Life, Laughter and Learning

We have had a pretty great few days of R and R. Since we haven't had any appointments at the hospital since Abby's stem cell collection on Tuesday, we've been completely without agenda or stress (aside from the obvious daily reminders of cancer and COVID19...LOL).

Abby recovered quickly from her stem cell collection, feeling only a bit of fatigue the day after, so she rested and ate bananas and drank Gatorade as recommended by her doctors. By Thursday she was feeling better and motivated to get on with her new normal. 

One of the many beautiful things about my daughter is her self-motivation. She LOVES to learn and needs the structure of school. Typically, she gets upset halfway through the summer because she misses school and her friends. It's one of the ways I know for sure she's mine, since she's always looked and often acted more like her dad.

So it's not surprising that she earnestly set about creating a learning plan and schedule for herself based on structures that they've used in Mrs. Endicott's and Mme. Clermont's terrific classes all year. I get to fill in for Mme. Ozimierski for gym class as Abby and I walk (while social distancing), and plan to rent bikes if social distancing will allow. She's also been watching religion videos for religion class (I watched one, too, Mrs. Shurb!).

She has diligently gotten up and dressed weekday mornings to do her planned 4 (!) hours of learning. Mario says she is the strangest child around, but I so get her and understand her need for this normalcy.

One day while doing English class, we looked at this blog. We were both shocked to see that since I started it in November, I've written 85 entries, which have been viewed 55,508 times! Thanks for following our story! 

Meanwhile Ollie has had a pretty good week. We've heard more laughter, jokes and smart aleck remarks from him this week than in a long time. Abby's been finding ways to keep him entertained as well. I will never tire of hearing his giggles or big belly laughs.

On this particular evening after dinner he quipped, "I'd clear the table, but you know I'm blind and I'd likely make a mess!". We all laughed and I reminded him that blind or sighted, after cancer this excuse wouldn't work anymore.

We've ventured out for groceries when needed and walks around the neighborhood for fresh air and exercise (always social distancing and wearing masks). Downtown Toronto is very quiet. It's kind of eerie.

One day on our walk, Abby spotted a pair of men's boxers, jeans and a can of beer. She insisted I take a photo. She was horrified at the idea that someone ran through the street naked. Her education is certainly expanding into new areas in the big city. LOL

There's tons around us, but sadly most things are closed. Ironic that we're in a city where normally I'd be able to source anything, but nothing is available to us. Poor Ollie still can't comprehend that there are no toy stores open anywhere. He's appalled that the gift shop at Sick Kids has been closed since we arrived.

Abby at Bay and Dundas Streets, taking her mask off only for the photo.

Meanwhile, while we have taken Ollie in the wheelchair on a few walks, generally it is safer for him to get his fresh air on one of our two balconies.

 

The only down side to this week has been that Ollie has had some headaches where he's complained of his eyes hurting. I am convinced that his optic nerves are trying to rehabilitate themselves. I spoke with Ollie's oncology team about it and asked for an optomology consult here as its now been over a month since he saw them in Ottawa. They agreed that this is a good idea and are trying to arrange it for next week.

In the meantime, he's worked through the headaches by hydrating, with Tylenol, rest and a couple of times, with minor doses of morphine. Sadly when you have cancer, you cannot take Ibuprofen, and there are few pain killers at your disposal. 

When he's been well, he's shown more interest in doing everyday things. He even wanted to help me fold towels (which he often did with me at home).

Today, these two declared it brother/sister day. She helped him to her room and they've been working on top secret projects all afternoon, no parents allowed. He's so thrilled to be with her. Between stem cell transplant and social distancing, these two have bonded so much more. For that I am very grateful. 

So we've been restoring our energy reserves, as radiation happens this week and next. This will be followed by transplant April 16 and then 6-8 weeks constantly admitted in hospital until they can confirm that the stem cells grafted and Abby's immune system has taken over in his body. I've always found it strange that Ollie got every possible illness (e.g. Thrush as a baby, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, Scarlet Fever, Strep Throat, Ear infections, Flu, etc.) while Abby almost never caught anything, nor anything from him. I always chalked it up to her having a stronger immune system and it actually turned out to be true.

He'll be admitted for the 3 days of total body radiation as of Monday, April 13, but gets to be outpatient this week during blood tests Monday, and head radiation Tuesday and Wednesday. I'll share more about that this week.

In the meantime, thanks for social distancing and self-isolating to flatten the curve. The fear of COVID-19 is very real for families like ours, so please remember us and stay home as much as you can and when you can't, stay 6 feet away from those around you. Remember that you're staying in to stop the spread and protect yourself and others.

We pray that you and all those you love stay well as we've had enough bad news over the last months to last us a lifetime.