Doctors, Tattoos and Radiation

Doctors appointments seem to be the norm, these days.... At least one but often more per week. Ava had her eye exam a couple weeks ago. We went to a pediatric opthalmologist that comes to Albany from OHSU Casey Eye Institute. Ava's eyes looked great which was a nice relief. We thought they were probably okay they way she can spot us from afar, but sometimes there can be hidden issues. Extreme preemies are more likely to have problems so they will continue to monitor her every six months. There was no sign of ROP (retinopathy of prematurity) and the Doctor said he couldn't even tell she was a preemie from her eyes! The nurse commented she wished all babies Ava's age were so cooperative.

Ava had her vaccinations, last RSV shot, and a checkup from the pediatrician. She continues to do great and is over 15 pounds now! Our nurse told us to work more on her core muscles but she just does not like her tummy time anymore (in the NICU, she used to breathe better on her tummy but now she does not like it whatsoever!).

We've gone from paranoid parents (trying to avoid colds) to cautious parents. We've been getting out and about and able to visit our friends with kids again, which is nice!

Linda got her radiation tattoos (very small marks they use to line up the radiation - look like a small freckle). We met again with the radiation oncologist a couple weeks ago and the plan is the same - 6.5 weeks of radiation (5.5 weeks with a 1 week "boost" at the end). The research is also still showing that Linda would benefit from radiation in the lymph nodes area so she will get that too as part of the deal (there is/was some debate on this, but some newer research indicates it is helpful).

Her first day will be tomorrow (5/5) and continue thru the third week in June. Treatments are Monday thru Friday and it looks like we'll have a morning treatment time. The radiation appointment should only be about 30 minutes so that is nice. Radiation doesn't seem so scary after chemo, preemie babies, surgeries, etc. It feels to us like the last leg of a long marathon. But, there are still risks and side effects (like everything), so it isn't exactly a cupcake treatment either. We're assured that radiation is much safer today than long ago, and side effects should be limited to potential higher lymphedema risk, sore skin, and fatigue. We're praying all goes as it should and we have a nice, boring 6.5 weeks of radiation.

Rob.