Tale of Bella

 Psychology Assessment Today!

 

Bella had lots of fun at a psy assessment today! She has another one on Thursday. When Bella was diagnosed last September, a CHOC psychologist met with us and Bella to do a baseline assessment of her. A year later she gets to meet with Dr. Dipinto again. Sam and I have noticed changes in her which of course anyone would have going through such a traumatic year. The assessment is more difficult

because much of the testing requires reading and schoolwork. Bella might have to be outsourced to a different office that has an assessment for children with limited vision. From what I gather from Bella, there was a lot of memory testing today. She said it was too hard to repeat examples to me today. With chemo and radiation comes so many side effects. Not only do these kids have to go through chemo and radiation, they also get the side effects of their cancer AND the treatment. Bella lost so much of her eye sight, she lost all of her hair, she was isolated in fear of getting germs, she is losing her hearing, and we have notice her short term memory is going. When she is thinking, her brain seems to get stuck in neutral. Things are always on the tip of her tongue but she just can't get to the information she needs in her brain. She is starting to forget which direction her letters and numbers go. She always asks me, "mom, does a "C" go this way or that way"? It's heartbreaking. You are born with a perfect child in every way. She is smart, beautiful, athletic, full of sassy and full of spunk with the sweetest heart! She'll do anything to get a laugh out of you. Then one day, cancer enters her life and strips her of her eyesight, hearing, memory and more. The treatment may keep striping her of things for years to come. The only thing that calms my nerves is that I am so lucky she is still here with us a year later. We pray the cancer stays away FOREVER!

Well, I digress, as I usually do when I refuse to go to bed for some much needed sleep. We find out the results of they evaluation in two weeks. We will keep you posted! Otherwise, Bella is doing great!! We have been trying to get her out as much as possible to hang out with her friends. She has been going on playdates once a week when her friends get home from school which she loves!!! Her hair is growing back and its so dark!!! She was a blondie before and she is definitely a brunette now! So far it appears she will still have straight hair. We try to get as much schoolwork done as we can amongst the Dr. appointments. She has another eye appointment tomorrow. Dr. Dipinto on Thursday and Occupational Therapy on Friday. She is a busy little lady!

Thank you all for such love and support! We are so thankful for the posts, pictures, mail, and gifts! We have been so blessed by all of our family, friends, and Bella fans!