The doctor’s who’s job it was to discuss any long-term body issues like bone density, growth or WEIGHT.

We talked long and hard about what Peyton took from that conversation. We discussed how hard it is to make sure survivors are getting the care and SURVEILLANCE they need. We went over how important it was to remember that every child is impressionable, the last thing we need is to go from cancer to an eating disorder.

Things I told Dr Weight I’m not responsible for (arguments she made, very valid, but not my responsibility):

• No Show Parents – it’s unfortunate that so many parents won’t follow-up with long term care. But if THIS is what their child takes away from the clinic, I’m not shocked.
• kids’ best interest – the parents that won’t be involved in long-term follow-up, are probably the parents that are least likely to take your advice to heart.
• long-term survivors have a tendency towards weight problem – Instead of bmi issues due to weight being HIGH, maybe height is LOW. It is possible that if there IS a weight issue, it could be related to the growth or thyroid issues they said we common.
• telling you she called – well, she did call. I got the feeling she called because I complained loud loud enough and to anyone who would listen.  I don’t know if they’ll make important changes to what is disclosed in front of kids, but they can’t say they weren’t told.
  

I suggested ways she can be REALISTIC in her expectations:

• TV – we have an agreement, the kids can watch whatever they want for however long they want to watch it. BUT. During commercials, before and after the show they have to get on the exercise bike, jump rope, or hula hoop. Picker of the show, gets pick of exercise.
• Computer – For every half-hour of outside time (it’s freaking hot!) they get a poker chip good foe fifteen minutes of computer time.  I have the world’s COOLEST timer that I’ll show you.
• Fruits/veggies – another way to earn “computer poker chips” is a fruit/veggie snack every day for a week instead of snack-SNACK

I definitely don’t have all the all the answers.

I know what works for MY kids.

But maybe they’ll help for yours too.

Really hard.

Yesterday, Peyton had her first appointment at the SURVIVORSHIP CLINIC.

Oncology, Endocrinology, Psychology, Neurology, Research, and simple lab work.

Peyton’s doing great, she’s wonderfully healthy and we talked about a few issues that I knew were over her head.

Then one doctor got on a subject I knew Peyton was going to understand.

She discussed BMI, sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, how bad school lunches were for THEM….you know…THEM….the morbidly obese kids who bodies haven’t been through hell.

You know, kids like her:

The ones you hoped weren’t paying attention.

Then you’re at Trader Joe’s and she says,

“That doctor thought I was chubby”

Really?

REALLY?

R.E.A.L.L.Y.

I need my 7yo, who SURVIVED 2.5 YEARS OF CHEMOTHERAPY and CRANIAL RADIATION to worry about her weight, when I’m just thankful she doesn’t still look like:

I’m thankful for every day that we get together.

No matter what her diet.

When that doctor’s child has had cancer (something I wouldn’t wish on my worse enemy), then she can talk.

**I called the Aflac Cancer Center at CHOA Scottish Rite and talked about how hurtful and upsetting (to the patients & parents) that talk could be. It could be handled a damn bit better. I hope no more parents have to face explaining how stupid doctor’s can be to a child. **

I can’t tell you how many letters over the years have been news we didn’t want.

But this was good.

So good.

Great.

FABULOUS.

Now this this only three years out of five until we can use the “cured” with confidence.

And nothing is ever guaranteed.

But these words made my heart sing for joy.

My allergies may have even acted up.

Something I’m pretty used to doing.

Before I was the “coma mom” or the “wheelchair mom”,  I was always the “cancer mom”.

I had two healthy legs and two healthy arms and if THIS is the price I pay for my daughter’s healthy body, I’ll gladly pay it.

Remembering back to the day when I would lay by her side, crying out my every dream, promising and swearing anything if she could just be alright.

And today proves she is.

The papers with her CBC counts tell us what we want wanted to know most.

She is healthy.  She’s alright.

And if I’m not right now, that’s what I always said would be the price I’d pay with thanks.  It helps to think that there’s a reason for what we’ve all gone through.

My daughter.

She’s well worth the price.