3rd cycle underway

Back at it.

We have somewhat of a routine when we get to the hospital. It might be funny/interesting to watch Jeannie and I when we first get to our room. Nurses are trying to ask us questions, while we're scurrying around trying to make this hospital room a home for 2-3 days.

• I always put our family picture on the wall plate outside our room. Don't know that makes much of a difference, but I'm hoping that all of the staff who come into our room for Sophie will get a glimpse into the human side of her, not necessarily just the clinical or seeing her as just another patient.
• Jeannie unpacks the clothes, blankets, changes the pillowcase to Soph's pink one.
• I pull out the iPad, both laptops, chargers and find optimal spots for all.
• We wipe down commonly used surfaces one more time.
• Soph refuses to sit/lay in bed until bedtime, and takes her preferred place on the recliner. (Don't worry, Jeannie takes full advantage of the adjustable bed)

Of course we'd rather not be here, but since we need to be, we make it as homey and comfortable as we can.

A little hiccup this time around. I completely forgot to call ahead to RM House to reserve a room. I called yesterday afternoon in a panic, but was crestfallen to hear they had a waiting list. So unfortunately Selah didn't come downtown with us, and both of us will sleep in the hospital room. It's a bummer bc seeing Selah brightens all of our days, and it's nice for either Jeannie or I to get a decent night's rest at the RM House. The thought of spending 2 nights at the hospital was not fun, but we were surprised to find out that we will most likely go home tomorrow night! Originally, we thought this 3rd cycle would keep us for 2 nights, so it's a pleasant surprise.

In the other critical news, the MRI came back clean! Soph had been complaining of headaches & neck pain in the past week, so before Monday's MRI, we had painful flashbacks to Dec and a serious case of "scanxiety." But all is well for now, and we are thankful & relieved.

This is a new drug with this cycle, so we'll have to see how it goes, but so far so good. The bigger effects/fears of low blood counts usually happen 7-10 days after.

Thanks for all of your continued prayers. We are learning these days what it means to have faith in the person of Jesus, as opposed to a desired outcome. When you have faith in a person, the result is not as primary. We are not quite there get, as our hearts so desire complete healing & remission, but we know there is a truth that God wants us to learn about having faith in Him vs. a desired outcome.

Good night everyone.

Trying on mom's necklace

Doing some painting on the 17 North playroom.