MONDAY 17th OCTOBER:
Today, Joni-Mai was admitted to Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital so she could have her PICC line fitted (her Wiggly lines) and have an echocardiogram (a jelly picture).
Another early start, a drive through the dark streets of London saw us arriving at Great Ormond Street. We were told to report to Safari Daycare, which was closed when we got there. Once open, Joni-Mai was taken to her own bedroom where we waited to be called for her slot in theatre. Another general anaesthetic was administered, a mask this time. Joni-Mai was very anxious and upset so the very kind doctor showed her a video on his phone, to calm her down. Before the video had even reached half way through, she was asleep (which reminds me, I should probably show her the rest!!)
After coming round from the general anaesthetic, Joni-Mai was the proud owner of an amazing PICC line. To say she was unhappy, would be a gross mis-understatement. She was not happy to have tubes coming out of her but we understand it is a necessary evil. For her to get better, she needs to have these new tubes. It saves her having to have needles every time she visits hospital - and we all know how much she hates needles...
After a couple of hours of battling against her - to get her to eat - it was time to take her to have an echocardiogram. An ultrasound of her heart, to check functionality and strength. The results of which are used as the base line for subsequent echocardiograms (after her Chemotherapy begins) to check that her heart is not being affected in a negative manner as a side effect of the drugs she will be subjected to.
Today, Joni-Mai was also admitted in to UCH. After we left GOS, we went straight over to UCH, so she could be there tomorrow morning - to start GFR (to test her kidney function) before beginning her Chemotherapy.
A long day over with, tomorrow will see the start of her treatment and thus, her journey to a cancer free life...
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