Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Isabel had her ten month off treatment check up and blood draw today. Ten months! I still can't believe she's been off all chemotherapy for so long!
Here we are in the waiting room:
Isabel had an echocardiogram during one of the harshest phases of her chemotherapy treatment before she was given a drug that could negatively affect the function of her heart. Her heart was viewed while she was under anesthesia for a spinal tap and was deemed a strong, healthy heart. She has had no ill effects since that time (in 2007) but of course, it does cross my mind every once in awhile. It certainly was in the forefront of my mind this past week when she complained of a "thumping heart". I was scared and anxious over it. Alan was less so and tried to reassure me it was not anything bad or related to her chemotherapy treatments. Unfortunately, Isabel has complained of the thumping heart a couple times this past month. Alan couldn't write it off as an isolated incident and my anxiety rose the second time she told me about the sensation of her heart suddenly beating faster against her chest.
When I mentioned my worry to the pediatrician today (we do not see our regular oncologist until next month) she was very accommodating and took my concern seriously. She ordered an EKG to be done right there which greatly eased my mind. Isabel's heart beat looked great and we'll be positive of the results once the pediatric cardiologist looks it over. Poor Isabel was not expecting this extra test and though it did not hurt, she was disconcerted and teared up while the many wires were being attached to her body (especially when the nurse accidentally clamped her skin instead of the electrode). My poor girl has been traumatized by so many invasive medical procedures and hated having yet another unexpected one happen. She did great and held still, breathed deeply and did what was asked. I stood by her, gently wiping away her tears, grateful that this procedure was nothing compared to what she has endured while on treatment.
After the check up, we headed to the laboratory for the blood draw. Isabel really didn't want to be there as she hates blood draws in general, but really dislikes getting them done at our local lab.
Here is Gabriel in the lab waiting room, wearing a hat made from three blown up rubber gloves:
Initially we were going to drive the half hour away to the better laboratory for her blood draw since last time she got it done here in town was a big fat fail. Last time was torture for her (and us) when the phlebotomist poked and dug in her arm so many times. We decided against the drive as it was already late in the afternoon and we didn't want to get stuck in traffic and literally spend the rest of the afternoon in the hospital and in the car, not getting home until evening.
Luck was with us and the woman got Isabel's vein in one try, the blood flowed smoothly and it was over fast (though not without more tears from Isabel). We do not have the blood results in yet and I hope to hear back from the hospital early tomorrow. Isabel has been looking a little pale to me lately and I'd like to be alleviated of my worries.
Fingers crossed for perfect blood counts, please!
Here we are in the waiting room:
Isabel had an echocardiogram during one of the harshest phases of her chemotherapy treatment before she was given a drug that could negatively affect the function of her heart. Her heart was viewed while she was under anesthesia for a spinal tap and was deemed a strong, healthy heart. She has had no ill effects since that time (in 2007) but of course, it does cross my mind every once in awhile. It certainly was in the forefront of my mind this past week when she complained of a "thumping heart". I was scared and anxious over it. Alan was less so and tried to reassure me it was not anything bad or related to her chemotherapy treatments. Unfortunately, Isabel has complained of the thumping heart a couple times this past month. Alan couldn't write it off as an isolated incident and my anxiety rose the second time she told me about the sensation of her heart suddenly beating faster against her chest.
When I mentioned my worry to the pediatrician today (we do not see our regular oncologist until next month) she was very accommodating and took my concern seriously. She ordered an EKG to be done right there which greatly eased my mind. Isabel's heart beat looked great and we'll be positive of the results once the pediatric cardiologist looks it over. Poor Isabel was not expecting this extra test and though it did not hurt, she was disconcerted and teared up while the many wires were being attached to her body (especially when the nurse accidentally clamped her skin instead of the electrode). My poor girl has been traumatized by so many invasive medical procedures and hated having yet another unexpected one happen. She did great and held still, breathed deeply and did what was asked. I stood by her, gently wiping away her tears, grateful that this procedure was nothing compared to what she has endured while on treatment.
After the check up, we headed to the laboratory for the blood draw. Isabel really didn't want to be there as she hates blood draws in general, but really dislikes getting them done at our local lab.
Here is Gabriel in the lab waiting room, wearing a hat made from three blown up rubber gloves:
Initially we were going to drive the half hour away to the better laboratory for her blood draw since last time she got it done here in town was a big fat fail. Last time was torture for her (and us) when the phlebotomist poked and dug in her arm so many times. We decided against the drive as it was already late in the afternoon and we didn't want to get stuck in traffic and literally spend the rest of the afternoon in the hospital and in the car, not getting home until evening.
Luck was with us and the woman got Isabel's vein in one try, the blood flowed smoothly and it was over fast (though not without more tears from Isabel). We do not have the blood results in yet and I hope to hear back from the hospital early tomorrow. Isabel has been looking a little pale to me lately and I'd like to be alleviated of my worries.
Fingers crossed for perfect blood counts, please!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Monday, December 28, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas morning!! The kids were up at 6:10 am!
I loved the team work involved in opening their gifts!
The rest of the morning was spent building and playing with new toys and watching The Christmas Story.
We had a great time with our new karaoke game!
We headed over to Grandma's house for the afternoon.
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