December 11, 2008

AFP = 1.6

All is good again in Iowa City. We arrived very early (always my plan) so we could have the bloodwork done before Leah's appointment with Dr. Rahdi. That way when we see him the labs are back. Leah had an EKG scheduled for 10:45, which would have put a serious crimp in our lunch and shopping schedule, so after her bloodwork we were able to get in early for her EKG. Dr. Rahdi didn't have much to tell us and everything appears to be good. We managed to do our usual list of activities: Prairie Lights book store, lunch at Olive Garden and shopping at Coral Ridge. We also stopped by the consignment shop. Our next visit is not until March. Since we have been going less frequently (something I can definitely get used to) there are always new faces and not the familiar ones we enjoyed visiting with. I am not complaining at all; there are just fewer people to stop and see while we are back.

The girls are watching a DVD, I am trying to get a short run in, and then we have story hour tonight. The girls are also trying to sneak a visit to Grandma Kathy in tonight, too.

Thanks for all the prayers and continuing to check in!

December 4, 2008

Yes, it is that time again. It is so hard to believe that our last Iowa City trip was back in September. I am not sure how we felt any relief when we had to go there every month. Leah is scheduled to see Dr. Rahdi next Thursday. She is also supposed to have an EKG to check her heart function. One of the long term side effects of chemotherapy can be damage to the heart. Leah showed some damage when she had an EKG after she completed chemo, but not enough damage for them to be doing anything about it or for us to worry about. Of course we are praying for a low, low AFP, and other good results of her bloodwork, and a good EKG report.
I would like to start looking forward to Christmas but feel like I am on hold until after her check-up.

We have enjoyed three more months of normal life. Over Thanksgiving we traveled to Montana to see Chris' brother, Randy, get married. Even though the car ride was long (fifteen or sixteen hours just depending) we had a good time and the girls were great travelers. My sister is also getting married in April, so we have that to look forward to, as well as a new baby sometime in December for my brother and his wife.

First grade is going well. Leah is enjoying it all and I like hearing her version of things when she gets home. Chloe loves school, too, and her teachers say she always has a smile on her face. It's too bad that she doesn't get up that way! Reeve is still working on talking, and we would like her to work on potty training even though that doesn't seem to be a high priority for her.

Thank you for checking in on us and continuing to pray for Leah's complete healing here on earth.