The Final Countdown

Before the Hawaii rain came falling.

It's still weird to think that Charlotte is getting a port placed this week. She starts chemo this weekend. What the WHAT?! A month ago we were in Hawaii... stressing over every shot McIlroy was hitting (or missing), shoveling fish tacos in our mouths & watching Charlotte swim with friends. And now we're here.

We're in for a long weekend. Charlotte has her 2nd MRI Friday morning, which will be followed by the port placement. She took the news of her MRI exceptionally well. Dr. Brittany suggested a small dose of Lorazepam ahead of her IV, which we're all on board with. (And if you read that in anything but Parker Posey's voice, you are doing it wrong.) We most likely won't know the results of the MRI until Friday night, but it shouldn't have any affect on the rest of the weekend. If anything, it is providing the team at Children's with a clearer baseline and will give them something to monitor throughout treatment.

We're going to be a popular crew at the hospital, as there are plans for many staff members to check in on us while admitted - a teacher, nurse practitioners, a dietician, a dentist! Connor and I are going to be getting a crash course on how to support Charlotte and take the best care of her while we are at home. Dr. Brittany is hopeful we'll be discharged after a couple of nights, but we know that's not a guarantee.

Charlotte has turned a bit of a corner this week. She's been more open to talking with us about her situation, has helped make lists of questions for her care team, and continues to impress Connor & I with her bravery. Who knows if it's been a regular school routine or simply time, but it's provided some relief.

Between now and Friday, Charlotte will continue to check the essentials off her list:

Battle of the Books Finals, 3rd place finish for her team!
Spring concert at school!
Talent show!