Her therapy every morning has become part of our routine. Today she completed treatment #24, which means there are only six more left. As crazy as it sounds, she loves going. This is credit to the people at UCSF who make it so much fun.
We get to UCSF each morning by 7am. Rosalie gives Chris, the radiation therapist her favorite CD and we listen to music for a little while. She LOVES that part. Then the anesthesiologist administers propofyl which helps Rosalie fall asleep instantaneously. She lies under the linear accelerator secured with a form fitting mask to ensure that she stays in perfect position. Though she is on her back in the photo, she actually lies on her stomach for the treatment - kind of like she is on a massage table with her face open to the floor.
The anesthesiologist, radiation therapist, and nurse observe Rosalie through video cameras while the linear accelerator is on because no one else can be in the room while radiation is being administered. This part of the treatment takes 10-15 minutes.
Then the team goes in and gets Rosalie ready for me to come hold her. I bring her out to the waiting room where she is observed by a nurse or doctor until she wakes up. It takes a half hour to 45 minutes for her to open her eyes. I like to let her wake naturally because otherwise she is pretty much cuckoo.
The hardest part is actually leaving the hospital. For some reason she likes to stay and play in the waiting room - really weird considering it is a pretty sterile adult waiting room. I think she just likes to hang out with Nurse David, and the radiation therapists Chris and Angela.
Keep the prayers coming! The positive energy will also help cure her.
PHOTO 1: Pediatric Anesthesiologist Chico Cauldwell, Nurse David, Radiation Therapist Chris, Radiation Therapy Student Eri, Rosalie
PHOTO 2: Radiation Therapist Angela who likes to play goofy games with Rosie
PHOTO 3: Rosalie in the waiting room on Halloween Day
PHOTO 4: Chief Resident Brian Lee, Rosalie's Radiation Oncologist Daphne Haas Kogan
PHOTO 5: Halloween day with David and Chris
5 comments:
Is that nail polish I see on the sassy Rosie-pants? Huzzah! Thanks for keeping us in the loop. It is so good to see what you are doing on a daily basis. And, of course, know that you are in OUR thoughts on a daily basis. Go, Rosie Rosie, go! Elisabeth Snell
We all need a little more Rosalie in us. What an inspiration!
love,
Brooke and Townsend
Yup - that is black nail polish on Rosalie. She and her Meema had a little Halloween manicure party.
Rosie looks so BIG!!! I just got my tickets today, and I am SO SO SO excited to see you in less than 2 months!
Thanks (as always) for the photos...
Much Love,
Phoebe :-)
It's incredible how she's bonded with the medical staff at UCSF. We're sending our love and prayers for the remaining treatments.
Love,
Sarah and Jeff
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