Days 6 & 7 (6/28 6/29/16)


          Compliments of Uncle Eric. . . . . .

• for the past two days, Annie has spent most of her time disconnected from her IV.  She is drinking ample fluids to stave of any dehydration worries, so only needs to connect at night and thru the mid morning.  Blood work is done and meds are given in the morning prior to coming off IV.
• It's so much nicer to see her running around the room playing with the toys that so many have given her.  We're so happy that she's been able to go and sit outside and play in the room at the front of the ward.  She almost looks like a regular kid.  Fern and I have noticed that she appears a little drawn and her eyes look a little dark.  Oliver thinks he voice has changed.  Maybe we're all just being crazy - hopefully.
• She finally got to see a therapy dog!!  A little dog named Shelby.  I was not there, but Fern says she was very happy to see a four legged visitor:)

                               

• Blood work has gone well, except the nurse detected glucose in her urine.  That, coupled with high blood sugar for the past couple of days, has doctors concerned that she may need to go on insulin.  It is not unusual for kids being treated for leukemia to acquire diabetes.  The doctors have told us that it would likely subside after treatment ends.
• Fern met the parents of a 6 year old girl named Juliette who was diagnosed with leukemia the day after Thanksgiving last year.  She also has ALL and was in the hospital for the very first time related to a fever.  Of course, she has bee numerous times for scheduled treatments, but never yet on an emergency basis.  They had nothing but great things to say about the doctors and staff at the Valerie Center and Goryeb.  Thru our research and the continued great reviews from the families of patients past and present, we are feeling more and more comfortable that Annie is being well looked after.
• The dreaded chemo Friday is looming and Fern is going to take a much needed couple of hours out of the hospital tomorrow, while dad holds down the fort.  We're hoping that Annie goes into Friday as healthy as she is right now.  Additionally, the staff has a plan to adjust the anti-nausea meds to be more effective than last week.  Our fingers are crossed. 
• ANNIE'S ARMY NOTES:
• We've spoken with lots of supporters who talk about miracles.  We hope and pray for anything and everything.  Not so much miracles, but some very strange happenings that defy physics have been going on at my house.  When I drop my dirty clothes, they don't hit the floor like they used to.  Somehow, they fall directly into my mother-in-law's washing machine 10 miles away.  And a couple of hours later, they magically appear folded and in my drawers.  I'm not lying.  If it keeps happening, I may try to video tape it like those guys who have the show about ghosts.  Seems to be happening with the dirty dishes as well. . . . .  It's also happening with the pets - fed, watered, let out for fresh air and collected at the end of the night.  I've seen my 12 year old neighbor, Alicia, lurking around the house, so my theory is that she might have seen something that can explain this.
• When I pulled up to the hospital today, my buddy, Csorba, was sitting on a bench.  He lives a couple of hours north in Upstate NY.  When I got out, he gave me a hug and then was going to leave!  Didn't want to go upstairs and give germs to Annie.  I helped him get all the cooties off of him and convinced him to come up and spend some time with us.
• Annie's teachers keep coming!!  Miss Ashley and Miss Debbie came.  We have giant signs with all the kids' little pictures and names and wishes for Annie spread over the banners.  She loves the little notes they all made for her.

                                                   

• Lindsay's girl scout group delivered a beautiful package to the house with toys and crafts and pictures that the kids made.  I'm pretty sure, some of them have never even met Annie! 

                                

• My family keeps coming and fawning over her with love and gifts.  She's definitely going to end up spoiled and with a skewed perception of how cute, and smart, and funny, and strong, etc. she is.  She's like a movie star.
• The meal train started!!!  And what great cooks!!  If you're following the first couple of families, you've got some big shoes to fill - three words. . . . . .surf and turf!!  Just kidding - but so awesome of people to take the time to take food preparation out of our daily chores.
• An iPad showed up today from a work colleague of mine.  The Porwick family has officially gone overboard - I'm not even sure how to deliver it to Annie.  Maybe I'll lie and say it came from Santa. . . . .
• Thank you all so much!!