God's Special Doll!

God has certainly shown His light of love upon our little one. (And so have God's sweet people - some of whom we've never even met! Note the brand new American Girl Doll - Jess, in this photo. It was sent here today! Unbelievable joy! When Christi screamed with delight I told her, "Shhh! The nurses will come running! THANK YOU!!!) The past 24 hours have been entirely different from the previous 48! Whew! While we won't really know of her response to this chemo attempt for a few weeks, I truly believe the modern medicine is working. Today she kept her eyes open the entire day. She says they're still sore, but much better. Her headaches are gone - for today anyway. Dr. Maris said if she feels as well tomorrow after the chemo, he'll give her a "pass" (get out of jail free card, I think) to get out of the hospital for a few hours to give her a break from this place. Yahoo!!!

THANK YOU to my Internet friend of three years from Philadelphia- and one who knows first hand what it's like to treat your child's cancer in a far way city - we are enjoying a home cooked meal tonight! Andrea's own child (Matthew) has been bravely fighting a nasty brain tumor for much longer than Christi has, yet she always reaches out to offer her love and assistance to us. Amazing! (Matthew's website is in "Christi's Clubhouse" and he could certainly use additional prayers at this very difficult time!!) It was fabulous to finally meet beautiful Andrea in person toady!!

The conversation I had been dreading came up today while Christi played with the darling Grant girls in the playroom. "Mom, am I going to lose my hair with this chemo?" Trying to be very calm, in a matter of fact manner I replied, "Yes, honey, but it'll grow back and I thought we could get some stylish hats and maybe even some tops with a hat to match." "Can I get a wig this time - like my own hair?" "Yes, and I thought we'd cut yours off and donate it to Locks of Love to help another cancer patient out." "Can they make my wig with my own hair?" "Probably. I'll ask them." "Thanks, I just wanted to be able to tell my friends. And I thought that's why you weren't making me brush these rats out of my hair." Whew! That was A WHOLE LOT easier than I EVER anticipated! Now when the event happens in less than two weeks, it's going to be A WHOLE LOT harder, I imagine - but right now I think she's okay! I dread other kids making fun of her for being bald. She didn't mind as a five year old, but as a fourth grader - it's going to be tough!

Shari told me they're expecting a foot of snow back home tonight, it has been beautiful here..From Shayne: "Record high temperature here in Philly beckoned me to take a long city run. Since Christi was happy and feeling well I hit the streets. I ran through University City, across to the Schuylkill jogging trail, then up to the museum where I ran the famous "Rocky" steps several times, (I remember Christi running up them with hemoglobin of 8.0! fall 2003 http://www.christithomas.com/images/1314.jpg) then down past boat house row into Fairmont Park. After a nice hard run there is nothing better than stopping for Soul Food from a street vender-fried chicken, rice and beans, and collard greens. My rule for street vendors is that if there is a line then the food must be good. If no one is eating there then buyer beware!"

Thank you everyone for your outpouring of love and support during these most difficult of times!! We've been so blessed to have you praying and shaking your pom poms for Christi, our little American girl!

***********WE'RE MOVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've just been informed that they are moving us down to the THIRD floor - oncology!!!! If you've been calling Christi's room she will now have a new telephone number.