September 12 - Day 23

Today we were scheduled for blood work and another round of chemo. We were all up early and out the door by 7:30 - the clinic is only open in the morning and goes by first come first serve sort of basis so it's best to get there when they first open at 9:00am (earlier if she needs a procedure done). 

We headed to the finger poke lab first - they had a hard time getting blood out of one finger so they had to poke a couple more fingers to retrieve enough blood - Evelyn was not a happy camper. 

Next, up to the clinic we went. Charlotte came with us this time and made quick friends with the volunteers and the other kids.

Evelyn's blood work came back and her hemoglobin levels were low (70 is considered dangerous; Evelyn's was 80; still low but not bad). The nurses gave us the option of a blood transfusion - because her number was low this is what is done to bring those levels back up. We opted for no transfusion - the nurses recommend doing them if the child is really low energy, preferring to lay down most of the day, out of breath, or having a high heartbeat. About 3-4 days ago Evelyn didn't want to get off the couch or wanted to be held most of the day. Since then her energy has come up and she has been more active around the house - the main reason we said no to the transfusion and why put her through more if it wasn't a necessity. If we notice a drop in her behaviour or big decrease in energy we go back to the hospital for a transfusion. Once that decision was made her port needle was reinserted and her chemo was given. On these more 'normal' visits Evelyn will not be hooked up to an IV - the chemo goes  right into her port through a small tube and then the needle gets taken out again. Its a quick process in the clinic and usually takes about 15 minutes. By 11:00 we were on our way home. Our next visit is scheduled for Tuesday - a quick checkup and blood work. Then we will be admitted on Wednesday night for a week. Thursday Evelyn will have another lumbar puncture and bone marrow biopsy with chemo given through IV and also during her lumbar puncture. Friday she starts her 24 hour chemo (chemo running through her IV for 24 hours) and will taper off her steroids, blood pressure medication and the antibiotic she is on. For a couple days after all that they will monitor her to make sure the chemo is out of her system and everything else checks out okay. Day 32 is the end of the first 'phase' of aggressive treatment - we will find out if Evelyn is considered in 'remission' after these last tests. This doesn't mean she is in the clear but if she is in remission she is on the right track with treatment and will continue more routine treatment over the next two years. There is a lot of excitement that comes with Day 32, but with that anxiety and worry too. It will be a busy couple of days with a lot going on and a lot of unknowns. Ultimately we know the Lord is guiding the doctors and nurses hands and we are comforted by that. No matter the outcome our little Evelyn is in His hands. We remind ourselves of this daily and continue to pray for strength to get through these tough times. Here are a few more pictures to end the post :)

Administering meds with dinner 

On our nightly walk and mail check

Lindsey and Stephen

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."