Staying In

It looks like we're going to be here a while longer...

Her methotrexate level is still too high for discharge.  They don't anticipate her being clear today...maybe tomorrow, but no guarantees.

We are scheduled to be back on Tuesday, so I'm just hoping we get at least one full day out in between...preferably Monday, since it's my birthday.

The other day, I went to the support group for parents that is held in the oncology unit each week.  It is led by a mom whose daughter is 2 years out of leukemia treatment and a hospital social worker.  They bring in cookies and fresh fruit and just provide a space for parents of patients to meet, talk, vent or whatever they need.  

I met the parents of another patient here.  Their 13 year old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia over the summer.  She has been having chemo treatments since then, but now needed a bone marrow transplant.  She had her transplant last week, and must be here in isolation for 6 weeks, then stay at another facility until day 100 after her transplant.  During this time, she has a very restricted diet with no microbial contaminants, which means no milk, no fresh fruit, no outside food.  She can't leave the room, and everyone who enters must scrub hands for 2 minutes, wear masks and shoe covers to protect her from germs while her immune system rebuilds.

I can't imagine how difficult it must be for that girl, let alone for her parents, who are staying at the Ronald McDonald House and traveling over 2 hours when they need to be at work.  I am so grateful that Scarlett is so young, that I am able to be with her, and that we live so close to the best treatment.