Update from Elaine

It's hard to believe we are beginning week three in the hospital. Kate and I both feel the time has passed quickly but when you look at it on paper we realize we've been here a long time.

A HUGE praise came this morning with the lab report showing a big jump in Kate's WBC's. They moved from 1.5 yesterday to 3.9 today!! The ANC (infection fighting WBC's) soared to 3,432. This news was a great way to start our day. We have been told often that the climb in WBC's is the single best thing for getting Kate better and able to go home.

Kate has three hurdles before she will be able to go home.
1. The pain from the mucositis sores in her throat must be gone.
2/3. She must be drinking and eating on her own again.

Kate made some strides today by drinking a little more, eating some yogurt and a little bit of cereal. Each bite is progress and a step in the right direction.

With the climb in WBC count we should see daily improvement in the mucositis sores.
Kate's praise for today is that her mouth and throat have felt a little better.

In contrast, with the climb in WBC's, Kate will probably experience increased irritation with her skin rash, before the improvement begins. Kate's biggest challenge today has been the itching and tenderness of her skin caused by the rash. Just looking at her skin makes me hurt. The dermatologist visited and added some topical cream for the itch and discomfort and another drug was added to Kate's oral medication to help the itch, since the benedryl didn't even phase it.

We did enjoy a another visit with Maggie tonight and some friends. We are grateful for friends and family who have brought Maggie back and forth, so we can stay connected with her during this lengthy separation.

Requests:
~Please pray that Kate's appetite increases and that she actually has desire to eat and an appetite.
~Please pray that the mucositis will turn around soon and the pain will go away.
~Kate's IV pole is heavy with pumps and bags for all the medication she is on. Please pray that we will begin taking bags down instead of hanging still another new medication. All the medications, (some of them pretty heavy duty) keep Kate floating in and out and a little foggy all the time.

We got the impression today that we will be spending the better part of this week here too. God has been gracious by giving us a peace about being here, but we do want to get home soon. Please pray that this will happen sooner than everyone thinks.

Thank you for standing in the gap for us,
Elaine