Update from Elaine

Wednesday has passed uneventfully and on this journey that is always something to be thankful for:) Kate received chemo for the second day and we are thankful that the side effects of the chemo have been very minimal thus far evidenced only in fatigue, decrease in her energy and not much appetite. She needed a nap this afternoon and has been good about drinking and trying to graze on little amounts of food throughout the day. She is taking her three baths a day to protect her skin from the thiotepa chemo being excreted through her pores. I am so proud of her attitude and her efforts to live each day with joy, and to do whatever it takes to battle this disease. Each day someone here tells me how amazed they are by Kate's spirit and positive attitude.

Because Kate's counts have not begun to drop yet, she was allowed to go down the hall this evening to a conference room and attend a "Look Good...Feel Better" session for teens. A make up artist came and each participant received a bag of makeup and tips and pointers for applying their make up. This is always a fun "girl thing" to do, and Kate enjoyed getting out.

Thursday is a day of rest and then the stem cell transplant will be Friday.
~Please pray for protection against infection as Kate's counts begin to drop and as they bottom out and her body has no ability to fight infection.
~Please ask that the stem cell transplant procedure on Friday go as smoothly as the first one.
~The length of Kate's stay in the hospital will be determined by her response to the transplant and how her body rebounds after wards. We are trusting and praying that this time her recovery will be free of infection and allergic reactions and that we can be back at home with Maggie and Grace as soon as possible.
~Praise for the peace that God has given Kate. You can see it in her eyes. She does not worry and just rests in Him.

Your prayers surround us and carry us - thank you!

Embraced by grace,
Elaine