Update from Elaine

Kate describes today as an "OK" day. Those little inevitable nuisances that go with the territory and are just part of Kate's day at times cause her to understandably grow weary....Nausea seemed to be a little stronger today, but Kate didn't want to take the extra anti-nausea medication, because she dislikes feeling so wiped out by it. Diarrhea continues. Platelets dropped and Kate has had a continuous bloody nose since late afternoon - as I write she's receiving a transfusion of platelets because that count is low, so that should combat the bloody nose problem.

Despite those inevitable nuisances, God in His grace has highlighted the day with good things that keep our spirits encouraged and that cause the nuisances to pale in comparison.
~ A HUGE praise is that Kate has remained fever free and the blood and stool cultures continue to come back negative. The doctors are extremely pleased with how quickly Kate has turned around. Since there is no sign of bacteria indicating infection on the cultures, they explained that the fever may may just be a "nutropenic fever" - in other words a fever as a result of low ANC's (infection fighting WBC's). The diarrhea is probably a result of the high dose chemo and all the dead cells being released into Kate's system. If she remains fever free, they will stop the antibiotics.
***I hope you too are encouraged and your faith is strengthened as you realize that God in His amazing grace is hearing the cries of our hearts for Kate and answering in such specific and incredible ways!!

The doctors did explain that sometimes with the second stem cell rescue, it takes longer for the counts to rebound. We will have to wait and see. This is day five out of transplant. Our hope is to see Kate's counts began to rebound after another four days, but again, it might take a few more days this round.

~Praise that Kate had the energy and determination to knock out another paper for her "History through the Eye of the Lens" class.
~Special pampering in the midst the nuisances of the day was a massage. Kate enjoyed this and relaxed those neck and back muscles that get so tight from inactivity and lying on the not so comfortable hospital bed. I was even spoiled when, at Kate's request, the massage therapist spent a few minutes working on my shoulders:) When she began to work on my tight shoulders, she smiled and in her sweet Asian spirit, expressed her concern that I am understandably under much stress, and should see a massage therapist often. I laughed and told her wouldn't we all love massages on a regular basis:) She gave Kate and I some pointers and instruction so we can give each other a massage.

Requests:
~Please continue to storm the gates of heaven that Kate might realize a miracle in her hearing loss.
~Please pray for wisdom and discernment for Kate's doctors that they will know clearly and come to a strong consensus as to which direction to proceed with her treatment from here.

We give praise to the Lord, our HOPE and strong deliverer. Thank you God for your mercy in not allowing bacterial infection in Kate's body!!

Delivered by grace,
Elaine