Days 125-130

We just celebrated the completion of our 5^th admit, only one more to go.  Dad took her to clinic on Thursday where she had her spinal infusion in of methotrexate in clinic and was admitted to the 4^th floor by 1pm.  Her methotrexate drip was started before 5pm so they clocked record time – way to go Loyola peds!!!  By the time I got to the hospital at 6, K had not napped so she was fast asleep by 9 with potty breaks every 2 hours.  She was a bit crabby from the poking and prodding so we didn’t do much with our 3 hours.

Friday we played in the playroom for a bit.  Maddox and Grandpa came to visit for a few hours which made time fly.  We also saw Nina (the 11 year old recently diagnosed) who was also in for chemo.  I am always amazed at how resilient children are.  Kennedy, Ella, Tyler, Nina, Camilla, Nick – all these kids with cancer that I know have the best attitudes and are so strong.  It is easy to forget they are or have been seriously ill.

Dad came on Friday night to swap places with me.  I didn’t leave the hospital until nearly 9 because Kennedy started crying each time I tried to leave.  I came very close to spending the night again but there just isn’t room for all of us so I made the trek home.  Maddox slept at Grandmas and I met them both at Maddox’s baseball game on Saturday morning. Afterwards, Maddox and mom went back to the hospital where we helped pack and spring K from the big house.  The rest of the weekend was busy, we went to Christina’s wedding on Saturday and even made it to the boat on Sunday.  Dad really wanted to keep K at home but she insisted on boating so away we went; lathered with sunscreen and the boat top up, we hit the river for a short cruise.

Today Kennedy went to Art in the Park with Sofia.  We signed her up last minute so she can hang out with her BFF on Tuesday mornings for the next few weeks.  The class was full but the park district thankfully made an exception and got her in.  Now K can get out of the house at least one day a week and tag along with the Simonian family.  I’m grateful because I know she is safe with them.  We ensured she was well equipped this morning with masks, hand sanitizer, lip balm, hats and sunscreen in her little purse.

This week K will hit my cousin Alene’s indoor swimming pool.  When K was first diagnosed, we were banned from swimming ANYWHERE for 2+ years but the rules are getting more lenient based on her progress.  Since the pool is private, barely used and has housed no leaky children in years, we got the shaky thumbs up from the overprotective Dr. Manera.  Public pools, lake water and the ocean are still off limits and will remain that way.  Kennedy is so excited to swim anywhere and I’m praying we aren’t overdoing anything.  I just want her to feel like a normal kid and swimming is one of her favorite things to do so we’re giving it a try.  Baby steps.