Now that Olivia is 13, she makes the cut for a trip to the Red Sox's spring training at the end of March. The trip is sponsored by a (very generous) donor of the Jimmy Fund Clinic. Kids 13 and older are invited to go. They stay at the same hotel as the Red Sox staff and spend two days at spring training. No parents allowed. Yikes! I have been assured that they are very well supervised. A number of doctors and nurses from the clinic go as well as the Child Life staff. Olivia's treatment will be done by then and she is raring to go. I don't know. A sudden business trip to Ft. Myers might just be required around that time!
Things are moving along with treatment. We were back at the clinic last Monday for the next round of chemo. Everything went as planned--this was one of those weeks where Olivia goes home with an IV and backpack filled with fluid. It took an extra day to clear the chemo but she was backpack free in time for the weekend. Enjoyed a quiet time hanging around at home while Chris and Morgan went sledding on Saturday and skiing on Sunday.
Tomorrow begins a repeat of last week--chemo and then hydration until the chemo is cleared. Although these "hydration" weeks can be tough (not only does Olivia have to be attached to a backpack all week, she has to get woken up in the middle of the night to take medicine), our other option is to do this in the hospital. We always remind ourselves of that when we start to complain!
On the PT front, Dr. Gebhardt gave Olivia the OK to bear 50% of her weight on her leg. She was hoping for more, but it's a step closer. Her leg will probably not be completely healed until a few months after she's done chemo (chemo slows the healing process down) but everything looks great so far.
Just taking it one week at a time and being grateful to stay on track.
OH COOL! Going to the Red Sox's Training sounds fun! And being able to put 50% of your weight on your leg is cool!
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Morgan :)
That sounds really fun! I miss you and I'm so happy that your doing alright. And can even put weight on your leg! Your so brave and you are an inspiration to me! Have fun at Red Sox's training!!
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Amanda:D
Steady progress- you are strong and brave!
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The Murphys
Zoe, Pat and Jack
Hi, Michele, Chris, Olivia and Morgan - I have just gotten caught up with your blog after all the craziness known as "the holidays" is now over. I am still not caught up with my bill paying and health insurance stuff, but oh well. I've been thinking of you all the time, and I loved your Christmas card. (Happy Birthday, Olivia! Sorry to be late!) I am so proud of you all. I can only imagine the amount of stress you are experiencing. I thought I had it bad because Jackie broke a bone in her foot and then 4 weeks later sprained her "good" ankle. She has been on crutches ever since, but it's a walk in the park next to what you guys are doing. I'm so glad you are having some fun whenever possible. Please let me know if there is anything we can do to help! I admire you all very much. You are awesome! xoxo from the Pattersons (Lisa, JP, Jackie and Audrey
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