February 10, 2022

Lucy's port removal is scheduled for Friday, February 11th at 1:30pm. Please be praying for everything to go well.

Please be praying that they will let JD come in with us. Most people I have talked to from Thunderbird have told me two parents were allowed. But the person I just got the surgery confirmation from said only one parent. It is a huge help for both me and Lucy to have JD with us so please be praying that they do let him in.

Please be praying for Lucy's anxiety the whole day. She can't eat until after the surgery and that always makes it much harder for her to control her attitude. Plus she will be getting anesthesia and she always has a very difficult time when she wakes up from that. I'm hoping to talk to the doctor before hand about things he can do to lessen the effects of the anesthesia, but that doesn't always help, especially when she hasn't eaten all day.

Please be praying for her healing afterwards and for protection against infection.

On Monday we had a doctor's appointment where they drew blood for the end of treatment labs. Her white blood cell count is still somewhat low. This is considered normal, but does mean she has a somewhat lowered immune system. This could take up to a year to improve. Interestingly, the chemo might have also wiped out the immunity she had from her childhood vaccinations. They are still working on getting the results for those. So she may need to get many of her shots again. I feel bad that she had to deal with even more needles.

Thankfully the rest of her labs look good. The doctors will continue monitoring her closely for the next year because there are a lot of possible problems that could pop up, including dental and neurological problems.

We are so thankful to be as blessed as we are through all this. Not only did our sovereign God spare her precious life, but He also spared her from a huge list of side effects that are common with the medicines she has been given. It is over and above what we could have expected. May He continue to protect our sweet girl and guide our family as we move into this "foothills" phase of our journey.

Thank you again for all your prayers and support. I'm hoping to plan a party soon to celebrate not only Lucy's recovery but also the support we have received from so many. I will share the details when I have them.

Thank you again!

Prayer needs:

- For Lucy's surgery to go well

- For Lucy's anxiety approaching the surgery and for her attitude through all of the difficulties of the day

- For strength for us a parents to support and guide her well

- For favor with the hospital (Thunderbird) to let JD in

- For protection for Lucy over the next year as her body heals

- For continued healing for our whole family as we figure out our new normal

- For the end of cancer party to come together as a blessing to all involved