Haley’s Giggle

Yes, this is news.  Big news, in fact. This is the first time since Haley was born that she has received a vaccine. Once she had her bone marrow transplant, we had to wait for her immune system to be strong enough to withstand immunizations.  We’re only at the starting gate in terms of all the vaccines she’ll have to take, but it brings us to another piece of big news.  Now that she’s starting to get her vaccines, she can go to school.  With her princess backpack being the first thing she asks for everyday, she’s more ready for school than any of us.  She’s spent literally half of her life in my arms, and although it’s a wonderful thing to watch it, it’s tougher to watch her growing up.

Which brings us to yet another piece of great news.  For the first time since the bone marrow transplant, she has made it on onto her growth chart.  She’s only gained .2 kg, but she’s grown 3 cm.  I attribute all of this of course to her peanut butter/peanut/cashew meals. she still needs her feeding tube, and in fact, we’re asked to grind up food and just push it through, in addition to the formula’s shes been getting.  She’s growing so much intellectually and neurologically still, that she can’t afford to lose calories or nutrients.  The last thing she needs is yet another thing to set her back, and set her aside from her peers. She’s working very hard at walking, running, and jumping.

Which brings us to another bit of news… she’s now going to see and orthopedist.  The orthopedist will set a baseline for her walking, and monitor its progression further. There is always a chance she’ll need leg braces, or even surgery, and it’s good to have someone on track the whole time.

Which brings us to the last bit of news. Whoever the orthopedist is, will be a person who thinks out of the box, and always reaches out for a hug.  Dr. K. Street, and Heartful Hematologist are always there with arms stretched out, even if i don’t offer them first. 

Oh, yes. one last thing. We met up with Favorite Nurse on our way back from Sloan Kettering (check-up, bloodwork).  It was the most wonderful reunion– not having actually seen each other in two years.