6/2/09 HOME AGAIN

Dear Friends & Family,
Yesterday's appointment went very well. We were there all day, because Julia had to receive about 7 hours of fluids before & after one of the chemo drugs. Julia's neutrophil count was up to 1,580 (normal range is 1490 - 7970). Woo Hoo!!!! All of her blood counts were within normal ranges except her white blood count was 4.06 (normal range 4.5-13.5) and some of her blood work is indicating some high ranges with her liver. The doctor said it is common to see these liver components run high. They usually return to normal after treatment, but he did say that chicken pox could also affect the liver which was another reason to be watching these very closely. But, speaking of chicken pox, her biopsy results finally came back yesterday afternoon before we left. Julia did not have chicken pox!! All that we learned is that her bumps were a reaction to something!?! What, we do not know. The doctor said that there is a silver lining to this black cloud. Since Julia had not received any chemo drugs since 5/11, we had a chance to see her blone marrow go to work. She seems to have healthy marrow!!! A big praise!! This also allowed her blood counts to build up higher before she starts getting hit hard again with more chemo drugs which lower blood counts. Chemo drugs are good & bad at the same time. Sometimes it's hard allowing these powerful drugs to be given to your child, worrying about possibe side effects even into her future, but knowing that they are needed to give her the best cure possible. We just have to have faith that God has her in His hands.
.....All in all, it was a good day.
Love,
Sharon, Jeff, & Julia
P.S. Jeff has to give Julia chemo shots Tues, Wed, Thurs. and again next week. These shots are under the skin, but it hurts when the medicine goes in. Please pray for Jeff. He hates giving them to her, & Julia is not always so brave to receive them.