Saturday was tougher than we expected because Ollie had extra meds that he was supposed to take orally and hated the taste, so his gag reflux kept kicking in and he threw up multiple times. His nurse, Nelson was awesome and kept trying to find creative new ways to help him get them down.
Mario and Abby came to visit and we spent some time in the Sens Den together having dinner and watching a movie. Then Daddy stayed with him so Mommy could have time with Abby. Ollie cried when we left, desperately wanting to go home and I hugged him as he cried in real sadness for the first time on this journey. So hard, but Daddy soon teased him into a better mood and gave him snuggles.
Chilling out in the Sens Den watching a movie.
Abby and I went to Indigo and shopped a little, but mostly thought of Ollie and ended up buying only things to make him happy. We got a Starbucks drink and headed home to snuggle, watch tv and do facial masks together.
Today we had many things to do including shipping some Christmas packages with presents previously bought, buying jeans for Abby who seems to have had a growth spurt during all of this and picking up Abuelita (Mario's mom) to go for a visit to the hospital.
We also had extended family Kevin (Mario's Little Brother from our days volunteering at Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa) and his mom, Barbara come to visit. Ollie was happy and his usual energetic and silly self. They almost couldn't believe he has cancer.
We had brought leftovers from meals that were kindly brought to the house for us over the last few days and were happy to share it with this great little group of family. We are so grateful for the many amazing people who are feeding us and it's clear they're trying to keep us all pleasantly plump based on how much food keeps coming. Ollie was thrilled with the gathering and it felt more normal than having another meal in his hospital room. We also decorated his room a bit for Christmas (although we expect to be home December 10) and started his Advent calendar.
It has become obvious that striking the right balance between our children's needs is going to be challenging over the coming months. Both need each of us to comfort and reassure them that everything will be okay. Ollie clearly loves his daddy, but missed me last night because today he just kept asking for hugs, wanting to sit or snuggle with me and thanking me for all I am doing for him while apologizing if he's been mean to me lately. Just an example of the sensitive and sweet boy that we have been blessed with. I pray that this experience makes him grateful for the kindness of others and for all of the good that he will have in his life after all of this. We're talking a lot about how powerful our minds and positive thinking are and their importance to us being successful in kicking lymphoma out and he seems to finally be coming around to this idea.
I'm so glad to hear Ollie will be home Dec. 10. Lots of hugs to you all.
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