Little Steps Forward

A friend recently shared this quote with me...If God brings you to it, He will bring your through it. How true we know this to be. God has so faithfully taken us through each step of this journey. We are thankful and rejoicing that Kate seems to be improving a little each day. No big dramatic changes, but small steps forward are encouraging and assure us that God is in control and answers prayers. Please know that your faithful prayers make a difference!

Last Monday's (August 8th) counts once again showed that platelets had bottomed out at 21. We made a trip to the clinic at Children's and Kate received another transfusion of platelets.
The doctor also determined to increase the dose of Kate's steroid to combat the nausea. Kate's oncologist also addressed the fact that Kate was sleeping more hours each day than she was awake. She feels that Kate is experiencing radiation somnolence - which may occur 2-8 weeks after radiation. Kate was at week 8. With radiation somnolence the person may sleep for 14-20 hours straight. Kate's days of heavy sleep continued all of last week. Over the weekend we were encouraged when she was awake for longer periods of time. Last Friday's (August 10th) counts were also positive in that platelets hung in there at 45, not high, but certainly better than 21!!

While Kate is still sleeping most days until lunch time, she has enjoyed having a little more energy and being able to use that energy for something to brighten her afternoon or evening hours. She has wanted to take a cake decorating class for a long time. It was good for both of us to get out to our second class last Thursday evening. What better way to boost energy than to indulge in the handiwork of our class - decorated, chocolate cupcakes!! The weekend brought my youngest brother and his family to town. Kate's awake time in the afternoon and evenings allowed her to enjoy their visit. We all traveled to my other brother's in Ohio and spent Sunday afternoon at the pool. I could tell Kate was feeling better when she opted to lounge by the pool rather than go inside and take a nap.

We were so happy when this Monday's (August 13th) counts reflected that Kate's platelets had crept up a tiny bit more to 48. Yea!! So it looks like this week we will not have to go to Pittsburgh for a transfusion! Counts did however show that Kate's sodium is still a little low despite the fact that she is on nightly IV fluids containing sodium and she is taking salt tablets twice a day. We will continue running IV fluids each night and increase the salt tablets to see if we can get her sodium level in the solid normal range. We started a new medication yesterday that is supposed to boost Kate's energy level. She has quite the cocktail of medications and we are tweaking that each week trying to find that intricate balance of medications to address nausea, fatigue, sodium, strength and appetite. How thankful we are for the wisdom of Kate's doctors and their diligence at working to get her feeling better.

In the midst of some rather blah weeks, God has brought us encouragement through the visits of two very dear friends. Last week our friend Sherri visited for a few days on her way back to her home on the other side of the world in Turkey. Our time together was very special and truly ministered to our hearts. Sherri graciously accompanied us to the hospital and helped us pass the long afternoon of platelet transfusion. Kate, Maggie and are enjoying time this week with another visitor from the other side of the world, this time China. Sandy has brought encouragement and laughter and spoiled us with dinner at our favorite place...Texas Road House!
How grateful we are very heart friends who specially routed their state side travels via little Ellwood City, PA!!

Maggie's basketball practice has begun. Her first game is August 27th. Mags is excited and we're once again looking forward to watching her play.

REQUEST:
~The start of school is less than two weeks away. Kate still has a way to go before she will have the stamina and energy to make it through a full day of school. Please lift this need to Father and ask that Kate's health and strength be restored quickly so that she can start the year with as much normalcy as possible.

The following is quote is framed and hangs on the wall of our home. We've found it to be a good compass and guide for navigating whatever life may bring our way. May it encourage and challenge you as it has as you navigate whatever life has brought your way today.

Happy moments,
...praise God.
Difficult moments,
...seek God.
Quiet moments,
...worship God.
Painful moments,
...trust God.
Every moments,
...thank God.