We spent Christmas eve morning at the hospital. She had a scheduled spinal tap and chemo that day. Same time last year, Olivia was also at the hospital on Christmas Eve. She was confined in the hospital then for about 2 weeks already due to suspected meningitis. It turned out it wasn't meningitis and we were able to go home on Christmas Eve night after a spinal tap procedure. This year though, we decided to bring her brother with us and made it a family affair. We wanted to show Olivia our support and that families should be together on Christmas Eve as well. She was so brave during the procedure! She didn't even cry when her port was being accessed. It was a quick in and out procedure. Here she is waking up after being sedated for the procedure.
Beginning this 3rd cycle of maintenance, her dexamethasone dosage increased because of her weight. We can immediately notice the side effects of the increased dosage as she was more cranky than ever. It was like the first month of treatment all over again. Dexa lasts for 5 days but the side effects appear longer than that. It's hard, but I just always remind ourselves that if we are having a hard time, it is harder for Olivia to go through so many emotions because of the steroids. The other day, our 5 year old son was watching one of Olivia's old videos and he said he missed the old Olivia. It has been so hard for him to witness all of Olivia's side effects from chemo. I just make it a point to always explain that Olivia needs our love during these times more than ever and that it will be over soon.
