June 11, 2006

Our family just got back from a wonderful picnic at the Schaefer's with the people that helped with Leah's benefit. Leah had a great time. Just a little over a week ago she was lamenting the fact that she was missing the Relay for Life --stating that she always misses everything for her (meaning her benefit and the Relay). I would say the picnic today was by far more fun for Leah than the other two events would have been for her. She jumped on the trampoline, played with Sparklers, some of Joshua's farm toys, and enjoyed the special attention. We can certainly tell that Leah's counts are going down. She has seemd a lot more tired in the past day or two. This is all part of the plan, but after we had to drive her to Iowa City last time when she had pseudomonas and was really sick, we plan on watching closely and taking her if there is even a hint of a fever. We have been taking showers a bit more faithfully, using antibacterial soap and scrubbing a bit more, too, since we don't want that infection again if we can help it.

Wednesday is an Iowa City clinic visit. This is all for an AFP check......please, please, please pray for a normal AFP. We are so, so close, but not there yet. They are checking it Wednesday to see what we need to do next. Right now the plan for Leah is up in the air. They have assured us that this is perfectly normal at this stage in the game. Everything is dependent on individual response to medicine. We still are praying that the chemotherapy drugs are working and knocking the AFP down into normal range. Leah has felt good, which has been fun--she is full of energy. We are usually up around 6, a brief afternoon nap, and then to bed after 10--sometimes 11. That is not much sleep for any four year old-even without chemotherapy.

Friday was my last official day of school. I will have to go back a bit to get things organized for the fall, but am happy to be done. I am also extremely grateful that Leah has felt well enough these past few weeks that I could work and finish up my year. I brought Leah with me for half a day on Friday-she enjoyed meeting people and helping me. She talked about doing that all week. She also got in a shopping trip with my mom to sit in the big chair at Simpsons Furniture (something Chloe got to do while Leah was in the hospital, and Leah mentioned several times the desire to do, too).

I promised Leah this would be a fast post since she is just sure she will never get on the computer tonight. Tonight at the picnic we are reminded again how the support of so many friends has helped us through these past six months. Thank you does not seem to adequately express how much that means to us, and we sincerely hope that someday we can repay the kindness that has been shown to us.

So, please keep praying.....we are longing to hear the word "remission" right now. We need a normal AFP ---that stays there forever!