Thursday, April 12, 2012

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


7 comments:

  1. Kristin I am sending out a special gift tomorrow to keep that adorable head of hers warm and hopefully put a smile on her face! Thinking of you guys all the time. Jess

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  2. So glad to hear Lil' G is taking everything so well! You guys are all awesome!

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  3. You amaze me with your strength as you go through this journey. G is one lucky little girl to have you as her mama Kris.

    So glad yesterday went as well as can be. I love you guys.

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  4. You amaze me with your strength as you go through this journey. G is one lucky little girl to have you as her mama Kris.

    So glad yesterday went as well as can be. I love you guys.

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  5. Kris- I have to say in listening (ok reading) everything you write, that I admire and respect how well you are helping Gabriella to adjust to all of this. Pedi nursing is my major passion (just haven't gotten the guts to leave the ER yet), and I have seen the different variations on how parents react to their children going through things. I know no matter what the case, it is hard for a parent to see their child ill. Ive seen from the simple of ear infection and colds, to septic, and ones we have had to tell that their child has a heart defect or same as Gabriella that they have a cancer. I have always noticed, that its the way the parents respond, that dictates how the child will react-- and I feel sometimes shows how the child will "get through it." The positive energy you have exuded in this, and the way you have said you talk with her about the changes she is going through makes me happy- not because she is having to go through but because since she has to go through this she is SOOO lucky to have you guys as parents. You are making this a non-scary thing for her, that its an adventure of sorts, which decreases her anxiety, and I truly believe helps people to heal faster. The energy of positive thinking has proven to work in our field..and I especially think it is true with kids..they think what their parents think, and act how their parents do...and you are such great role models that she is being such a true fighter! I am so proud of all of you! I think about you daily!!

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  6. I used to put my sister's lidocaine cream on every week for her, when I took her for chemo. She is now 3 years "clean", beautiful and healthy, after treatment fot BrCA. It is now just a bad dream, just like it will be for all of you.
    Please watch for a little box from the hair fairy.

    Stay strong and remember-- this is only temporary! You are an amazing team-- Team G!

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  7. My heart just aches for G and you all as I read your blogs..You are staying positive and are doing a great job of it, but it must be gut wrenching to see G go through this...I cried at my computer today just reading about the needles and port, and chemo, and vomiting....I can't imagine....I said much prayer for G and you today, that the Lord will help you in every way possible..and heal G at the end of all this....May you have supernatural peace and strength every day as you travel this painful journey...Someday when the victory comes, you will look back and marvel that you did it, and that G is finally healed....and she will be...."By His stripes, G is healed"...Keep believing....Keep trusting....I love you and am praying for you all with my whole heart....Give G a big kiss on her beautiful head from me....Love, Auntie Carolyn

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