Don't Mess with Texas- Update from Elaine

Just a brief update following Kate's appointment yesterday (Thursday) at Children's.

The doctor's plan is for re-admission in two weeks (the week of Feb. 12). However, this is all subject to her platelet count. Kate received a transfusion of platelets yesterday because her count was 29. Her platelets must be at 100 before they will admit her for the next treatment and transplant. Platelets are one of the last parts of the blood to rebound. Because of Kate's full brain and spine radiation in 2004/2005, as well as, one of the chemos used then, Kate's bone marrow is slower to rebound. All of Kate's other counts were good. At this point the plan is to do counts here at home next Tuesday and then determine if she will need an appointment or transfusion later next week.

Request: Please pray that Kate's platelet count climbs and that her other counts remain good.

Kate has completed the IV antibiotic. Because she is still experiencing some nausea and seems to have about one vomiting episode each day, the doctor has decided it's best to keep Kate on some IV hydration through the night. We are thankful though that she is eating better each day. Food is even starting to have a taste again and that makes eating a much more enjoyable experience. Some of you know that Kate chose to go to Texas Road House for her last meal before admission to the hospital for the first transplant. It was a great meal and she savored every bite. We often thought back to the delicious feast while she was trying eat the bland hospital food with taste buds that had been dulled by the chemo. Yesterday, she asked her doctor for permission to enjoy another meal of ribs at Texas Road House prior to her next admission. I think I shared before that one of the transplant environmental safety guidelines is not to eat in restaurants. However, because Kate's is a modified transplant, the doctor does not feel the need to be quite so rigid with this guideline. Kate has been granted permission to have her meal at Texas Road House - just no salad, and no rare meat! At Kate's request, I have already made one pot of soup, with the special cooking/freezing guidelines and frozen single serving size containers to take to the hospital for her next admission. She wants to go with stash of good things she likes, so that she won't have to force hospital cuisine for the sake of eating.

Request: Please ask for complete victory over the nausea.

Kate was able to begin her home bound instruction this week in English and Biology. She enjoyed a short outing to Wal-Mart and had two friends come over to visit. Our plan is to take in Maggie's basketball game tomorrow.
Kate is not thrilled about wearing a mask to protect against germs, but has decided getting out a bit is worth it:) Kate who loves to bake, even baked her Pappy a pie this week! While my Dad was delighted with his favorite pie, he was more thrilled and rejoiced that Kate had the energy and desire to bake.

Request: Please ask for increased strength and energy. Fatigue and tiredness are a natural part of this journey. Naps are a standard part of Kate's day. Feeling normal means being able to resume some of her regular activities.
Praise: We are thankful for the many instances of "normalcy" Kate has enjoyed this week.

Each day I encounter some one new who tells me that they are praying for Kate. My heart is truly overwhelmed by the number of people who are standing by us in prayer on this journey. We take hold of the promise that 'God will always give what is right to his people who cry to him night and day, and he will not be slow to answer them." Luke 18:7

Like the beautifully falling snow blanketing our home tonight, so are we covered by God's grace,
Elaine