August 10, 2009 For some reason, I am beyond tired today, so lucky for you, I’m writing a quick update tonight! Today was the first of three days of mommy/daughter time. We drove this morning to Nickajack Lake where we met my parents for a picnic and had a Jake handoff. I thought he might cry when he realized I wasn’t coming with him, but when I kissed him goodbye and told him to have a good time, he yelled, “Come on, Gwandad, wet’s go!” I think these couple of days will be good for both kids, although Tanner and I admitted we already miss Jake.
Tanner and I got home around 2:30 and were at the pool by 3 pm. I decided the YMCA pool would be safe for her this week, since school has started and there won’t be many people, especially kids, there. So, for the first time this summer, we were able to go to the Y pool. We swam for 2 straight hours and I mean swam. No sitting on the side, no crawling around in the water; we spent most of the time in water over her head. When we left, I was exhausted and thought she was too. But, after dinner, she decided she wanted us all to go for a bike ride together. John and I usually don’t ride our bikes with the kids, since Jake is so little, so this was a special treat for her. We rode all around the neighborhood, then over to the school and around the parking lot and building several times, then back home. She rode up all the hills and blew both our minds. How is this possible?!!! How can someone taking this much chemo still have so much energy? It is almost bizarre.
While her energy level is good, she is definitely experiencing the side effects of the chemo and had some trouble sleeping last night. I had to give her painkiller last night for the first time in 3 or more weeks.
She wants to go see a movie tomorrow… again, something we haven’t done since she got leukemia. We will go at an odd time and throw a blanket over the seats and relish the moment.
I’m going to sleep now to try to rest up and be able to keep up with her tomorrow.
Love,
Beth
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Take care, Dennis
Love the outings at odd times…that’s how we rolled from October through April, and we’re gearing back up for it come next month. (Preemie immunity issues + preemie lungs + RSV and flu season = serious precautions or serious repercussions – like ventilators or worse.) Of course, since Becca was itty bitty last season, our outings weren’t really for fun, but, hey, when you’re under house arrest, buying diapers in an empty store at weird hours feels awfully fun. On a related note, I almost had to take down the receptionist at the Vanderbilt Clinic today when she refused to take Becca back to an individual room to wait (as waiting rooms, as I’m sure you know, are a BIG no-no). I managed not to draw blood though. So I stand in solidarity with your germ-phobia, albeit for different reasons!
It’s amazing what these kids can do while taking chemo. A few months ago Lily wanted to see “Hotel for Dogs” – She went straight from clinic (and getting chemo) to lunch and then she and I went to see the movie. It was the middle of the day – and we were the only ones in the theater. It was fun having the whole theater to ourselves.
I’m glad to read that Tanner is feeling so much better.
Love,
Carol Johnston (Lily’s grandma)