June 12, 2014

Day 3 of Chemo is officially in the books. Today was a rough day for Afton. She woke up 16 pounds heavier today than yesterday thanks to all the fluids that she had pumped in to her body. We weighed her 3 times and on different scales since none of us could believe that it was actually that much of a difference. Unfortunately we all know, what comes in must come out. She was given medicine to “flush” her system. People aren’t kidding when they say that your body is at war during chemo. I don’t know if I am a blessing or a curse but I do serenade Afton with rewritten songs. I think sometimes the staff here wonder why there is so much laughing coming from room 6744. Afton has inherited her mother’s cackle.

Afton also enjoyed the benefits of all those blood donations going on for her behalf with another transfusion today. I think secretly she read Twilight one too many times and has a desire to be a vampire. I feel betrayed because I thought she was Team Jacob and to find out she really is Team Edward is a disappointment. The blood transfusions seem to make a huge difference and give her so much energy. Thank you to everyone who donates!! Keep it up! It really does save lives. On a side note, if you have not been tested to be a bone marrow donor, please consider doing this as well. Watching these children wait for a match tears at your heart!!!!

This round of chemo has also brought a huge hair loss. Afton is not quite ready to shave the head yet so in an effort to hide some of the bald spots we went with a pixie cut. You would be happy to know Bonny that I am becoming quite the “Barbra” during this experience. I have told Afton when the time comes to shave her head, we will do a “tonsure” ritual to make it more “fun” if shaving your head for a girl can be fun.

Afton had a tumble when she was walking today. I know she gets so frustrated by her new limitations. The charge nurse had to interview her about the fall. They were worried about her being injured and she was more worried that they would limit her physical therapy. Her will to fight amazes me. She has tears and frustration but after she gives herself a few minutes of pity, she takes a deep breath and is ready to fight again. When I helped pick her up today, I held her in my arms and told her I wish I could trade places with her. She just held my face and told me she would never want that to happen. I told her one-day, she will understand that as a mother, I want nothing more than to shield her from every bad thing that could happen to her. I would willingly take this away from her, but be assured, I could never handle it as well as she is handling it.