10.07.2010

Clinic Update

We went to Augusta yesterday for the day for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly remodeled hem/onc clinic.   We were so happy to see the familiar faces of the doctors, nurses, friends, and staff that have helped us along this journey.   The new clinic is a vast improvement, but the staff are really the ones who make the clinic.
Mollie and Dr. V at the ribbon cutting.  He diagnosed her leukemia in 2008.
Side note:  I  won't be making that CLT-Augusta round-trip in one day any time soon again.  It is such a long drive (Michelle, sorry we didn't drop by.  There was just no time!!).  We checked on our house- depressing to see it sitting there empty.  It smells stale and closed up.  Not our home any more.

Mollie had clinic today in Charlotte.  It feels strange to be starting up at a new clinic for follow-up, but Dr. J and his nurse, Jackie, are very sweet.  The nurse is great with Mollie, finding her the foamy stickers and shiny band-aids that she requests!  The port access was swift and it worked perfectly.  Mollie's counts are good-  WBC 8.2 and ANC 5100.  Wow!  I am learning a little bit about what kind of CBC numbers to expect after treatment, but it still looks weird to me.  Her platelets are down a lot from last month, but well within the normal range, and her hemoglobin is about the same as last month.  She also had a palpable lymph node in her neck, which they will watch.  I am happy her counts are great, but I just can't let my guard down.  Matt and I know how quickly things can go from fine to critical.  Any little thing, like the lymph node, really gets me worried!  However, we got the go ahead to schedule Mollie's port removal surgery (will have that done in Augusta) for mid-November. 

I feel like I should be really pleased with how Mollie is doing, but instead I am just uneasy.  With treatment, there were clear benchmarks and we knew when to worry and when to breathe easy.  Now, things like the lymph node and skin irritation, make me want to request a bone marrow biopsy right away!!  PTSD is putting it mildly.

6 comments:

  1. Dr. V. is a hero, but so are you and Matt for having done the right thing in a timely manner.

    Don't sell yourselves (Matt and Sarah) short. You did the right thing at the right time. I know it was frightening to deal with Mollie's leukemia.
    I must tell you that I was scared too although I handled it with much less grace than you guys.

    Best wishes to the family.

    Great photo of Dr. V with Mollie. And tell her that I love her outfit.

    PTSD??? I can't even imagine 'cuz I worry constantly. But it doesn't matter because worry never fixed anything.

    Be well.

    Love to all.

    Carpe diem!

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  2. Sarah,
    I am wishing you all well. We were talking about you today. I am watching Tracy's newborn, Marian, and we were out on the street when Anita came by. I hope and trust Mollie will continue to thrive and you and Matt will soon be able to breathe easy and rediscover what peace feels like.

    How are your other two shorties doing?

    Hugs, Nicola

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  3. Love her flower hairband in the photo - too cute! You guys are awesome!

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  4. I love the flower hairband as well. She looks so adorable. Sorry we missed you but I completely understand feeling pressured for time. Every time we pull into the neighborhood, Bella says, "Mollie used to live there." And I say, "I know." Anyway, you guys are more than welcome to stay here for your mid-November trip. Sending prayers that you and Matt have peace of mind during post treatment bumps. Bella is looking forward to seeing Mollie on the 22nd/23rd.

    Michelle

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  5. A great picture of Mollie and Dr. Vega. He looks so proud and Mollie looks beautiful with her flower hairband and bright smile. If bet Mollie was one of Dr. Vega's favorite patients. Love to you all, Grandma Janet

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  6. Aww. I made the mistake of going back to my "Augusta House" a few weeks ago too. I sat in the empty living room on the floor and cried. Nothing was super special about that house but it was our home. I know how you must have felt! -- Pam

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Comments are always welcome!