Pretty, Drained

Dear Madeline,

What a sweet end to a rough week. You've been doing very well after your 2nd surgery! So well that your NG tube was removed a day early, that you were sitting up for most of the day today, smiling, giggling, and... actually behaving for the doctors!?! Even just last night, you were in excruciating pain. So much so that the surgical team ordered up another ultrasound (STAT!!) to find out what was happening. They thought perhaps you were having a relapse of the condition that was just fixed in your 2nd surgery. Turns out it was just a nasty case of gas, and it resolved itself in the way that would make any 9 year old boy laugh with delight.

You looked better today than at any point since before we brought you to the hospital. After that fun little bath today, you also smell better today than at any point since before we brought you to the hospital. Now that your stink is gone, I guess I have to stop blaming that funky smell on you. I had so much fun singing to you and dancing and playing with you. I loved that I knew you were crying because you simply wanted to get out of the crib and hang out in my arms for a while instead of crying out in pain. The doctors also remarked that this is the best they've seen you look and react since you've been around. All fantastic news, which builds up of what's next.

So what is next? Well, tomorrow morning (or tonight if you throw a fit), you start off slow and get to have some pedialyte. I hope you actually take the bottle this time, kiddo.  I know you haven't forgotten how to eat. After a morning build-up, we move you up to formula and baby food, just like old times! But there will be great expectations laid upon you once you start eating.

The oncology team here has decided to pick up where we left off with your radiation treatments on Monday, pending re-evaluation re-evaluate you on Monday and, if all looks well, resume radiation treatment during the week of March 28th. So, they will expect you to be eating and pooping normally before officially resuming treatment. If we need to delay any further, it looks like they've decided to start the radiation treatments all over again but at lower doses. To put the cherry on top, once everyone is satisfied that your body is getting back to normal, they will want to send you home. Sweet pea, let's not make them wait anymore, okay? We want you home with us, and we want you to get the treatment you need to beat this cancer for good on the first try.

Tomorrow's a big day, Maddie, so get your sleep in now. We've got so much to look forward to.

Love,

   Daddy