June 16, 2010

We called this Silver Linings because Olivia has so far found something positive in this experience every step of the way. We are determined to continue to do that. As most of you know, Olivia is bright, confident, and driven – and is not above using this situation to get what she wants. This first became apparent during the drive to Children’s Hospital for a bone biopsy.

Olivia: “So maybe since I’ll have to be laying around a lot, I can get that computer I want?”

Then later, “You know that ‘wish thing’?"

Mom: “You mean the Make-a-Wish Foundation?”

Olivia: “Yes, so if I have this (osteosarcoma), I’m going to meet Justin Bieber!”

June 21, 2010

The day of the biopsy was hopeful for Olivia. She thought she would fool everyone and that the doctors would find something totally different than expected. I hoped so too. We left the hospital with high spirits, met a group of NE Revolution players in the lobby and Olivia even got her picture taken with them!

Olivia had made it clear up front that she did not want to get news from “her team” (as she refers to the group of doctors at Dana Farber who will be coordinating her care). So when Chris and I returned a few days later from the biopsy results meeting without giving her the thumbs up, she knew it was not the news she had hoped for. She did not want to talk. It was not until later that evening when we were saying good-night that she opened up.

Olivia: “I just have one question. Will I lose my hair?”

As she sobbed over the reality of this, we talked about how we would get through it. A wig, I told her, could always have the hair style she liked (no puffy, dry hair!) and she could pull it back and do everything she wanted to do. This is still her biggest worry and fear, but in true Olivia form, she found the silver lining. “Hey, and when my hair grows back, it won’t be dry anymore!”

June 23, 2010

I just want to publicly thank our close friends, George and Elizabeth, who, despite supporting their own family in health struggles and being parents of four young children, have given us their full time and attention throughout this process. They have helped us navigate the system, given us access to the best medical advice (which includes their own), and been available to us 24/7. Guys, we are forever indebted to you. I hope you know how much we appreciate you and everything you do.

June 24, 2010

Hair loss continues to be Olivia’s biggest cause for upset. We continue to support her in her feelings but focus on the fact that it is temporary. She already has the support of others who have gone through a similar process (thanks to cousins Nicolas and Ann in France for making those connections!) and is getting tremendous support from her friends. (Who would have thought I would finally see some value in texting?!)

After a day of swimming and hanging out with Catherine and Peter, she came to me with tears streaming down her face.

“Mom, I told Catherine and Peter about my hair... and they were so supportive!”

This time her tears were those of great relief. Thanks Catherine and Peter!

June 25, 2010

Been creating and updating this blog while waiting at Children's Hospital for Olivia to have the "port cath" put into her chest, as well as having a biopsy of a spot they had found on her lung. The spot on the lung was tiny and so we wanted to wait for results before talking much about it. The surgeon just left and 1.) is confident that he got it all out, and 2) that it is benign. He also mentioned that pathology took an hour with it before he closed and is still not sure they can even find it. What they do have appears to be totally normal. Thank you Dr. Weldon. First good news we've had in weeks!!!!