Just a quick post to let everyone know that Mollie was discharged this morning. She is still neutropenic, so we will keep things low-key until we go into clinic on Tuesday. Mollie didn't want to leave and was dragging her feet while I was trying to hurry her out of there! We brought home 6 cartons of chocolate milk from the hospital and I had to promise to do arts and crafts later today (at home).
Sally and Katie are off to the airport and Matt is on his way back from NC. I am hoping we can carve out a nice naptime this afternoon.
I am anxious to talk with oncologists next week and see what the plan is for the continuation of treatment.
10.17.2008
10.16.2008
Still here
Mollie is still in the hospital. Her ANC is up a bit, but she is still neutropenic and still has a cough. Her moods are up and down, mostly as a result of her being stuck in here. One of her favorite nurses (Holly) is here tonight and the Child Life team has been really great. Oh, and the unlimited supply of chocolate milk makes Mollie really happy. So, she's hanging in there.
I am so thankful Sally and Katie are here! They have been very helpful and it always makes things easier emotionally to have someone else to talk to. Today we had a fancy teaparty in Mollie's hospital room, complete with lace tablecloth, monogramed napkins, and a selection of delectable cookies. I'm sad that they are leaving tomorrow and that we won't be able to make it to my grandpa's memorial. The nurse will draw labs in the morning- hopefully Mollie's counts will continue to increase and we can get out of here soon!!
In other news, I had portraits of the girls shot at our house last Sunday and the photographer posted some of them on her blog. I am really happy with how these turned out and I'm looking forward to seeing the rest. We had to cancel several times because of weather and illness and it started raining just a couple hours after she shot these pictures!
I am so thankful Sally and Katie are here! They have been very helpful and it always makes things easier emotionally to have someone else to talk to. Today we had a fancy teaparty in Mollie's hospital room, complete with lace tablecloth, monogramed napkins, and a selection of delectable cookies. I'm sad that they are leaving tomorrow and that we won't be able to make it to my grandpa's memorial. The nurse will draw labs in the morning- hopefully Mollie's counts will continue to increase and we can get out of here soon!!
In other news, I had portraits of the girls shot at our house last Sunday and the photographer posted some of them on her blog. I am really happy with how these turned out and I'm looking forward to seeing the rest. We had to cancel several times because of weather and illness and it started raining just a couple hours after she shot these pictures!
10.14.2008
Okay, so we're going to be here for a while
Mollie's ANC is 190. This means she is severely neutropenic and very susceptible to infection. A normal ANC value is above 1500, so she is really low. She will be admitted and administered an antibiotic.
"Plans" really do change quickly around here.
"Plans" really do change quickly around here.
In the hospital
Bleh. Bleh. Bleh. Bleh. Bleh.
Mollie spiked a fever this evening, landing her in the hospital. We are waiting on labs and hoping to be able to go home (but we'll probably end up admitted). She has had a lingering cold, and with starting school again last week, this was probably inevitable. So please keep your fingers crossed. We are planning to travel for my grandfather's memorial in a few days and we really want us all to be able to attend.
The hardest part tonight was that the nurses (all three of them) had a very difficult time getting Mollie's port to work. This is the venous access port that is implanted under the skin of her chest and connected to her jugular vein. After every access, it is supposed to be packed with heparin to keep it from clotting, but we are not sure if they did it last week because they de-accessed her in the OR after her spinal tap.
Tonight, the nurses kept moving her arms in all different positions and they couldn't get it to draw back or flush. It might have been clogged. On the 4th try they got it (thank goodness!!) and were able to send the blood off for analysis. Mollie yelled a few times but mostly coped in her usual way by saying, "Bleh. Bleh. Bleh. Bleh. Bleh." And sticking out her tongue and squeezing my hands.
Reminders to self:
1) Always have the nurse access her port while she is sitting up.
2) Next time we are in clinic, ask what size needle to use and WRITE IT DOWN.
3) Double check that her port is packed with heparin after each de-access (esp. if we are not there when it is de-accessed).
Mollie spiked a fever this evening, landing her in the hospital. We are waiting on labs and hoping to be able to go home (but we'll probably end up admitted). She has had a lingering cold, and with starting school again last week, this was probably inevitable. So please keep your fingers crossed. We are planning to travel for my grandfather's memorial in a few days and we really want us all to be able to attend.
The hardest part tonight was that the nurses (all three of them) had a very difficult time getting Mollie's port to work. This is the venous access port that is implanted under the skin of her chest and connected to her jugular vein. After every access, it is supposed to be packed with heparin to keep it from clotting, but we are not sure if they did it last week because they de-accessed her in the OR after her spinal tap.
Tonight, the nurses kept moving her arms in all different positions and they couldn't get it to draw back or flush. It might have been clogged. On the 4th try they got it (thank goodness!!) and were able to send the blood off for analysis. Mollie yelled a few times but mostly coped in her usual way by saying, "Bleh. Bleh. Bleh. Bleh. Bleh." And sticking out her tongue and squeezing my hands.
Reminders to self:
1) Always have the nurse access her port while she is sitting up.
2) Next time we are in clinic, ask what size needle to use and WRITE IT DOWN.
3) Double check that her port is packed with heparin after each de-access (esp. if we are not there when it is de-accessed).
10.11.2008
Update
Mollie has had a good week back at school. I am so happy that her life has been pretty normal for these few days. My grandfather passed away on Tuesday, so this week has been bittersweet for me. He was 97 years old and one of my favorite people. Just by chance, the opportunity for Mollie (and maybe me!) to take some German lessons came up. My grandpa was born and raised in Germany and I know he would love that. So, we will see if we can arrange it.
Last night was the Fall Festival at Mollie's school. She and Isabella enjoyed singing and dancing with Miss Cookie, and Mollie was proud to show of her skills on the swing. The weather was perfect and it turned out to be a lovely evening.
These other photos are from a few weeks ago- Mollie went to a baby doll "shower" at local toy shop. She made a blanket for baby Annabelle and all the girls paraded their babies up and down the street.
Last night was the Fall Festival at Mollie's school. She and Isabella enjoyed singing and dancing with Miss Cookie, and Mollie was proud to show of her skills on the swing. The weather was perfect and it turned out to be a lovely evening.
These other photos are from a few weeks ago- Mollie went to a baby doll "shower" at local toy shop. She made a blanket for baby Annabelle and all the girls paraded their babies up and down the street.
10.06.2008
First Day of Pre-K
Mollie had her first day of pre-kindergarten today; it went well! There were special "Welcome Back Mollie" signs and cards and she just jumped right back in with her friends (many of them are the same kids she's been in daycare with for the last few years).
She made sure to wash her hands and acted very responsible. I am struck by how mature she is for 4 years old. I missed having my little buddy around to talk to all day today, but Lucy and the laundry kept me busy (and a loose end from my old job. Sigh.) Lucy got some one on one mama time at the park, but I think she missed Mollie too since I am not nearly as entertaining.
10.05.2008
Lighting the Night
The Light the Night walk was a success! Mollie was being difficult (steroids, I'm sure), but once everyone showed up and we started walking, she warmed right up.Marching for Mollie ended up being one of the top fundraising teams! Thanks everyone for your donations and support!
All the walkers carried balloons- survivors carried white balloons, supporters carried red balloons, and teams who were marching in memory of someone who lost their battle with cancer carried gold balloons. The balloons had small candle-size lights in them and it was very moving to see the trail of lit balloons lighting up the night.
Mollie was thrilled with all the people who showed up- she was exhausted by the end of the night, but she was taking all about it this morning. We'll be doing this again next year.
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