A Good Report

Well, today was the day we have been waiting for. First round of chemotherapy is complete. We arrived at the hospital about 7:30am and went through the usual blood labs. We then went to eat a quick breakfast down in the cafeteria. Kendall had her usual, gravy biscuits. We were not due to see the doctor until 10:00am, but we went to her office anyway hoping they might have tell us something earlier. A little after 10:00am, the doctor came in to talk to us. She said that Kendall's "blasts" were down a little from the bone marrow aspiration test, but not to the level that they were hoping for. But they were down. They want to do another bone marrow aspiration next week, anticipating that the "blasts" will be down even more. The spinal fluid showed no signs of Leukemic cells at all. They want to start the second part of her treatment next week. Overall, it was a good report. The doctor said that Kendall has responded beautifully to the treatment with little side effects and that it was working. The doctor said that it would even be alright if Kendall wanted to take a trip home towards the end of her second cycle, provided it works as well as it has the first time. So if all goes well, Kendall can home for a visit at the end of the month for about 10 days. Kendall's blood levels have improved even more since Tuesday and are working on their on.

This first round has had both ups and downs. Has been difficult for Kendall learning how to deal with her new lifestyle. But it has been positive. Kendall has been overwhelmingly strong through this and I am so proud of her for being able to handle this the way that she has. Not that I had any doubts that she couldn't.

Kendall went with me to pick up Chase at the airport. She was really glad to see him. Chase talked about his flight and we made small talk but Kendall wanted him to herself so I walked up ahead a little bit, not that they were paying me any attention anyway. We went back to the apartment where we joined Tammy, Keith and Deb for dinner. Tammy had cooked Chicken and Rice for everybody. We ate, watched a little football and talked through the evening.

All in all the reports were good, a work in progress. We know this is going to take awhile. We're still looking at 6 months worth of chemotherapy treatments to go. But one day at a time we will deal with it the best way that we can. Now that we have been through this first part, and especially the way Kendall has responded to the treatment, me and Tammy have talked about one of us going home for awhile. How hard is that going to be, leaving one of your children with something like this. As sure as I have been with God leading our path, I trust in Him that he will guide us to the right decision.


John 8:16
But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me.