Feeling Great - Let's Skate!!

Without a doubt "something bad" is brewing, but what is the extent of it and how does it impact the rest of this journey? I don't know - only He does. So we'll put our trust in Him and enjoy every minute of every day we have together! She is one awesome little gal!!!! We are so blessed with these precious gifts - Christi & Shayla!

The bumps (four total) are back in full force today. She woke up with a headache and with her left eye hurting in the middle of the night; therefore, Shayne and I were unable to go back to sleep, worried sick. I've cried more in the past week than I think I have in the entire three and a half years of this battle. I've tried to be strong for so long - years actually, but now I find myself crumbling to tears many times each day. Shayne and I cuddled on the couch in the middle of the night whispering to each other and trying to get back to sleep, but really couldn't. We love her to the moon and back and just wish we could trade places with her. This is so unfair! God has yet to buy into our plea bargaining.

I'm haunted by the "bumps" - about the size of half dollars, a bit smaller and most sore to the touch. (The newsest one at the top of her forehead - disgusting!) And her eyes just don't look "right". I can't really put my finger on it, but I know how this disease loves to attack the orbits of the eyes so that is my fear, and I think come Wednesday's MIBG scan we'll learn that I am not wrong. Around her eyes, they're "puffy" and a bit discolored and enlarged, yet the color of the eyes themselves still a beautiful white. What a doll! This disease is so ugly harming our darling girl like this; how I despise it. I've seen so many children lose their sight because of this horrible cancer and I hate to have her suffer through that too.

With temps in the 60s again - a pleasant Ohio January surprise, Shayne went out for a long afternoon run while Christi and I made peanut butter cookies. (Why does she love creating sweets, but not eating them? There goes that heathy eating plan of mine - again! Smile.) She also created some "Click-It's" sweet Peggy sent and played "Jump Start Advanced Fourth Grade" on the computer. She really feels great and for that we rejoice!!

Realizing that we might as well make the best of times while she continues to feel well she wanted to go ice skating with her friends so we called Theresa and Kaylyn to take them skating. Kaylyn was around and able to go so the girls had a great time together while Shayla took three of her first grade buddies! As you can see from the photo, the girls were darling trying their best to stay upon their feet (or I mean "blades"). Fremont's sweet Jennifer, Michele and Mrs. Lehmen also joines us there - so kind! Great memories, forever to be treasured!

I just sent "Webby" my journal entry and I'm certain Eric will have www.ChristiThomas.com updated with it soon. I'll try to update this blog from Philadelphia. As always, your prayers for strength and wisdom for Dr. Maris, Shayne and I, and for Christi to remain painfree and content are greatly appreciated. Lord, hear our prayers!