Thursday, April 26

Today Hannah went to school without mom! She did have her aide with her full time, but she was happy allowing me to leave her at school, just like the old days. She is just thriving at school, and even asks to do homework at night. She's a superstar! She is a bit behind the class in certain concepts, they are studying the water cycle right now, but she doesn't seem to notice so much and keeps on working. Tomorrow the class has their "author's tea" where they recite poems they have created, illustrated and published. She is very excited. If I can make it through without crying like a baby, it will be a miracle.

We met with Hannah's oncologist this week. Hannah will be receiving treatment at Schneider Children's Hospital in New Hyde Park on Long Island. We will be using a slightly different protocol from Dr. Allen at NYU, administered by Dr. Atlas at LIJ (Schneider's). Dr. Allen's protocol uses a slightly different method for one of the drugs, which may help to spare her hearing. She goes next week for baseline audiogram and blood work, then starts chemo probably a week and a half after that. The doctors informed us that Hannah will not be able to attend school at all in the next 9 months, and possibly longer, but we're still looking into that, and hope that some school is possible.

So for the next couple of weeks we are trying to have as much fun as possible. Hannah went to girl scouts this afternoon and had a great time up to her elbows in dirt at the greenhouse. Actually, the dirt covered every part of her, including her bald head, but who cares. For right now, she needs to be a kid without any worries.

xoxo Kim