Hotel California

NOTE: I thought I had posted this earlier this week -- just discovered it was still in draft. We left the hospital on Wed. eve. and Olivia is doing great. Counts rose fast, no infections, no fevers. So we've been we're enjoying the days at home and the weekend. She goes back on Monday for the first of the final two weeks of chemo before surgery.

Original post from Wednesday, August 18th:
Am writing from the hospital today. An unexpected visit on Monday afternoon and we are still here. We were on the second week of the break when Olivia spiked a fever. This is not uncommon since the whole purpose of the break is to allow time for her blood counts to go down and come back up again. Problem is they go so low that she is at high risk of infection. Wish I had known in advance that when there is a fever, you have to go to the hospital and stay until 1. blood counts rise; 2. no fever for 24 hours; and 3. blood culture has 48 hours to show infection! We could get out this afternoon, but it's going to be a bit of a negotiation. Olivia has a few mouth sores and she's gotten a little sick from the pain meds. So now they also want her to go to oral meds. and be able to eat before we leave. "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave..."

On a brighter note, lots of nice people on the floor. We've met some great families (mostly dealing with leukemia) and look for them when we come. We are always hoping that they've been able to go home, but also feel a little sad if we missed seeing them. Everyone we know is doing well so that is something to be grateful for!