Monday's labs were:

Hemoglobin 11.8 (Normal 11.0-15.0)
Platelets 392 (Normal 140-440)
ANC 1136 (Normal 2000-6000+) BUT we needed 750 to get started YEA!!!!

So we were admitted!!! It took quite a while in the clinic before we got a room (we got upstairs around 4:00 or so, we got there at 8:00) Eli really handled not eating or drinking before his LP well. I think we got the procedure around 11am, so it wasn't as bad as it has been before.

We got some of our favorite nurses in the hospital, Adrianne and Sarah. It came to me that this is our last planned visit to the hospital for chemo. WOW. Although it doesn't always seem like it, I guess we are moving forward with this. All of the rest of chemo will be at home, every day. Eli has to get his ARA-C shots this week and next, and there seems to be a shortage of pediatric home health nurses, so we are having to go to the clinic for a shot every day....that is yucky, especially since it is so unbearably hot (120 heat index). But it is quick visit, in and out, so not so bad.

We got to meet the new oncologist from John's Hopkins, Dr. Hudspeth. I really like her. Eli's little rash that he has had on his arm seemed to get worse Monday and Tuesday, and she went ahead and asked dermotology to do a biopsy. The derm doc didn't seem to really want to do it, but she pushed. And I am with her. I would much rather do it now while his counts are up and rule out any fungus or bacterial problem than wait and NOT be able to do it later because he has no immune protection. I think it may just be a drug reaction to an antibiotic that was given to him. It seems better today, so that is good.

On a different note, I have decided to walk the Myrtle Beach half marathon in February to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I am recruiting anyone that wants to walk with me and help me raise funds. The marathon is on Feb 16, and I think the entrance fee is $60. I will post the web site for giving as soon as I get it, and you may also get a letter from me. I have already had about 9 or so people say they would like to walk it. I am hoping to do this on a yearly basis. It has been weighing so heavily on my heart lately the number of children that are being diagnosed with these horrible cancers, and also how many children are dying from it. I know we have gone a long way in the past 20 years or so, but what many people (me included 8 months ago) is how long we have to go.

I met another young man that has been diagnosed with ALL. His name is Justin and he is 9 yrs old. He is currently at MUSC. His grandmother is one of my grandmother's caregivers at Bishop Gadsden. Please pray for this young man and his family.

Thanks for checking in.

Maria

I am thankful that we got to start the last phase of Delayed Intensification on Monday and we are one step closer to Long Term Maintenance. I am thankful that Eli is feeling well and is handling the chemo well. I am so thankful for the wonderful nurses on 7B that take such good care of all of our children with cancer.