June 1, 2006

The past few days we have been enjoying some beautiful weather --taking stroller rides, playing outside, and getting to wear summer clothes. Leah seems to feel great. Her counts were good on Tuesday when we had her port reaccessed, so I am sure that helps. I have been at work on a more regular schedule lately, too. Since it is the end of the year I have a lot to do before I can think about vacation.

Tonight we are preparing to pack for yet another trip to Iowa City. I am dreading this trip but Leah seems OK with laying things out and picking DVDs, books, and other things to occupy herself. It is harder to want to stay there when she feels good and the weather is beautiful. This time she will be hooked up for the entire time we are there since the chemotherapy drugs drip in continuously over 48 hours. It is still debatable if we will be home late Sunday or Monday.

The dreaded AFP will be taken tomorrow morning. I have seen many people today and everyone has asked about that--so please, please pray for a NORMAL AFP reading. It has been dropping quickly, but needs to. This her tumor marker and we will not be done with chemotherapy until it is in the normal range.

Since both girls have now disappeared upstairs together I need to investigate what could be happening. Leah invited Chloe up there to help pick out some clothes and get things packed for Iowa City. What a tough cookie and trooper to happily pack her things without complaining for a trip to the hospital. We are constantly amazed by her courage and spirit during this chapter in her life and continue to pray for her to be healed here on earth.