Here for a While...ugh

Today's Blood Counts:
0.4 white (ability to fight infection, or in this case lack of it)
11.8 hgb. (yesterdays' blood transfusion did that! Yes, nearly normal!)
17 platelets (to be transfuse tomorrow)
0 ANC (still neutripenic and not able to leave)

Christi continues to feel fabulous; I mean ABSOLUTELY TREMENDOUS!! We will see Dr. Maris tomorrow, not that it will change anything, but it's always great to see Dr. Maris! Today's oncologist said we could go home when her counts go up, most likely at the end of the week. Having Mrs. Smith with us has been delightful. I shall miss her very much when she heads to the airport with Shayla tomorrow.

Christi had a lengthy chat with her cousin, Shelby, today which was a highlight and spent time with Mrs. Smith while I walked back to Ronald to do all of our laundry and to go to the grocery store. Shayla returned from her wonderful weekend with the Grant's claiming, "I'd like to stay there for a year!" (Homemade pancakes for breakfast, a trip to Gigglesomethingorother, playing outside, who wouldn't?!) Thanks, Tim & Debbie! The four girls played for hours tonight at the hospital. While they literally went up and down the hospital hallways making "parades" complete with loud musical instruments borrowed from the playroom, I was finally able to sit and talk at length with Caroline and Debbie. It was incredibly refreshing!!

As soon as they left it hit me, I'm alone without a room at Ronald and without any help. I know I'll be okay; I can handle this as long as Christi continues to feel well, but an odd feeling came over me as I analyzed the stark contrast of having seven of us laughing and talking and then suddenly the noise was completely gone, and Christi and I stood holding hands peering out into the quiet, empty hallway. I could only hug her tight and say, "Let's call Daddy!!"

Tonight I'll end with both fabulous and horrendous news. Thanks to very generous donors, today Eric (Christi's wonderful and faithful Webmaster) reached his fundraising goal of $8,000 for the Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation (CNCF). We wish him well at his strenuous 100 mile biking adventure coming up soon. Be safe, Eric! We love you! http://ericcook.blogspot.com/

And sad doesn't even describe it. Another sweet gal, forever 7 1/2, became a tragic victim of neuroblastoma today. Kraleigh's family will forever mourn the loss of their precious child. Her compassionate father had contacted us regarding Christi this winter and then suddenly, his own precious daughter's NB took off again. We will never forget them reaching out to us. Kraleigh Grace will remain in our heart and prayers. http://www.kraleighgrace.com/index.htm

FRIDAY, JUNE 9th (11AM - 2PM) "Sip Lemonade and Take A Sweet Stand Against Cancer!" Christi & Alex's 3rd annual Lemonade Stand raising money for pediatric cancer research one cup at a time. OLD FORT BANK - WESTGATE OFFICE, Tiffin (across from McDonalds) FREMONT LOCATION: Walmart (Thanks, Jennifer!)