| Tuesday June 22, 2004 Happy Birthday Paige! Monday ended up being a much better day than we had anticipated. We called Dr. Akl regarding radiation for her leg pain. He's on vacation for 3 weeks, but the covering physician and the wonderful staff at the Genesys-Hurley Cancer Institute were more than accommodating. They radiated both legs from just above her toes to just below her knees. We arrived back home around 4pm and she was able to take a nap before some of the family came over for a small birthday celebration. We tried to keep it very simple and limited to the people she has seen on a regular basis for the last few months. To introduce new faces seems to make her more anxious. Actually, we didn't even plan on singing happy birthday because she is so sensitive to noise and people being around her. If you give her any attention she immediately closes her eyes and shuts you out. Much different than the Paige that used to ham it up for the camera when she felt better. Around 7pm she just happened to be awake and in a pretty good mood so we put the cake in front of her and sang in toned down voices. She was very receptive and next thing we knew she had pulled out her pacifier and was puckering up her lips ready to blow out the candle. It couldn't have been more perfect :) Our home was filled will lots of colorful balloons and beautiful flowers thanks to many of you. Considering how she was feeling this past weekend the last few days have been good. It's just amazing how much the radiation helps her. While she still has some complaints of pain (mostly with movement), it's much better than last weekend and we've been able to cut her morphine dose back to half of what it was. I think I mentioned before about how Paige wants only Mommy to hold her and do things for her most of the time. So, today I told her I was going to the store and she was fine staying with Andy. He held her on the porch for at least two hours and I know it was good for both of them. I took advantage of the time and steam cleaned some of the carpets and did a little cleaning. As crazy as it sounds the cleaning was very therapeutic for me. While Nana decided to stay, Pop-pop left this morning for Pennsylvania to check on things there and plans to return in a few days. We look forward to Aunt Christina and cousins Johnny, Emily and Alex arriving tomorrow from Ohio to visit for a few days. Grandma came down for her daily visit and brought Paige's cousin Ashley to stay the night. We painted pink toenails for the girls and they're finally asleep. As always, our love and thanks to all. Andy, Sandi & Paige |
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