July 8, 2010

AFP = 1.6
Whew! Today's appointment was no less nerve-wracking than any other one. I would have thought that at this point I would be more relaxed for these check-ups, but it doesn't seem to work that way. Leah is also liking our getaways less and less, and is viewing these hospital visits as a rather large annoyance. She insisted several times that she would not be going to Iowa City today, but lo and behold, she did get in the van this morning with me.
All of Leah's bloodwork looks good, and in typical fashion every result was back in except for the AFP - the one number I really need to know to put my mind at ease. We hung around after the appointment waiting for that number and then were quite happy to hear the new level. We won't be going back until January 2011 now. I think I will enjoy not having to go as frequently! And, as of last month we have now reached the four year milestone for Leah being off treatment.

I guess the thrill of shopping after the appointments has worn off. We did hit Prairie Lights Bookstore and the mall very briefly, but were home by 1:00, perhaps the earliest ever. That was fine with me - I am exhausted.

Even though it is July, I now feel like I can start enjoying summer. We hope to visit The Falls Water Park many more times, and perhaps can even fit in a vacation of some sort. Discussions are underway to figure this out.

Thanks for checking in on us and for the continued prayers for Leah.

July 3, 2010

Oh, how time does fly! The Fourth of July weekend makes me realize school is just around the corner...and I feel like I have hardly been out of school yet. We also have been to the pool very few times, or done much of anything else. Leah's next appointment is this upcoming Thursday, July 8. Ugh. That is what I have to say about it. It would be lovely to just know things will be great before even going to the appointment, but despite how wonderful she looks on the outside, there is always that fear that something will be discovered. So, we are praying for a boring appointment, a low low AFP, high platelets and hemoglobin and a bit of growth.
Leah does look great....she finished up her T-ball (or whatever it is when it is machine pitched) season last week. She and Chloe and now Reeve, too, are taking gymnastics. Leah is taking piano lessons which Chloe will probably start at some point this year, too. Both Leah and Chloe found out who their teacher will be next year and are excited about that. Reeve alternates between excitement about preschool and telling us that she's not going. Could be interesting. We are truly in our summer routine - late bedtimes and late mornings. I am not so sure Chris enjoys this because he is the only person who has to get up in the morning and get to work.
Today we have my nephew's third birthday party and on Monday we will be going to Des Moines for a Tuesday at Adventureland.
I will update after our appointment on Thursday...thanks for checking in and the prayers for Leah's continued good health and healing here on earth.