2009-03-11

The long-term effects

I've heard some pretty sad stories of how chemo could possibly affect kids long-term. For one we won't know if Bianca could ever have kids until one day when we get to that point. And then of course there is the risk that the chemo could cause concentration or learning difficulties and of course these things are a worry, but since there is not much we can actually do about it until something like that is identified, we choose to shift it to the back of our minds and not think about it. Life is too short and there is no point in worrying about something that may or may not happen.

And right now, we have no reason to worry at all, let me tell you! I felt so incredibly proud today when Bianca's teacher sent the following through email: "She is reading above her chronological age... congratulations". She mentioned something about Bianca being on the turquoise level, but I don't know what that means and so on Tuesday when we have our meeting with Bianca's teacher we'll learn more about this. This meeting is to give us a progress report on how Bianca is doing and we are so excited to find out where she is at and how we can support her learning at home.

And today is exactly 6 months until we are completely done with treatment. 6 months until we take that very last tablet. I can't help remembering when we sat there at the beginning of June 2007 and all I could think was how badly I wanted to get through the first 6 months (our intensive bit) because then I would start looking back and I knew then that when we got to this point it would be hard to believe just how long we've been walking this road and how far we've come, but of course at the time it felt as if time stood still. As if each day just dragged its feet.

But here we are and I can't believe our last 6 months are ahead of us...

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well done Bianca!!!!!
So you're into the final countdown. Woohoo!!

Anonymous said...

Fantastic news on both counts - the amazing reading ability and the final countdown.

Anonymous said...

((HUGS)) Bianca sounds like one amazing little girl.

Anonymous said...

Awesome! You will have so much to celebrate in 6 months!

Anonymous said...

Multiple congratulations! On her reading, on nearing the end of treatment and for having a fabulous attitude about it all!

Ash said...

I remember reading your blog over at stuff for a long time before I found this one.

It seems strange that all this time was looming in front of you, and now it is behind you!

The final countdown will be the best, and you all must be so proud on how far you have gotten.

Try not to worry about the future to much. If you hadnt of done what you did and gotten treatment than your smart wonderful little girl might not even be here.

Congrats on getting this far!

Anonymous said...

Fantastic news on Bianca's reading. She is doing so well.
And wonderful news on the 6 months countdown on. I hope it flies by.
Re the antiviral pill, does Bianca take it at school? I have asked the school to try and do it today, but I doubt they will have much luck. It will have to be dissolved for one thing. I just wondered what times Bianca takes it.
Have a great day,
Bridget

Anonymous said...

Fantastic news, Lea. I agree, there is so much unknown out there but, we do have to focus on what we can control. Keep it up. You guys are great. I can feel Bianca's smiles in school all the way to San Francisco and we are all very happy for her.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to Bianca on her outstanding reading level!!
And now you are looking at less then 6 months til off treatment. How wonderful. You have certainly come a long way with lots of bumps along the road. Lets hope the last 6 months will be"bumpfree" and fly by!
Rosemary NY

Greg and Joy Ryan said...

wow--just 6 months left. congrats! we have a little longer than that but we are over halfway!

Anonymous said...

Hey Lea,

Turquoise is a fantastic level for her age, there are kids in Ashleighs class (year 2) who are well below that. I think the next one is purple then silver & gold and onto junior journals, wahoo!!
Go Bianca!
xx

Becs Todd