Smarchy smarch

So, it's March now and we just got slammed with another snowstorm--one on Monday and another good dumping last night. Great for our snowshoeing expedition coming up this Saturday, but not so great for those who are suffering from severe cabin fever (ie: me and the girls!) and were hoping the groundhog was right this year about the early spring. Sure, it's just March, but with that freakishly warm weather we had a couple of weeks ago, things looked promising.

We are all restless these days--B wandering from room to room, jumping on the sofa, clinging to my legs, begging me to come up with new games or craft. I know how she feels. I feel like I am just wasting away the days here in the house, scratching my itchy skin (I hate winter dryness!) and longing for sunshine and greenery. Don't get me wrong--there is plenty laundry and dishes and vacuuming to do, but man--I just want to open up all the windows and let in some fresh air!!

B needs to expend some serious energy this morning, so I am about five minutes away from calling to her to put on her boots and coat, so we can go out for a bit and play in the snow before Avie wakes up from her morning nap.

Just thought I would update anyone who is still tuning in about last week's first off-treatment appointment. All is well. The oncologist is quite happy with Brooke's recovery and progress. Since Brooke had no re-admissions, no blood transfusions and no fevers, she does not anticipate any additional problems and has even put an order in to schedule a day surgery to remove Brooke's port.

Typically, the oncologists leave the port in the body for six months post-treatment (in case of a relapse), but B's doctor thinks we can remove it now. I'm thrilled--as the whole treatment thing doesn't seem officially over until that surgery is completed and the weird central line and port pump are out of my kid. Here's hoping that the surgery takes place before I return to work!!!

Also, Brooke will be switching clinics, so now she will be in the 0-24 months clinic at CHEO, which just means she has a new case manager (the person who handles all of B's appointments). The 'road map' as the oncology nurses like to call it, is pretty much as we expected.

Basically, B will still continue to take the Septra antibiotic until June. At that time, Brooke will also receive some blood tests to determine if she is still immune to the vaccinations she has had to date. (We'll need to revaccinate her for chicken pox and measles and whatnot if the chemo has killed the immunities in her body.) She will also undergo MRIs and CT scans every three months for the next two years to keep on top of things. She will receive both tests every three months for the first year, then alternating MRI and CT for the second year. And, sprinkled througout those appointments will also be echograms and cardiograms. So, lots of visits to the hospital still in our future--even if she doesn't relapse (which, of course, we pray she does not!).

Once she has been off-treatment for two years, she'll still be monitored (although less often) for another three years until she has reached the five-year survivor point. If after five years, she has not relapsed, then she is considered 'cured.' Can we get to five years already?!?

Lastly, Avie was given a date for an ultrasound as well. The chance that Avie has familial Wilms' tumour is pretty minimal (I think the oncologist said it was about 2% of cases), but she offers an ultrasound for any additional children as a way of giving parents' piece of mind. I jumped on the chance to have Avie checked out, too. With our luck, Hubby and I's combined DNA create some sort of genetic mutation that is prone to tumours! Hope not.

Anyways, fresh air beckons, so off I go....

Coming home

Looks like the end of this week is finally near. B's morphine drip was removed today and she has been powering through all afternoon and evening on Tylenol alone. ('Powering through' is hardly the right expression. The kid bounced back like a rubber ball. She's restless, impatient and in desperate need of a change of scenery and a walk outdoors.) The doctors deemed her ready to go home and were willing to discharge us tonight.

Hubby, however, wasn't willing to risk waking up the grumpy bear for a fifth time today. Seems like each time B falls asleep, some nurse or IV tech hovers over her, trying to disconnect her many wires or take her vitals. All very important stuff, of course, but irritating to a 2.5 year old, who hasn't napped properly in a week.

So, Avie and I will go and pick them up bright and early tomorrow morning. I'm certain Hubby and B will be glad to see CHEO in the rearview mirror, if only for a few days.

We will return on Monday to see the Oncology Clinic to discuss chemo treatments. Even though the full pathology report has not yet been released, the doctors did confirm this morning that it is in fact, a Wilms' tumour. Yeah! (Shaking cancer pompoms and cueing the victory music.) Good news is good news, after all. And frankly, we've been waiting all week for some good news, so I'll take what I can get.

Just another thank you to all of our family, friends, neighbours and co-workers for all they have done for us--be it good wishes, prayers, food, gifties, homemade cards, meditation circles, mass intentions, grass-cutting, chicken-tending, babysitting or heartfelt offers of help. We truly are very blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people who care so deeply for our family. Brooke is a very special little girl and it brings me great joy to know that others can see the strength and spirit in her that we see each and every day.

You love her, you really love her.

And, we love all of you!