December 29, 2005

Leah and I had a very tiring night on Wednesday, but I am happy to report that she still appears to feel fine after receiving Cisplatin. Her Cisplatin dose ended at 9:00 and as part of the protocol she must empty her bladder every two hours. We were up at 11, 1, 3, 5 and 7 to use the bathroom and a variety of other times when her machines started beeping or they needed her temperature taken. We certainly did not rush out of bed this morning.

Leah decided last night that she was just too hot. First I turned down the thermostat to some arctic temperature and then she requested a fan be turned on. This would have been fine if our fleece blankets had not been accidentally left in the van. We both had thin, hospital issue blankets that definitely were not cozy. Leah did not seem to mind this at all since she requested this freeze-out, but I felt like my nose was numb much of the time. The one perk about this was that every time I took her temperature during the night it was very low! I might need to try this technique more often.

Leah is taking medication to improve her appetite, but as of yet we have not noticed an improvement. They have said it will take 7-10 days before we notice a change. Today she ate 7 pretzels, 10 bites of spaghettios and half an order of french fries from Burger King. She does eat, but very little.

My friend, Kristin, came for a visit this morning that was much appreciated. It helps our time pass much more quickly, and she was able to join us for our daily library visit. This is also important to have help along to carry our books and videos back for us.

Chris is spending the night in Iowa City with Leah and I am in Denver. He and our friend, Heather, came down around 7:30, we all were there for an hour and then Heather and I headed back. Leah enjoyed a wagon ride around the hospital with us as she pointed out different places to Heather.

Tomorrow Leah receives Vincristine and 5FU. Technically they would like to discharge us, yet they also know that every time she has received Vincristine in the past a fever has followed. If we would get home and she would spike a fever we would need to return to Iowa City immediately. Tomorrow Chris will be discussing with Dr. DePaola whether we are better off staying an additional night to be sure that we are not turning around and heading right back.

Our other perk of the day is that Michael, another patient that Leah met before Christmas is back. While we don't wish hospital stays on anyone, it is always good to see a familiar face. Michael is a wonderful teen-age boy/young man who has been so kind to Leah--he will even play dolls with her. He has a happy personality and a big smile that are hard to resist. Often he is alone at the hospital because his mom is a single mother and must work in addition to having other children at home. Tomorrow he is undergoing surgery, so we ask that you remember Michael in your prayers as well.

Today has been a good day and we are hopeful that Leah's chemotherapy side effects will be minimal. She has made it an entire day without nausea and vomiting, so we feel that is a good sign. We continue to pray for God's healing hand in restoring Leah to health.