A day on 4 North

Another trip to CHEO's oncology ward, 4 north today.  Our visits here are bittersweet as I had envisioned returning with Phoebe to visit once she was out of isolation and cancer free, not to have her blood tested as a result of relapse.  The staff on 4 North are a wonderful, compassionate and very special group of people.  They care so much.  Love and support for the families that are there permeates the space.  The children can feel it and it makes their journey to recovery that much easier.  Phoebe was happy to see her nurse and doctor friends today, and despite the circumstances, the feeling was mutual.  They shared in our sadness but also very much in our hope. 

Phoebe's white blood count has now dropped to 23.  It is gradually going down, which is good, but so are all of her other blood counts.  She had another platelet transfusion today, as well as a transfusion of red blood cells.  Our doctor said that the chemo she is taking can cause the counts to fall, but that the bone marrow might not have enough healthy cells to make platelets and red blood cells right now.  Once again, we are very thankful for all of the people out there who donate blood.  It truly is a life saving gift.

We are expecting to hear something from the doctors at St. Jude's on Monday, which is also Phoebe's first birthday.  We do know that they have discussed Phoebe's case already, and are going to reconvene on Monday to make a decision about treatment.  We are aware of the gravity of this situation, but are optimistic and hopeful that these wonderful scientists and doctors, together with the team from Sick Kids and CHEO, will come up with a plan of action for Phoebe.  And what better day to hear good news than Phoebe's big day.