Update from Elaine

Monday has not been the best of days. Kate has officially moved into fever range and the diarrhea has continued. The doctors started her on antibiotics and a stool culture has been sent to the labs. It will take 24 hours to determine what kind of bacteria we are fighting this time.

Kate has had more than enough for one day:

-Her morning started with a run of potassium as that level was low.

-Her hemoglobin had also dropped and she was feeling wiped out so she received her first unit of RBC's early afternoon.

-In between times her nose started bleeding and just kept up a continuous drip, so she then received a transfusion of platelets.

-She finished the day with her second bag of RBC's.

Fortunately, she slept through much of the day. The anti-nausea medicine she received this morning caused her to sleep pretty much until lunch time. Prior to the transfusions of blood products she received benedryl, which also knocks her out.

I am grateful for our special friends at the hospital who came and visited with Kate and checked in on her while I left for the afternoon viewing for my Grandmother. Tomorrow when I leave to go to the funeral one of Kate's best friends will come and keep her company. We are blessed with an incredible support system and I am thankful to have friends and family who are always there for us and that we can call on at anytime.

Tonight, Kate just sat listlessly holding my hand. She said she felt so wiped out. My heart aches to see her like this. What a contrast to the last two weeks when she just oozed with life and energy. How I miss that sparkle in her eyes and smile. My prayer is that God will cradle her in His arms renewing her strength as she sleeps and that the blood products she received will refuel her depleted areas and her energy will increase.

It's on the tough days that I often find myself reflective...

Each day on this journey with Kate is amazing. She radiates an inner beauty and spirit that literally captures the hearts of all that know her. The courage, strength, determination, grace and depth of love she has for others can only come from the spirit of God within her. I am encouraged often by people telling me how Kate's story is touching lives. This cancer that Satan intended for evil, God is using for good.

A special and fun story...

Several months ago, our dear friend Bob wrote an email to contemporary Christian music artist, Chris Tomlin and shared Kate's story and her love of his music. Chris responded in a most gracious way by blessing Kate with a personal letter, T-shirt and signed CD. Needless, to say she was delighted.

Now the fun part...

Last week, from the hospital, Kate orchestrated a special surprise for my brother, her Uncle Kurt. Two years ago, Kurt introduced us to Chris Tomlin's music. Kate knew Kurt and his wife had tickets to Chris's concert last week. Kate sent an email to the artist liaison for Chris asking if it would be possible for her Uncle Kurt to meet Chris. Kate received a gracious email reply indicating that they would have back stage passes waiting for Kurt and his wife. Saying Kurt was surprised, is probably an understatement!

I can't tell you how much joy and excitement the planning and realization of this surprise for Kurt gave Kate.

The other thing I was reflecting on this evening is how our hearts and lives have been touched by so many people. There is that precious core group of friends and family that have been part of this journey since day one, always there, always constant. On this road we have also met many new people and feel incredibly blessed by the new friendships and relationships that have grown out of this journey. It has also been very special to me to be reconnected with friends from earlier chapters of my life. I have received letters, emails, and blog messages from people that I have lost touch with over the years. My heart has been so deeply touched by friends from high school, college, and my teaching days in Maryland, who have reached out across the years and miles to journey this road with us. What an incredible gift God has given us in friends, family, new and renewed relationships.

I started writing this email feeling teary and discouraged. How gracious of God to use a time of reflection to lift my heart and your prayers to carry us through this day. His love is unfailing!

Held by His arms of grace,

Elaine