In the hospital...

We were able to discharge Kelsey for the weekend. Aunt Debbie picked us up. A bunch of us went to Outback for dinner. It was a little odd, but food tasted good to us, and we laughed. We went to see Deana as Anne Frank. The story is a sad one, so it evokes emotion anyway. I was emotionally choked up several times, not only because of the story, but also because I was so proud of Deana. She was awesome in her portrayal of Anne. We stayed up too late, because we could. We ate out again on our way back to the Children's Inn. She didn't feel like getting out and just walking around, so we watched three movies. I would highly recommend "Letters to God". It had me crying again that night. She slept till around 1:00 on Sunday. While she was showering, I moved into my mostly permanent room. It feels good to be able to unpack. We had a good dinner at the Inn...BBQ pulled pork, chicken, ribs, baked beans, slaw, potato salad, garden salad, fruit, spice cake and brownies. Now we are back at the hospital. Last week, she endured three biopsies of her cervix. Dr. Hickstein came in Friday. He wasn't pleased. There is a test to be done on the cords that they are dragging their feet on. It must be done by someone before the purchase of the cord blood. Need prayer on that. She is currently scheduled to get her triple lumen Hickman Line on Wednesday. On Friday(Day 6) the chemo is suppose to start. Day 5,4,3,2 are all chemo days...a total of 5 days. Day 1 is full body radiation. Day 0 is stem cell day!!!! which is October 28th. She is excited. With all the weight gain she's had from the Prednisone, I don't anticipate a loss of weight that will be too much, hopefully just back to normal. We are prepared with a wig and beanies. Encouragement is always needed. Her address is: National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Building 10/CRC Room 2676,
c/o Kelsey Koch, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892 As things progress, I will keep everyone up to date. As far as I can tell, the week at home worked. I was sad to miss the soccer banquet. I will be even more upset to miss Trent's 18th birthday. Pray he feels his day is special. Remember His grace is sufficient for you, but for one day at a time.
Love,
Mom