Day 4 in the Hospital

Started the day with her 3rd blood transfusion at 1am, this time it was for her platelets. Normal platelet count should be at least about 150,000. When she was admitted, she had 17,000. Platelet transfusion was successful and brought her count to 145,000. She needed her platelet count to be high for her surgery. She had a portacath installed beneath her skin on her chest. This is where all her chemo and majority of medication will be administered, as well as where blood will be drawn (yes! no more poking needles and bruised arms!). We told Gabe that it is just like what Iron Man has! She was given a chemo duck that she can play with who also has the same portacath.

She also had a spinal tap procedure to find out if there are leukemia cells in her spinal fluid. That determines if she is low risk or high risk. The surgery and spinal tap went on for about 1 1/2 hours and we got the results shortly thereafter. She did not have leukemia cells in her spinal fluid which then considers her standard or low risk. We were told though that it is still possible that she can develop leukemia cells in her spinal fluid down the road, but probability should be low. More spinal tap procedures are to be done throughout the entire treatment.

The rest of the day, Olivia was either sleeping or playing with Ipad. Unfortunately she wasn't at her best today. Her favorite line today was "Stop talking!". She didn't eat anything today, probably because she is just too exhausted and feels sore from her surgery. Doctor advised that when she regains her appetite to feed her anything she wants. If there's one thing that we need to strictly enforce, it's the medication intake. We have to choose our battles I guess. Let her eat what she wants. =) We brought in her Halloween costume but she was not able to join in the fun with other kids here at the hostpital. Maybe tomorrow when she's in the mood we can let her wear her costume.

Later tonight she is expecting to receive her first chemo. I will keep you updated in the next few days. Praying and hoping tomorrow is a better day for her.