Time out

Sinatra enjoying the toys at the OPI center

After our long week off when Sinatra was sick, we completed our first week back on chemotherapy. That meant a lumbar picture and chemo on Tuesday, and then chemo Wed- Fri. Because the RSV knocked out Sinatra's ANC, we had to begin to withhold the MP which is normally an at home, orally administered chemo.  Even though reducing her chemo will reduce her side effects and make her feel better in the short term, as parents we don't love not giving it to her and would almost rather have her have it in hopes that it has a better chance of killing the cancer.  Regardless, we will continue to listen to the doctor and do as we are told.

The parenting dilemmas continued this weekend. We had to give Sinatra her first "time out".  We have been avoiding this but unfortunately Sinatra is a typical 17 month old in every way but her cancer and she is beginning to test her limits. We have probably been a little more than passive when it comes her but discipline is such a hard thing to be consistent on when your kid has cancer. Our doctor has encouraged us to treat her normally and we have to be fair in having the same expectations for both of the girls, but it was awful to put her in time out and watch her cry.

After her timeout, as our normal procedure, Jenn went down the hall to tell her why she was in time out and to have her say sorry and when Sinatra replied with 'Sorry Mommy' Jenn lost it and started crying.

As far as treatment goes, we have two more weeks left in this phase (called "Consolidation") of chemotherapy and then we start the first experimental section of her treatment.  After the 30 days of the 'study' treatment plan we get our test to see how Sinatra is responding.  Keep your fingers crossed!!