It’s Go! Go! Go!

 

This is going to be the quickest blog update ever.

 

Miya passed her snot test yesterday and we began chemo today. The chemo is still infusing slowly, and there’s about a half hour left to go.  Miya spiked a temp (38.2 C) which is normal as her T-Cells produce heat as they break up. This is being treated as per normal protocol with paracetemol (UK version of Tylenol) and  steroid. 

 

Miya continues to eat and drink normally. She does, however, have a red bum due to the chemo chemicals being excreted in her urine and faeces. We are treating this with special cleansing agents and a powerful barrier cream. 

 

Miya is examining Simba with a flashlight right now, and earlier, she tried to feed him a biscuit.  She is in high spirits, although earlier today when she was given Pethedine (aka Demerol) she was a zombie for a while, and then fell over several times when she tried to walk. 

 

Miya was given an NG tube today, which made me have to go to the other end of the room and look away.  It wasn’t cool.  She’s fine with it now, and isn’t really picking at it.  She’s more interested in what’s going on with her Hickman line.

 

Off to put Miya to bed now.  Will update as and when I can.

The Haircut

I cut Miya's hair today.  It was/is a big deal for me.  The haircut makes things real, you know? I dreaded the haircut because I knew it would make things real for me.  I had a little panic attack afterwards.  I bought her a beanie from Baby Gap so she wouldn't have to be bald in public.  I hate it when people stare at bald babies and think "Look at the poor cancer baby".  She can't help it that she needs chemo for her bone marrow transplant. She doesn't mind the hat, but she does tug at it from time to time.  We were out for a bit today and I had taken her hat off her.  People kept staring and I was wondering what they were staring at.  Until I remembered the haircut. 

Each time I look at her, I get a little jolt and think "What happened to your hair?!".  Then I remember...

On a brighter note, we received some funding from SSAFA and have found rooms available at the Union Jack Club, a hotel for service personnel and their dependents. It's about a half hour walk away from the hospital. If it's raining, we can take the tube but we have to be mindful about touching our hands to our faces, mouth, etc. to minimize the risk of infection. If one of us gets sick, we can't go in with Miya. If Miya gets sick, it could be disastrous.