Well, we knew it couldn't last forever.....Eli's counts were:

Platelets 135
WBC 1.3
Hemoglobin 10.2
ANC 820 (This is the number that stinks!!)

So...we are inside for awhile. We went to Jacob and Sam's finale for Camp Invention and Eli had to put his mask on. Since he hadn't worn one for at least 5 months or so we were nervous that he would give us trouble, but he was a trouper and kept it on the entre time without a word!! John took the older boys to church without us. this is really where we want his counts to be (it means the chemo is working)..but the high numbers sure were fun for a while. I do worry about the winter time and cold and flu season....we will see where we go from here.

We did begin our steroids on Thursday as well, and that has been a fun ride. He is just so short tempered during these times. It is hard to remember that he is not really responsible for his actions...haha. All I can do is hold my breath and count to 50 or 100 at times to calm myself down.

Training for the half marathon in February is beginning again. Anyone interested in being on Eli's Team this year, please let me know. We really had a blast last year, even during the 13 miles walking....let me tell everyone out there...you CAN do it!!!! It was either Jane or Kendra that said this last year, "If Eli can go through chemotherapy for 3 1/2 years, you can at least walk 13 miles"...how is that for a major guilt trip?! I have to say after that statement, no one complained at all!!!!! Anyway, I would love to double our money this year to $30,000!!

Thanks for checking in. I hope your summer is going well.

Maria

I am thankful for the glorious summer that we have had.....