6.17.2011

3 years ago today...

Mollie was diagnosed with leukemia.  What started out as a doctor visit for a fever and malaise turned in to every parent's worst fear.

I remember the events of the previous day- the visit to Dr. B and her sending us to the ER at Children's Medical Center. Waiting for endless hours in a triage room, with Lucy in one of those big metal cribs they have in the hospital and Mollie scared to use the funky toilet, feeling annoyed but increasingly worried.  They weren't really doing anything but giving her IV fluids, tylenol, and pulling some labs.  Child life was wonderful!  I can't remember who it was... maybe Katie or Jamie?  They brought in princess movies, games, and a tiara and wand.  I had to go teach a class that night. By the time I returned to the hospital, Mollie had been admitted and transferred to a room on the 5th floor, where she spent the night.

Much of what happened next is a blur, but she did have a bone marrow biopsy at some point during the day.  What I remember most vividly is Dr. Vega coming in to the room and saying with his Spanish accent, "She has leukemia."  I can still hear every inflection in his voice, like a slow motion replay. 

In some ways it seems like such a long time ago, but at the same time, just thinking about it makes my heart race and my blood pressure rise.  That evening, Matt and I remarked that we were fortunate that we had a diagnosis, and we to focus our energy on healing Mollie, not dwelling on unanswerable questions and sadness.

.......

Happy Day, Mollie!  You are one tough cookie!

6.14.2011

Clinic Update

Good thing school is out because someone is too cool!
Yesterday was a fun-filled first official summer vacation day- we spent the morning playing at the splashpad with Ryan (Lucy's *boyfriend*) and Carter.  And I left the camera in the car.  Darn!  Then, Matt took the kids fishing with a coworker and his kids.  They had a blast, caught lots of fish, and got home WAY after bed time!

So, I was worried they were all going to be in a bad mood on clinic day.  Surprisingly, they were well-behaved, and the clinic visit was really quick.  We got the ball rolling for the neuropsych evaluation (hopefully to be conducted sometime in July) and, best of all, great counts!

WBC 10.9
Hgb 13
Plt 181
ANC 7700

What a great way to kick off a week that includes our 10th wedding anniversary, Mollie's 3 year cancer survivor anniversary, Father's Day, and our first international family vacation!  We sure know how to pack it in, don't we?