Surgery #2

I guess we did speak too soon.

Our appt. on Tuesday took a VERY unexpected turn. Olivia had had a small amount of drainage from one area of the incision. It was looked at on Monday in clinic by Dr. Sampson (plastic surgeon) and he was not at all concerned. He and Dr. Gebhardt looked at it again at the appt. on Tuesday and since there was still some drainage, Dr. Gebhardt did not want to take any chances.

Olivia was in the OR at 5:30 that evening. They opened up the incision and drained the fluid. Turns out they did the right thing. We got word today that they found something in the cultures. We are not sure exactly what the plan is (depends on which service you speak with), but one thing we do know is that she will need to be on some pretty strong antibiotics for a long time.

I have to admit it has been hard news to take after getting such stellar reports on the healing process. We'll get through it.

On the bright side, Olivia had a very fun day today trick-or-treating all over the hospital, decorating cupcakes and just hanging out in the resource room.

Moving Forward

We are here again at the Jimmy Fund Clinic. Finishing up Week 5 of the first cycle of chemo post-surgery. We're not sure if it's safe enough to start counting down but we're going to do it anyway.

15 weeks to go.

Tomorrow is a big day. Olivia has her first follow-up appointment with Dr. Gebhardt (the orthopedic surgeon). She is hoping to hear that she can get rid of the cast and be fitted for a brace. That means she'd be one step closer to not needing the crutches. Hard to imagine but this is one appt. we are actually looking forward to. Until then...

Make-a-Wish

Turns out that Olivia will get a wish! All children with life-threatening illnesses are eligible and DF makes a point of referring all their patients. We won't say what she is wishing for until we know what is possible. I can only say that she is not being influenced by her parents! (Don't you think a (free) trip to Hawaii would be nice?)

We are nearing the end of the two-week break. Side effects were a little tougher this time around, but her counts are on their way back up and she is feeling pretty good. The plan is to start the next chemo on Monday.

Olivia also now has a tutor every day that we are home and she is feeling up to it. She started shortly after surgery and it is going very well so far. Just about caught up in all subjects (and ahead in Reading/LA). Nice to have a daily routine.

Olivia says hi and will write soon!