Another Treatment in the Books

This has only been the third time they've accessed G's port and she is getting sooo much better at it.  We placed the lidocaine cream on before we left the house and made our way up to LPCH.  I was hopping it wouldn't take very long because it was such a short visit.  While we were waiting to go back to the infusion clinic, we got to talk and read books together.  Once they placed us in the area, the real fun began...we brought out the tea set from Auntie Una and had a tea party.  Gabriella even invited a couple of the doctors to have tea with us.  They both kindly accepted.  One of the doctors was wearing G's favorite color shirt...purple.  They have continued to impress us with their kindness and commitment to the children.

Gabriella's doctors again had great news by telling us they were hopeful and that she's doing great.  She's lost a pound but her appetite hasn't been that much different than before this all started.  It was just the days following her 1st hospital stay that were significant for a decrease in her appetite.  

Once we accessed her port, it took about a minute to get the meds in and then we were done.  

Back home we go after some food at CPK, coffee and a cake pop!  

G feel asleep on the way to Nana's and slept for over 2 hours.  Bridget was so worried seeing sis worn out and tried patting her on the arm and putting a blanket over her.  It really melted my heart.  She still went back to sleep at about 9pm.  She was tired!

             

G having her blood pressure taken in picture 1.                          
Having a tea party while we wait in picture 2.

I believe this is the 3rd week of our 42 week protocol.  We go in  for weekly visits to get G's vincristine.  Every 3rd week, we stay overnight at the hospital.  We calculated this to be 13 admissions, as long as things go well which seems to be the case so far.  Radiation will start around June 13th and last for 5 1/2 weeks.  We will still be in the hospital as scheduled for chemo during radiation.  

G's hair is continuing to fall out in mass.  There's a lot coming from the top of her head but its just all over the place.  I just don't know if I should cut it all off now or let it come out on its own.  We've told her its all going to come out and we'll let her decide if she wants to cut it all off at once.   Its just everywhere and we're constantly picking it off.  Actually, she doesn't seem to mind because were leaving it at the front door for the hair fairy who leaves a small toy.  What kid wouldn't want that?  She asked me, "Mommy, where does the hair fairy take the hair?"  And I told her it went to other little kids who might need it.  

Next duty, check her blood again tomorrow.  She says "Mommy, I'm going to sit this still" as she sits like a statue on the floor.  Its going to be rough again once we have to start the next round of shots after the next overnight but I'm so glad she is getting used to accessing her port. 

Goodnight Team G