Yesterday's fun, Today's big Reveal

Yesterday I had my first spinal tap and bone marrow draw. I did well under anesthesia and enjoyed the ride in my crib through the hospital. We find out today what kind of cancer I have after they run my cells through the flow cytometer, which Mom has likened to the coin sorter at the bank. After the diagnosis comes, then the plan of attack will be revealed.

That surely wasn't highlight of my day because yesterday my Dad brought my amazingly entertaining siblings to visit!!! We played, read books, and talked about serious stuff. Most impressively, my dad compared the word CANCER to the name VOLDEMORT. He's such a smart guy. Just like Dumbledore said, in the Harry Potter books, and I'm paraphrasing here because I can't actually read yet, "Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself." And although cancer is a pretty scary thing, we have to try to be brave and face it head on and not be afraid to talk about it. That's a lot for us kids to handle, but only the people able to say the name Voldemort were able to kill him. We got this! Then Mom gave a lovely science class on bone marrow and blood cell lines; truthfully, it was a bit beyond me. The rest of the day was arts and crafts, a visit from Uncle Joe and Auntie Ann and eating at the cafeteria until mom came back from hanging out with one of her besties, who proves there are angels among us.

Here are the photos from yesterday :

My chariot ride. I was waving like the princess I am, spreading smiles through the hospital on my way to the OR.

My first award for bravery!

Here I am checking out my tummy. Nearly all of my bruising is gone. No more polka dots.

Cuddles for my new stuffed animal Mini Mouse from Auntie Ann and Uncle Joe.

Big brother John

Big sister Diana

Expert door decorating team hard at work.

Family photo in room 586

Final product