Another week begins

I think we are getting tired of this.  Being apart from one another, the added work and stress of everything, feeling disconnected from the rest of the world.  I'm pretty sure that I have said this same thing once or twice before, but I also think I have the right to say it again.

I kind of feel like a teacher or parent during the last month of school; we just have to get through this time of craziness and chaos.

And yet, this is just the beginning.  Sure, Anna only has ten more radiation and chemo treatments, but she still has another six months of chemo in addition to a long road of rehab.

One attitude that tends to help during these times of extreme weariness is remembering to find joy in the little moments.  A smile from Anna, a kind word from Kate, silly giggles from Ethan.  These moments help to balance out the tantrums from Anna, the fiestiness from Kate, and the toddler frustration from Ethan.

Still, we just want this whole experience to be behind us and be given the opportunity to find a way to adapt to our new life together.  Matt and I have talked and when Anna's treatments are all done, we think we would like to live our life in a similar way to how we were living it before, just with modifications.  We don't envision ourselves becoming involved in any childhood cancer causes, or pulling the "childhood cancer" card to obtain any special treatment.  We just want to have a life that does not involve as much sad time for Anna at a hospital.

Anna is still tolerating everything fairly well.  Today marks the end of the targeted radiation therapy.  Anna still has 1/3 of her radiation left; this next phase of radiation is meant to get all of the cancer cells that can't be seen specifically on an MRI.

Today also marks the first full day that Anna has been having a small amount of her "feeds" again, in addition to the TPN.  If her body continues to tolerate the feeds well, then the amount of TPN will slowly be lowered while the quantity of feeds will be increased.

Today the therapists brought in "the stander" to begin to adjust Anna's body to being in an upright position.  The stander is like a stretcher that can be laid horizontal, vertical, or at any angle in between.  It's actually a pretty cool, precise device designed specifically for its purpose.  Because it has been almost two months since Anna has been standing, her internal processes (mainly the parts of her body responsible for blood pressure) will need get get used to her being upright.

Imagine how it feels after you've been sick for a day or two, when you finally are able to stand up again and walk around.  Kind of woozy.  Now take that feeling and multiply it many times.  We're looking at baby steps again ... but baby steps in the right direction.

The postcards are coming in by the dozens, from all over the United States, and a few beyond.  Thank you to those of you who have sent them; they bring joyful moments to our days in addition to being a conversation starter for the many people who come in and out of Anna's room each day :)

Time for prayers

Thanksgiving
Please give thanks for the opportunity for our family to have dinner together tonight in Anna's room.  Kate and Ethan get a bit squirrelly towards the end, but it's nice to be all together sometimes for dinner.
Please give thanks that we are continuing to find the physical and emotional strength to somehow get through each day.
Pleaes thank God that we live as close as we do to an amazing children's hospital.
Please give thanks for the continuing superb care Anna is receiving.
Please thank God that Anna has been able to tolerate all of her treatments as well as she has.
Please continue to give thanks for all of the support our family is receiving.

Requests
Please pray for more restful nighttime sleep for Anna; she's been awake a lot at night recently.
Please continue to pray that Anna's treatments are 100% effective and that she experiences few side effects.
Please continue to pray for strength and wisdom for Matt, me, and any other caregivers for our kids.
Please pray that Anna's body is able to tolerate her feeds again.
Please pray that Anna's attitude during her therapy sessions improves; she hasn't been very positive with the therapists the last few days.

Thank you, as always, for your prayers and support  ... and postcards, too :)