December 9, 2021

Lucy started round 5 of chemo yesterday. It took awhile to get her properly hydrated so they didn't start the first chemo until almost 10 o'clock. Hopefully today will go smoother. This is the first of two "maintenance" chemo sessions. She isn't getting quite as much chemo, though there are still several drugs and some of them with pretty high doses. She will be getting a lumbar puncture this morning, which means anesthesia. She will also be getting steroids this round again. We are nervous about that because of the emotional reactions she has had in the past to steroids. Please be praying for the steroids to have a minimal impact and for Lucy to have the strength to fight the crazy way they make her feel. One blessing is that the hospital has relaxed their COVID restrictions enough to allow both of us parents to be in the room during the day. It will be so nice to be together again. It is exciting to have the end in sight. Our last chemo session should be at the beginning of January. After that there will be some tests and then in February a procedure to take out her port. Then monthly appointments for a year to check her blood and make sure the cancer stays dead and gone. I feel so incredibly blessed that we get to look forward to a happy ending. So many, especially in the past, have not had that privilege. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the researchers and medical personnel who have dedicated their lives to fighting cancer for these precious kiddos. And I am of course incredibly thankful to know that through every up and down, we are in God's hands. I pray that we can have a faith that can stand the fire even during times when the outcome is not what we wanted. And of course we praise God when the answer to our prayers is a generous and merciful "Yes!". Prayer needs: - For protection for Lucy's body through this chemo: for minimal symptoms, especially no mouth sores - For minimal effects from the steroids. That God would give us wisdom on how to help her with the feelings they cause. - For sleep for JD and Lucy despite hospital conditions. - For today's lumbar puncture to go well. - For wisdom, strength and patience for JD and I to serve Lucy well - For Lucy to love the Lord, and not hold onto any fear or bitterness, as is so tempting in suffering. - For our precious boys to weather this well A mom's purse: So while we waited for the doctor today, I decided to clean out my purse because it was getting very heavy. I found 7 boxes of Apple juice, 7 granola bars, 3 packets of fruit gummies, 2 clementines, a bag of nuts, a bag of Takis, a water bottle and a cup of pudding. No wonder my bag was heavy! At least we were never in danger of starving while on the road.