning for Church, I was wiped out! We've got purel, gloves, and face masks stocked up in my house just in case! My fam and I are looking forward to Modern Family and Revenge tonight (fav shows on tv!). Hope you all have a relaxing evening too. Keep your head up! :)

New day!

WOW. This morning has already started off 200x better than yesterday! Because I was feeling so nauseous all yesterday, we had a home-care nurse come to the house and hook me up to some IV fluids through my port during the night. The fluids must be magic or something because I feel so so so much better this morning already! I was able to keep down my first "meal" this morning of some oatmeal, which for me, is  big accomplishment! Watching food commercials on tv isn't making me feel sick today which is also great, so Dad just went to go grab some groceries of some foods that sounded appealing. I can't wait til my full appetite comes back but I'm reminded of that phrase..."slow and steady wins the race."


This morning when the homecare nurse came back to turn off my fluids and disconnect me, she took the needle out of my port. So as of right now, I'm free of all dangling devices and ports. Today I just plan on hanging out and relaxing as usual. Lily and Daisy, my pups, are so anxious and keep following my mom around everywhere because they just want to help in any way they can.


So, I'm hoping today continues on the up and up and the nausea will be soon long gone! Hanging in there, day by day. Keep smiling :)

Wish the nausea would go away...

This morning started off kind of rough for me, coming off a rough night. I was so excited to leave the hospital last night, but as soon as I got home, I felt extremely sick again. My pills didn't make it down last night but we soon realized its because I haven't eaten anything. I've tried snacking on pretzels, but honestly, I've lost my apetite for everything. NO food sounds appealing, which I guess is a result from one the chemo drugs. For those of you know know me, this is extremely odd because I LOVE food! So weird to think I've gone a week without eating anything....but the doctors say thats normal and they are just concerned with fluids.


This morning, it was time (already) to go back to the doctors office to do some blood tests. They have to monitor my levels of nutrients and cell count because in the next few days, all my numbers are going to start dropping...which is exactly what we want! Little by little, fighting the c in my leg, get's more frustrating. This morning I had some moments where I just said to my parents, "I don't want to do this" and this is just the beginning.


I'm hoping my apetite will comeback soon because I am hungry, but the thought of any food makes everything come up, (gross I know). I'm working on some gatorade because it has calories, some sugars and electrolytes.


When I went to the doctors this morning, they were all prepared and can visibly tell how sick I felt so I got to rest in one of the back rooms and hook up to some fluids and anti-nausea medications. That little break definitely helped. While at the doctor, I also had the privilege of meeting a beautiful young woman who is on the back end of treatment. She had the same cancer as me, so I got to ask her some questions and what to expect through this long process. That was a really great opportunity.  Everyone at the doctors office is so sweet and really care about all their patients. I received a handmade bracelet from one nurse today that spells out "cancer suck" and she said they have them and wear them. She told me "I earned it."


Today I'm just laying low, nothing sounds better than just laying in this bed all day. I took a nap when I got home which was nice too. To avoid having a repeat occurrence of nausea, which is a result of lack of fluids, there is a home care nurse coming tonight to teach my family and me how to hook up to some more fluids overnight which should help me feel a lot better.


And lastly, to all of my amazing friends, keep being you. Please keep smiling, I miss and love you all very much, thinking of you everyday.

Sun is always shinning

Hey everyone! It's me again, and I'm feeling much better today. Today is a good day because I will be discharged from the hospital! The plan is now looking like I don't come back for more chemo treatment for about two more weeks! In 2 weeks when I come back, I will get a different type of chemo drug...still fighting the little c in my leg. 


My mom says she can already sense the healing going on in my leg, say goodbye to all those bad cells! Although I have a long battle ahead of me, the doctors say the worst has just come and gone...being diagnosed, leaving my friends and my 2nd home, SLU, and starting my first chemo treatment. It all really wiped me out and I've been sleeping so much lately. Momma says its a great thing for me to catch up on some sleep. 

As far as appetite goes, slowly but surely, it's starting to come back. I have been nibbling on a small bagel and some yogurt this morning. More good news is that I'm disconnected from my fluids! It's all up to me now to make sure I'm drinking enough water and continue nibbling some food. Overall, today is a much better day than yesterday, or the day before. I like to think I'm on the up and up and things will get better in the next few days. 


Beating through this first round of treatment was really hard because it made me feel so sick, but I have so many preventative drugs to help stop that feeling. I'm just anxious to get home! Wish I could have left a little sooner this morning so I could have caught part of my little brother, Joe's, basketball game. Sending you lots of luck and love bro! Go bulldogs! 


So, here's to the end of my first stay in the hospital for chemo, many, many more weeks to come, but I've got some renewed energy and strength. I want to take a minute to thank all of you reading this blog, it means so much to me that you care. The prayers, the cards, the nice words, all help me to stay strong and know that I will get through this. It's all in God's plan and thanks to all of you, I'm keeping my head up. Must say, the most thanks goes out to my amazing family. Without my incredible parents with me through every step of the way, my beautiful sister who helps wash my hair and make sure I don't look too awful, and Joe who knows exactly how to put a smile on my face when I need it the most. Please don't ever take for granted the amazing support that each one of you have around you too. Just keep your hearts and minds open to others, and you can see love anywhere. 

For those of you know have not met Teamevans yet, this is my foundation who always know how to make me feel better. So blessed to have such an amazing family! Make sure you let your families know how much you appreciate them too.


xoxo
Emmy

already tired of feeling sick

Em is struggling, but still winning the battle vs. nausea.  The therapy she had this first time through does pack a punch, but sweet Em is punching back.  A little anger goes a long way.


Last night she had some tightness in her chest, but EKG and all vital signs (heart rate, Blood pressure, temperature) were all good.  Doctors do think that it is possible to have spasm in esophagus may be to blame.    As acids move around and medicine does it's work, there is a lot to balance in her.  That has subsided, but the nausea has not.  Leg pain is still at much lower levels than before.  Sista Kenzie and Mom stayed the night.


Em's goal today is to drink 2 liters of her own liquid and hopefully eat something.  The team would like to transition her off all IV fluid and be sure she can manage this at home.  They are also are very hopeful that at day 3 or so, the nausea subsides.  The docs applaud how well she has responded, but again, all the cheers at the moment do not take away the nausea.  Hopefully the Zofran will.


Moving forward, Em will have a number of GI maintenance things to take, i.e. Pepcid, Glutemine, to name a few, which help keep her acids in place and bacteria manageable.  She will juggle pain meds as needed for her leg, but again, that appears to be in a much better place.... amen.


I don't recall if we clarified the "MAP" for her treatment, but essentially, she is looking at 10 weeks for therapy which is already underway with her two doses this week.  Next week Wednesday, starts "week 2" and in week 2 and 3 she does not have planned inpatient treatment.  She will need to check in with the CCF Main Campus Pediatric Care Unit for routine visits 2-3 times per week.  They will monitor her blood count, pain management and maintenance.  During Week 4 & 5 she will have a different course of inpatient treatment.  Once Week 6 comes around, she will repeat this cycle.  So essentially, her 10 weeks is equal to (2) five week segments that match.


At that point, we will be able to have Em's leg evaluated and the team will determine what correction best serves her.  We know going in that this tumor appeared in the distal third of her left femur.  So, the experts will provide their best solution then.  She could be the modern day "Lindsay Wagner" i.e. Bionic Woman.  (So sad that many who read this don't even know who that is.... MOMMA! is that old).  After the team is satisfied with their correction, she will go back on a protocol for more therapy and that may range for an additional 15-20 weeks.  It is hard to imagine, but the MAP is set and our journey is on.  We have to keep the end goal in mind and as MANY folks have said, THIS IS A MARATHON, not a sprint.


So many folks have done much for her and our family already.  It is all appreciated.  As we hopefully transition to home tomorrow, she will be relaxing in a clean and comfortable environment at home and all visitors will need to be healthy and a part of our new normal of anti-bacterial hand wipes, occasional face masks, repeated handwashing and limited hugging to be sure Em stays as germ free as possible.  We all expect her to focus on fighting this illness in her leg and not having to take on anything else.   Lily and Daisy are already planning to rock the full body shave to be prepared for Emmy.  Thanks for the emails, posts and messages.  They are helping us a great deal and more importantly, they make Emmy smile.


This is all temporary, we know it, and we appreciate not having to do this alone.  So, with "already tired of feeling sick" today, we know this sets us up for feeling good soon.  This won't last for long.  


Thanks for staying close.....


MOMMA!  Kenz and Daddy-O  (Joe is rocking practice and preparation for CYO City Championship run with the support of many friends... his first game is tomorrow... Go Bull Dogs!)

Symphony of Care

Well, it is MOMMA! again.


Although Emmy is up and moving for a bit, I have been granted her approval to make an update.


Night two went by with great success.  Her 2nd treatment of the "big dog" therapy drugs have come and gone.  It is a blessing to know that she is well underway with getting better and healing her leg.


Today's title is "Symphony of Care" as this phrase came to my mind when I had the chance to speak with Emmy's cousin, Bianca, in Tacoma, WA.    The team here has been exceptional and everyone is on the same page - all staff including nurses, PT and OT, social workers, residents, fellows and primary doctors.  Since this is our first real hospital experience, this is something that we have come to realize and appreciate.


More importantly, Emily is doing well, despite the powerful therapy that ran thru her body last night, she is good.  One nurse, Diana, said she could write the book on "How to be the perfect patient".  This too came to my mind last night as Todd and I, (along with all her teachers and coaches) have known, Emily is so willing to please.  This is a time when that attribute matters, and actually may be the reason she holds this trait.  Em follows directions and asks questions.  So, in the report card of Pediatric Cancer care, she gets an "A" for results and "O" for outstanding effort.


The nausea comes and goes and the team is not only on it, but out in front of it.  Em's goal today is drinking and hopefully a bit of mild food.  Zero appetite is okay but the team wants her to perk up and be ready to go home feeling good.  The pain in her leg has substantially subsided, (according to her) and that is a welcome change.


We appreciate all she is doing as a patient and her "Symphony of Care" is making beautiful music for Emily and all of us.


Stay close and thank you for good thoughts and prayers.

Day 2

Greetings... this is MOMMA!


I have the honor of updating on behalf of Emily.  This day was a good one and positive energy surrounds us and prayer lifts us.  In the past 20 hours, life at the Cleveland Clinic has been good.  The team here is world class, for our world class girl Emmy.


She had a real good night with her first dose of therapy.  As Kenz said, there are two drugs that are kickin the C cells in her leg.  There will be expected side effects and Em is taking on the nausea battle with grace and is winning.  Just another sign that she is "one tough cookie".  In addition to her actual team, a number of friends of ours at the Clinic learned that Em is a patient and we have had some doctors and professionals stop by to extend support and offers to assist in anyway.  Overwhelming.


She responded well to the first night of treatment and enjoyed almost a full day of sleep today.  It was a nice quiet day to rest and she and I stayed in our jammies.  It was good to see her sleep.  It has been a whirlwind week that included a biopsy, procedures with anesthesia, scans, tests, packing up some dorm items, "see you laters" to SLU friends, airline travel all in a wheelchair or crutches.  Sleep today was a gift from God.


She will set the course for another dose of therapy tonight and resting day tomorrow.  Her responses have been great and we are simply going day by day as we leave our breadcrumbs on this path to her wellness.


We are deeply moved by the response by so many folks - family, friends near and far (including Barcelona, Spain and Tuscany, Italy).  Thank you for your prayers, support and posts to Em.  Todd does a fantastic job reading them to her and it is nice to see her beautiful smile.  I know that I am completely biased, but Em is a special person on this planet and this challenge is one that she will build a part of her life on.  In a strange, difficult way she will find the value in all of this and apply it to be a woman for others - as she is already.


We welcome the treatment and therapy this evening and thank God for leg pain.  We thank God for all of you and how this story weaves so many of us together.  If you are reading this, you are on her team and we are on yours.


Game is still ON for Emily.  Game is slowly OVER for the big C in her leg.


More will follow and thank you for staying close.  She feels it and it matters.


Out for now.... MOMMA!

The First Step of the Journey

Hey everyone! Writing in place of our lovely Emily tonight is her sister, Mackenzie.
Emily started off her day bright and early here at the Clinic. She and my parents reported at 8am and Emily underwent a procedure to replace the PICC line with a medi-port. This port is a small device in her chest that makes it easy to deliver therapy. The surgery went perfectly well with no complications!
She was relocated to her own private, comfortable room where she took a long mid-day nap. She woke up feeling refreshed, and especially excited when my brother and I arrived in the room carrying flowers delivered to the house. The only pain that Emily was feeling today was soreness in her chest from the procedure but its better than the leg pain that she started with this morning.
Around 6:30pm, she was administered the first doses of anti-nausea medicine and "hyper-hydration" fluids to prepare for therapy. The five of us shared some laughs before Emily zonked out and took a power snooze. She woke up just in time to begin preparation for her very first doses of chemotherapy medicine. We were given a moment in the room as a family to hold hands and pray for our dear Emily, and around 8:23pm, her therapy began, and its GAME ON.
She is holding up fantastically and making us and all of you so very proud.
Everyone here at the Cleveland Clinic is more helpful, kind, caring, and thoughtful than we could have imagined.
Before we sit down to enjoy our favorite night of tv (Modern Family and Revenge), we are so thankful to report that all of Emily's pre-treatment testing is above normal. Emily is healthy in every category. Its time to fix her leg.
Thanks again for all the love, prayers, and support you have extended to all of us. We are ready for this journey and thanks to each and every one of you for sharing it with us. The battle is on.

About me, the Cards have been Dealt!

Where to even begin...


My name is Emily Elizabeth Evans, triple E, and I am 18 years young! I graduated from Gesu School in 2007, Walsh Jesuit class of 2011, and Saint Louis University is where I have completed one semester of my freshman year where I am studying communications. I hope to one day be a director or representative in some Public Relations position! I have an incredible family; my parents Todd and Jane, my sister Mackenzie who is a junior at Walsh Jesuit, and Joe who will be graduating from Gesu in June. I also have two beautiful golden retriever pups, Daisy and Lily, who are some of the loves of my life. The seven of us make up what we like to call "Teamevans." This is a nickname we gave ourselves when I was little, but it's stuck since then! At Saint Louis University, I am a Saintsation, which is the name of the cheer and dance program. I am on the cheer team and have a great "second family" with my team. In the beginning of December, I began to experience some knee pain and assumed it was related to all my cheer activity. I didn't think much of it until I came back to school after winter break and could barely walk. My trainer recommended me to go to the student health center where I got x-rays, was sent to get an MRI, and then saw some doctors at SLU hospital. I was told the MRI showed a mass in my femur, right above my knee. I was scheduled for a biopsy of my femur the next week. My parents flew from Cleveland and the procedure went well! They took a sample of the mass in my bone and sent it to some labs. Immediately, everyone thought it was just a basic infection that would be treatable with weeks of antibiotics. On Friday, February 10th, I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, or bone cancer. This was unexpected and frightening, but my parents and I were ready to take this on. Saturday afternoon I was discharged from the hospital and went back to campus to pack up some things and say goodbye to my amazing friends. This was extremely difficult, but I know I will be back! Sunday morning, my parents and I were on the first flight back home to Cleveland to begin my treatment at the Cleveland Clinic. This is a challenge that I have been faced with and it will certainly be a long 7-9 months to fight this cancer, but I am ready. With all the amazing support of family and friends, I am going to continue to stay positive and motivated to fight. God never gives us more than we can handle, and I know I'll beat this. Sometimes we just have to Let go and Let God, and of course, you always gotta keep your head up :)