Update from Elaine

It's been a quiet, peaceful Tuesday here at CHP. Kate has had a project/gift she is working on spread out all over her bed while receiving her first day of chemo. She enjoys creating things, so this kept her mind off the chemo. We always appreciate visits that help us pass these days in the hospital. Special thanks to Pastor John, who not only brightened our day, but couriered laundry and school work too:)

While Kate hasn't complained, and her spirit has remained sweet and positive, by mid afternoon, I noticed that the sparkle had faded from her eyes and smile. Her appetite has already waned and she's having to work at eating. Even the special things we prepared ahead and brought from home to eat, don't tempt her.

In the midst of it all, Kate's mind is still focused on school and she is really motivated to keep up with her school work and be ready for her senior year with her class. Today she received materials from school to work on her proposal for her senior project. Kate has already visited with one of the Child Life Specialists here at Children's brainstorming some of her ideas about projects she might do on the oncology floor or at the clinic that would bless other kids as they journey the cancer road.

It looks like our entertainment for this evening will be a movie - a history flick - for Kate's "History, through the Eye of the Lens" class at school. I'll watch the movie with her, but she gets to write the paper!:)

I was able to get out for a walk today and stretch my muscles a bit. The temperatures soared into the 30's today so it felt like a heat wave. It was a good time to reflect, process and pray.

~Praise for a good interpretation of Kate's EKG. The EKG written report generated yesterday raised some questions, but follow up verbal interpretation today cleared those questions.
~Please pray that the chemo side effects will not be so harsh this round. These high doses of chemo are bound to be felt, but please ask that the side effects would be minimal.
~Most of all pray for protection from discouragement for Kate.
~Please also ask that we will get a better night's sleep tonight. This transplant room is constructed differently from the last room. While it is bigger, it is not quiet and we did not have a very restful night.

Supported by grace,

Elaine