Anyway, it's heartbreaking. She's scared and I haven't figured out how much to tell her about what's going to happen. I don't want her to worry so much that she can't sleep, but I also know that she handles things better when she's had a little preparation. She doesn't do surprises well.
Today she played, watched T.V., went for a walk, made chocolate chip cookies with my mom, and had a good day. We'll hope tomorrow goes smoothly.
Genevieve, Anita, and Lauren sent a bunch of individually wrapped gifts (thank you!). We're thinking of letting her pick one out each time she does something brave (the girl is brave every day, but I'm thinking every time she has to go in to the clinic for an infusion, bloodwork, or surgery). What do
I think one a day or one for something brave is a nice idea. We'll keep sending them, so you shouldn't run out; if you ever get low just let us know. Picking out fairy & princess books is the least I can do. I work at a bookstore, so I have an endless supply.
ReplyDeleteLove,
G
I think I suck for not sending a package yet, although I was thinking not sending something right away was the right idea. Feast then famine, ya know? Should've known her mamma would be smart enough not to just hand it all over at once! I think G has the right idea. One a day or one for each brave thing. Crap, that is one brave girl. And as for tomorrow, huge hugs to you. Prep her a bit in the morning.
ReplyDeleteHey Mollie
ReplyDeletegood luck for tomorrow, Nathalie and I will be thinking of you!
Lots of love from Germany!
Marielle wouldn't let me take the bandaids off either...she hated that. We would put her in a nice warm bath and then when it was time to towel off, I'd whip off the bandaid from the LP before she knew what I was doing. The bath makes it nice and soft and easier to come off.
ReplyDeleteMarie
www.caringbridge.org/visit/marielle
I am coming over from Marielle's site...I saw your post in her guestbook and had to share with you that my daughter is 3 years OFF TREATMENT for ALL pre B cell! Her caringbridge is http://caringbridge.org/ca/ali Not only is she a SURVIVOR but so is our family...it takes a toll on everyone but spits you out in the end much stronger, caring and aware...you will never be the same again...and mostly for the better. CHILDHOOD cANCER sucks and I will not stop childhood cancer awareness until there is a cure.
ReplyDelete*Here are a few things your friends and family need to know...just in case they read the comment section....*you need to hear from them...*don't be afraid to send a gift, a gas card, bring over food, watch the other siblings, clean your house, do something nice. - Don't say "call me if you need something"...be specific and say, "I am going to the store what do you want me to get for you," or "Can I take your car to wash and fill with gas," and "What DVD can I rent or buy for Mollie."
Rooting for you in No. CA!
My Isabel hates band aids also. We've become known for always asking the people involved in the LP, to please remove as many as possible while she's under. Our oncologist also will just put a little gauze on her back after the injection, rather than a band aid. Consolidation is hard because of the weekly spinal taps, but you get through it. I would explain in detail, over and over, to Isabel what to expect as we drove to the hospital. And while we were there, and as she was being put under! I told her it was okay to be scared, but I wasn't scared and it would be over fast and she could get a cool present. It finally got to the point where she didn't need me to explain in such detail. Just think, after consolidation, you hit IM, which is a great phase, very mellow and it gives you a taste of what LTM is like.
ReplyDeleteI wonder why they do the finger stick on Mollie when they can just get the blood from her port? My Isabel has never had a finger stick. She hates being accessed, so we worked out a plan with the doctors. She gets put under with a mask first (she actually prefers the mask, but most kids don't) and then they access her, so she wakes up with the tubing already in. Then we go to the clinic, where they draw blood for the CBC and then give her the Vincristine. They most likely will give Mollie the IV chemo after the LP is over. Wishing you all the good luck and fast and easy vibes from over here. You guys are doing it. Induction is over and that's one of the hardest phases!
XO, Paulette and family
www.helpisabel.us