Madeline had clinic this morning.  When they scheduled the appt, the only appt they had available was 8:45am and we actually did well.  I was showered, fed the girls, got them dressed, diaper bag packed and even with the morning traffic we made it by our appt time.  We heard her favorite song on the radio on the way there and we both belted it out.  The poke went very smoothly and Diane did Madeline’s exam.  She is wonderful!  She was excited to see Lydia and said she couldn’t believe how much Lydia has changed and how much she looks like Madeline.  Diane talked to Madeline to ask her if she had any headaches or nausea - signs of central nervous system relapse.  She asked her if her legs hurt, tummy hurt, etc. - signs of bone marrow relapse.  Madeline has been feeling very well.  I asked if we should see a nutritionist or dietician for Madeline because I have always heard stuff about adults being on a specific diet after cancer treatment.  We went over the foods that Madeline eats and she said that Madeline eats a healthy diet, a variety of foods and lots of fruits and vegetables, so there is no need for a special diet.  She said nothing that we do would prevent a reoccurance.  The only thing she mentioned that is really important is milk, due to the bone death that all of the steroids cause.  Milk has never been an issue and Madeline drinks tons of it and we do not buy juice.  Madeline is happy drinking milk or water.  Good news on that!  Diane mentioned only two more clinic appts until Madeline reaches one year off treatment.  We are scared, but remain very optimistic about it.  All of her counts were within normal range and they were great at getting us out in a hurry in order to get back here for Lydia’s doctor appt at 10:30am. 

Lydia’s appt went well.  She had an immunization and a well check up.  She is 11 months old now.  She is 20 lbs, 30 inches long and in the 90th percentile for her length.  They checked her hemoglobin and the doctor said it was the best hemoglobin she had seen in over a year at their practice.  She said she knew Lydia was a good eater and ate lots of vegetables.  Double good news today!  We have lived on the other side of this and we are just so thankful for today.

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