Day 15 of Chemotherapy

We just got home from the hospital for Olivia's chemotherapy. This is her third dose of Vincristine which is given to her through her portacath. When we were getting Olivia ready, it was like she knew exactly where we were going. She asked me "We're going home?". I assured her it will be a quick visit and that we will be coming home afterwards. The childcare specialist said that it is normal that they feel this anxiety in the beginning. Olivia's doctor also told me to give them about 4 more weeks and then at that point Olivia should see it as a normal thing.

As we sit in the waiting room, we see other kids with the same condition as Olivia. Some are like her age, one seemed younger, and another one looked like he/she was about 10 years old. It looked like this was a normal thing for them - some were eating, playing, watching TV, and there was even one having a blood transfusion while playing. At some point we heard someone moaning. We can't help but ask one of the staff if he was in pain. Luckily he was not. He might have been just cranky. We were told though that they cannot promise Olivia will not be in any pain because she will be at some point. Their goal is to make it less painful as much as they can.

The doctor examined Olivia and we talked about some of the side effects that we have been noticing. We talked about how Olivia had gained weight again. In just 3 days, she now weighs 28 lbs (1 1/2 lbs weight gain). Blood was drawn, and then the chemo was given to her. It was difficult asking Olivia to take her shirt off so that the nurse can access her port. It is good to know that there is actually a special T-shirt that is specifically made for cancer patients. There is a small "window opening" on the shirt where the portacath is located. It is a better way of accessing her port rather than having to remove the shirt. We received a gift certificate to purchase one! We are definitely getting one and hopefully it arrives in time before our next visit! Aside from the doctor's exam, the whole procedure was done in about 10-15 minutes.

I mentioned to the doctor that I started to notice strands of hair on her pillow. There are also signs of thinning hair. I guess this is it...she is starting to lose her hair. Although it is expected to happen, it is still painful for a parent to see hair loss on their child. Do we let it all naturally fall off? Or do we shave it off soon? We'll have to see how Olivia feels about it. If she doesn't want to shave it then we will let her be. We do not want it to be traumatizing for her.

We got home in time for lunch. Olivia was pretty tired but still wanted to eat before napping.

Here she is trying to give me a smile. Kids do not usually admit they are tired. They normally want to keep playing or try to get away from taking a nap. So when Olivia says she is tired, she really is.