Yesterday was another milestone, as Hope had her mediport surgically removed. This was, while also a very anxious day, a day for celebration. Having this removed signifies the anticipated end of her treatment for Neuroblastoma.
We still don't dare to even breathe the words that many of you are thinking in your heads right now, but we too, understand the significance of this day. Dr, Karrer, who also removed her dying tumor after the 5th round of chemo was the surgeon who took out the mediport he put in, during her diagnosis and analysis of her tumor, back in April of 2007. It was good to see him again.
She did great, once again unnessarily proving her courage to Lisa and I. This is the fifth time Lisa and I have laid her on the surgical table, under blinding white lights, held her, and kissed her "goodnight", brushing a tear or two away from her cheeck, (and ours), while she goes "under." If you have never had your child out under anesthesia, (even for a minor proceedure), then it is hard to explain, but simply put, you feel completely helpless. She was a little more scared than she has been in the past, (I think it was because it had been so long since she has been "poked" and "proded"), but she went to sleep quietly and felt pretty good, 45 minutes later in the PACU.
She was playing outside last night, and was a little sore this morning, but feels really good. I think she will be glad to have it out, once the suture heals a bit.
Other than that, just a really normal Summer for a little girl, about to turn 8, (on August 14th). She rarely "stops" all day long, and is taking full advantage of the time off from school. He 1st grade teacher, Mrs. freeman, is tutoring her twice a week on her reading skills until her baby is due. The one-on-one proces should really help to catch her up, after missing the year of school during "full-treatment."
We hope that everyone has a great Summer, and I'll try to update with all the fun and wonderful things she is enjoying throughout the Summer.
Thank you all, as always for kepping up with Hope.
