Update from Elaine

We are thankful to have the second stem cell rescue behind us. It took about 35 minutes to infuse the six bags of stem cells. Kate was pre-medicated with benedryl and Tylenol, as well as, a steroid to avert any allergic reactions. As the stem cells were infused at times we would observe red blotches on her face and neck, the doctor would then slow down his push on the syringe and the blotches would fade. It was the same with nausea, if nausea increased, then the doctor slowed down the push and it decreased.
~We are grateful that once again the procedure went smoothly.
~The smell and taste of the stem cell preservative did nauseate Kate but she did not throw-up - and that is true cause for praise.

After the heavy anti-nausea medication and benedryl, Kate slept until after lunch time.
She was able to wake up enough to enjoy a visit with some of her good friends from school and then a another visit with Brandon and his sister.
~Praise for the blessing of wonderful friends who walk this journey beside us encouraging us all along the way. The visits of family and friends are always a pick me up to both Kate and me.
~Praise that Kate was able to eat some Pasta Fagiloli and some of her special treats that her friends brought.
~Praise that to date, Kate has not had any episodes of vomiting.

Still feeling the effects of the heavy medication of the day, Kate called it a night before 8:00 pm. Rest is essential to her renewed health and strength.

Kate's counts will probably fall into the neutropenic range tomorrow, meaning her counts will drop to the point that her body cannot fight infection. With this in mind, I am re posting the two prayer focuses I shared yesterday as they are extremely important.

Please join with us daily in approaching God boldly and persistently with these ongoing and very specific requests:

~PLEASE PRAY WITH US FOR A HEDGE OF PROTECTION AROUND KATE'S HEARING THAT AT A MINIMUM NO FURTHER HEARING LOSS WILL OCCUR AND PRAY BEYOND THAT WE WOULD REALIZE A MIRACLE AND THAT THIS SENSORY NEURAL HEARING LOSS WOULD ACTUALLY IMPROVE.

~SECONDLY, PLEASE ASK THAT AS KATE PROGRESSES THROUGH THIS PERIOD OF TREATMENT AND HER COUNTS DROP IN THE COMING DAYS THAT SHE WILL BE PROTECTED FROM BACTERIAL INFECTION. IF SHE DEVELOPS AN INFECTION, THEN THE DOCTORS ARE FACED WITH THE DILEMMA OF WHICH ANTIBIOTIC TO USE GIVEN THE LIMITED NUMBER OF ANTIBIOTICS THAT KATE BE TREATED WITH, DUE TO HER ALLERGIES. IF A BACTERIAL INFECTION DEVELOPS THAT IS SEVERE THERE MAY BE NO RECOURSE BUT TO USE THE ANTIBIOTIC THAT IS TOXIC TO HEARING. THE DOCTORS ARE CHECKING WITH INFECTIOUS DISEASE DEPARTMENT TO SEE IF THEY CAN COME UP WITH ANOTHER EFFECTIVE COURSE OF ANTIBIOTICS (NOT IN THE IMMUNOGLYCOCIDE FAMILY THAT WOULD BE TOXIC TO THE HEARING) SHOULD KATE FACE THE PSEUDOMONAS BACTERIA STRAIN AGAIN.

In addition, please pray once again that these new stem cells find their way home in the coming days and begin the job of restoring Kate's blood.

God goes before us, God goes with us and God comes behind us. We rest securely knowing we are hemmed in on all sides by God's love and protection. Our HOPE is in Him!

Surrounded by grace,
Elaine