Round #2 Update from Elaine

Kate was admitted this morning (Monday) for her next round of chemo and second stem cell rescue. We were at home a total of three weeks in between. Week one at home was a week of lots of sleep and recovery for Kate. By week two Kate's strength and energy were steadily increasing and each day she had more stamina and thrived on living life normally. Week three at home she was full speed and non-stop. She was intent upon catching up on as much school work as possible during this time. We're so grateful for her teachers who cheered her on in this and even gave up their weekend time to get some extra home bound sessions in prior to Kate's admission today. Kate was back in the kitchen baking again - this time it was making cookies and special treats to take back stage to her friends in the musical.

Speaking of the musical - it was fabulous!! It truly was like being at a professional stage production. Maggie was fantastic on stage with a big beautiful smile and singing her heart out. While her part was small this year, she was definitely in her element and I'm sure we'll see her on stage more in the years to come.

We received an incredible blessing of grace and love through the graciousness of friends at school and the surrounding community. A special group of my teacher friends organized a Chinese auction to benefit Kate. The auction was held in conjunction with the musical. Our hearts were truly in awe at the outpouring of generosity from community businesses, individuals and groups that contributed such a wonderful array of items for the auction. We are grateful beyond words for those who put so much time and energy into orchestrating this blessing, to those who selflessly gave their time to work the auction tables during the musical, and for the depth of heartfelt response of the Riverside community and beyond who contributed and participated in this wonderful event. The sign above the Chinese auction said "where there is love, miracles happen". The overwhelming response to the auction was truly evidence that love was flowing in abundance! Words cannot begin to convey how you our friends and community have touched our hearts and lives!

Last Friday's clinic visit showed Kate's counts had continued to climb. We are always thankful for good counts. We were a little disappointed however, when Kate's audio gram revealed a mild to moderate hearing loss in the left ear at the highest frequencies. While she does not detect this loss, it was a concern and tells has the carboplatin chemo had left its mark.
~REQUEST: Please pray that the hearing loss will be halted and no further damage occur. The doctor does not feel like this loss is significant in the scheme of things and will keep the carboplatin dose the same.

I was concerned when Kate's kidney function test came back with a low creatin level on Friday and the doctors ordered an in depth kidney assessment today. Kate had a GFR: a nuclear med test assessing kidney function. This involved an injection of radioactive dye and then drawing blood at timed intervals. The GFR is known as the gold standard of kidney function, so we felt good knowing Kate was getting such a specialized test.
~PRAISE for the fact that Kate came back with excellent levels and scored a "gold". We were thrilled to receive this news late this afternoon. This test assured all of us that Kate's kidneys are functioning well and have not been compromised by the chemo. This in turn allows the doctors to keep the carboplatin at the same level and thus give Kate the highest possible dose safe for her body and effective for treatment.

Kate has touched many with her sweetness and kindness and holds a special place in the hearts of many here at Children's. One PCT commented: I'm glad to see you again, I love taking care of you. It helps to be so loved, when Kate batted her blue eyes and smiled her sweetest smile today, she was granted permission for McDonald's for lunch and a Qu'doba burrito for supper - she just couldn't have the fresh salsa. Tomorrow it's back to the restricted diet for transplants.

Tomorrow is the first day of chemo and then chemo again on Wednesday. Thursday will be a rest day and then the stem cell rescue #2 will be on Friday.

Thank you for praying us through the three past weeks of recovery. Your prayers were heard as evidenced in the wonderful two weeks Kate enjoyed. She was absolutely vibrant with life and health! What a huge gift to her and all of us who love her!

We go into round 2 confident of God's care and grace and resting in the fact that you will be carrying Kate in prayer.

Surrounded by grace,
Elaine