Four!

So......It's been about 4 months since I last updated, and Lexi turns 4 tomorrow, so it seems like a good time to update this blog. 

July: 
Lexi completed the last our her four inpatient chemo, and did a swan dive out of bed on her last day to avoid her dinner.  At least it wasn't Mommy's fault she fell on her head that time.  We had a great July 4 watching fireworks at Dorney Park, not to mention plenty of other days at DP/WWK all summer. 

August:
Started out in the hospital with fever.  Otherwise things were going well, even considering Lexi was on steroids.  But then I made the mistake of trying to plan a child free day for myself before the semester started.  She ended up in the ER 8/11 with a fever and back in 8/12 because I knew something was off, and she ended up having a seizure in the ER.  At least we were in the ER when that happened.  That meant a one night stay in the PICU, would have been longer, but they bumped us.  She ended up being diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.  That really should have been a brown pants moment, but by the time I wrapped my head around what was going on she was back to running laps on the floor.  Of course her favorite time for that is shift change and rounds, you know, when the halls are crowded.  This also lead to our first experience with home IV antibiotics.  Joy. Also in August we had our first meeting with the Palisades Girls Soccer team who adopted Lexi for the season as an Angel Warrior.

September:  Go GOLD!
In September we got to go see Sesame Street Live (front row with meet and greet!) thanks to Angel 34.  We were also treat to a free meal at Ruby Tuesday when our waitress and the rest of the waitstaff picked up our bill for us.  Another time Shawn had his bill paid anonymously while at Waffle House with Lexi before clinic.  Not sure if the uptick in generosity is because it was childhood cancer awareness month, or because Lexi finally hit the really bald stage.  Either way, we truly appreciate it.  Lexi also got to help decorate a window at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Mulenberg for Childhood Cancer Awareness.  She also participated with the Palisades Girls Soccer Team in the childhood Cancer Olympics.  And finally, after many many delays, including another hospital stay, she finally returned to daycare, taking 30 mommy-made hats to share with her friends and teachers. 

October:
October started out with Alumni Band Day.  The weather was cold, but both girls had a lot of fun playing their instruments.  Then we started with lots of halloween activities.  This of course resulted in lots of candy!  Now what would a month be without another, almost comical, hospital stay?  After a trip to the ER for an almost fever, they decided to keep her overnight for observation because her history (think August) and her heart rate was elevated. We were out the next day before 1pm.  However, about 2 hours later we get a call to bring her back in, her blood cultures were positive.  Everyone was so apologetic, but I just had to laugh.  Lexi had to miss Suites & Treats at the Iron Pigs Stadium,  but she made it out in time to go trick or treating at home, after both girls got to participate in reverse trick or treat at the hospital.  This trip also ended with our second time doing home IV meds.  On the 31st, we went for our yearly family portraits.  We realized that morning when we were getting dressed that the bandage over Lexi's tubie was going to be visable in some of the photos, but we just excepted it, as that is part of this years story. 

November: Birthdays!!!
We started November by having Lexi participate in a Halloween candy buy back program.  After what we gave out and what we kept, she still sold back 11 pounds of candy for $11.  We'll take it!!  And now we are gearing up for all the birthday excitement.  Lexi turns 4 tomorrow.  It was 9 months ago today that she was diagnosed.  While I don't like to think about it, there was no guarantee that we would be where we are at today.  I'm thankful everyday that Lexi has handled everything she's been through as well as she has.  She gets to celebrate her birthday with classmates in daycare tomorrow.  Then she is having a party at Chuck E Cheese (on Annie's birthday no less!)  There will be something like 20 preschoolers there.  Its going to be nuts, but after the past year, Lexi deserves the world!

Other News:
Lexi has been selected by the Leukemia Lymphoma Society as  girl of the year for 2016.  For their fundraising competition, Lexi can act as a "face" for those who are/were not personally touched by cancer.  So she will have several events to attend early next year to fulfil her role. I'm excited to see what other opportunities Lexi may get to experience.  

We will continue to be busy.  I hope to keep this blog up to date more regularly, but no promises there.