Family

Family

OUR JOURNEY

This is our family's journey- the story of our daughter's fight with cancer. Along the way, we will have some tears, lots of love, and even more prayers going up to heaven. We know that our Heavenly Father is aware of us. We know that he will help us fight, fill our hearts with peace, and send angels to give us aid. We send praise to HIM. Join us in this battle. This battle of courage, determination, and most of all faith in God that all is well and will be well.
This is where I will record my feelings- raw, real, and unfiltered. Welcome all.
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Friday, June 21, 2013

Miss Happy

Being home is wonderful.
And being with this happy girl is even better.
She is sunshine.
She is beautiful.
She is laughter.
She is such a blessing.
On Monday, all meds stopped!
Her ANC was over 9,000!!
I couldn't believe it!!
It hasn't been over 750 for months.
Thank you, Frankincense, Nuebegen shots,
and lots of prayers.
So we celebrated and went to Seven Peaks.
Since she can actually fight off germs.
Seven Peaks in our house, is like a rite of passage.
We have been going there for years.
She loved it, even if she could only splash her toesies.
This weekend, we are going to Idaho.
Little cousin Natasha is turning one.
So we are going to celebrate that too.
What a wonderful thing it is to be alive,
to be with the ones you love,
and to see God's hand in all things.
Thanks for the prayers.
My warrior princess is doing so well.
She is continually amazing the doctors.
Next Tuesday and Wednesday, are long days at the clinic.
Then Thursday and Friday we are being admitted.
Then we are doing chemo at home to finish out phase 3
for about 2 1/2 weeks as long as she doesn't get sick.
This is a huge blessing.
We are excited to be home a bit more for a couple of weeks or so.
Love to you all!!
Thanks for your support!

TO MY KNIGHT...

When I was a little girl,
I dreamed about a strong knight.
Tall, dark, handsome...like my dad.
Someday he would ask me to marry him.
He would make me laugh,
romance me like crazy,
love me more than the world,
and kiss me
every time he walked in the front door from work
and all the time for that matter.
That sounds reasonable right?
Not to mention....
We would live somewhere exotic,
he would save me from all evil,
be richer than rich,
and not have a care in the world.
Oh and have babies by the dozens.
Oh the wonderful life I would have.
I day dreamed about my wonderful,
PERFECT life
for years.
Then I got a wake up call when I left home
and got to face reality on my own.
Life was full of unexpected surprises,
twists and turns down every corner,
good things,
bad things.
UGH...I liked my dream better!
My eyes were opened to a whole new world-
the real one!
God had a bit of a different plan for me
than my rich, exotic, daydreaming one.
One day, I did meet a tall, dark, handsome guy though.
And although it took him a couple of years to find out just how amazing I was,
we ended up together.
And although, we don't live in France,
and we aren't growing money on trees,
and we hopefully aren't going to have babies by the dozen,
we are happy,
we are in love.
He does make me laugh
and kisses me every time he sees me.
I am glad my idea of love grew into something so wonderful and real.
To wonderful hubby, my knight,
my tall, dark, and handsome:
I couldn't do this without you.
When I am away, he is dad and mom.
He cooks, cleans, reads to the kids,
does piano with Tyrell, goes to work,
and lets me vent to him on the phone at night.
And he does it because he loves us.
He is amazing.
He is my rock.
My best friend.
My life is wonderful.
Our life has had some unexpected surprises,
but we are still moving forward together.
Since it was Father's Day, a couple of days ago,
I just want you to know...
you are the best daddy and husband in the world.
The man of my dreams.
Love you FOREVER and ALWAYS, BABE!
 And to my little knights in training...
someday soon you will make a couple of lucky girls,
just as happy as your daddy makes me!

Thursday, June 20, 2013

A. Loving. Father.

As I mentioned on Evalette's Facebook page earlier this week, we are HOME!  We are happy and well.  This last round had some difficulties, but even with the tough stuff we had amazing miracles.  So although, we are busy at HOME, soaking up the sun, playing with brothers, sleeping as much as possible, riding bikes, and just being together, I feel strongly that I need to record the events of the past week, the days leading up to her discharge and some thoughts I have in regards to those events.  This post is to praise HIM, our loving Heavenly Father, who loves us and through him all is possible.

Part 1: Miracles
Last Monday, when I posted I was a bit discouraged; mouth sores, nausea, feeding tube, no sleep, and living at a hospital were beginning to wear on both me and Evalette.  By Tuesday, I was more discouraged with myself; where had my happy self gone?  I was cranky and my energy was low.  A friend had sent me a quote,
"It is not the design of heaven that we be rescued from all difficult situations.  Rather, it is the Lords's will that we learn to handle them.  The sense of being overwhelmed is very much a part of the journey."
Joseph Fielding McConkie
Maybe I wasn't so bad after all.  I was very overwhelmed.  So I prayed and prayed.  It was all I could think to do.  It brought me peace and hope.  I realized that the night before, when she had thrown up her feeding tube, Heavenly Father had provided us a blessing.  Without even vocalizing it really, just a few mere thoughts and pleading sent to heaven of hoping and knowing that somehow we couldn't have this feeding tube long because with it my baby was depressed.  I knew that if given the chance she would amaze the doctors and begin eating on her own again.  It wasn't even until after the eventful night and one feeding tube less later that I realized it, Heavenly Father had heard my thoughts and provided a way to get rid of the nasty tube, otherwise the doctors would have never given us a chance to try without it.  I felt a immense amount of love.  He knew me and my daughter and he knew that I desperately needed to know he was there and that she really needed to have that feeding tube gone.  I decided I needed to focus on the positive again and move forward knowing that miracles were happening and that we were going home soon.  I love how Lance Armstrong says it,
"When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope?  We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up or fight like hell."
I am a fighter and so is my daughter.  Later Tuesday night, right before I put Evalette to bed, the LDS representatives stopped by.  They asked me if we needed anything.  As I prepared to tell them, "No, thanks for asking,", "Yes, Evalette needs a blessing.  Could you do that?" came out of my mouth.  They were more than happy to help.  The spirit that filled our room was amazing.  Love, hope, peace, comfort filled our hearts, souls, and every inch of that hospital room.  Afterwards, as they were saying goodbye, one of the representatives, put his hand on my shoulder, looked me in the eye and said, "You are going home soon."  I cried.  My heart was so full.  Those wonderful priesthood holders coming to our room Tuesday night was the first of many miracles and answers to prayers.  
That night was long.  The shot Evalette was and still is getting, makes her little legs ache.  She reminds me of myself when I am pregnant with restless leg syndrome at night.  She couldn't stop moving her little legs.  At 1 am, she crashed and so did I.  Wednesday morning came all too earlier.  Our nurse, Tracy, came in our room to see Evalette and I half dazed in the rocking chair.  "This is ridiculous!" She announced.  "You guys need some rest and nobody will leave you alone!"  "Go back to bed and nobody will bug you for a while...I will take of it!"  So wonderful Tracy put a huge neon green sign on our door..."E. is sleeping.  Check with nurse before coming in!"  Tracy took her job seriously and gave a furious lashing to anyone who tried to sneak past and dismiss the sign.  We were alone for hours.  It was great.  Heavenly Father had heard my whining and pleading of earlier that week.  I was frustrated, sick of constantly being bothered, tired of having no privacy, and needing space.  He sent us Tracy, our angel nurse.  I was humbled and oh so grateful.  As the day progressed, I was constantly reminded of his love for us.  Miracle after miracle came our way.  First, we were told that Evalette had passed her calorie count...the feeding tube didn't need to be put back in.  They were amazed.  
Then, Evalette developed a fever, a high fever, over 103 degrees.  Doctors were concerned.  They started a strong antibiotic and gave her tylenol to bring it down.  Within minutes, her fever was down and her temp was back to normal.  Nothing seemed wrong, she was eating very well, she was happy, she was talkative, and perky.  It was strange.  Once again, the doctors were amazed.  Nothing grew on her cultures and how was her fever suddenly gone within minutes?  I knew....another miracle.  Another way for my Heavenly Father to show me that he was there and that he was over all.  We got news that as long as her fever stayed away and her numbers trended again that we would be heading home.  
Wednesday night was long.  Once again, my baby couldn't settle down, Twitch, twitch, twitch went her legs.  11:30 pm and she was still bouncing in her crib.  I was talking to Jess and David on the phone.  Evalette loves to talk on the phone, so I decided since she was wide awake she could talk to them.  It was a blessing that I was talking to them because otherwise I won't have know that there was blood all over her bed.  As soon as I saw the blood, I hung up and called the nurse.  We found the blood source...her central line had broke, snapped and blood was dripping out of it, fast.  We got it clamped and analyzed what to do. She didn't think that it could be repaired at all, that we would be heading to surgery that night to get it replaced.  But Rick, who had has been a nurse there for 20 years, said that he could fix it.  So we got ready.  Amber, our wonderful nurse, Tristan, the charge nurse, Rick, and I surrounded Evalette.  We didn't even have to hold her down much.  Evalette just watched as the repair happened and she quite enjoyed Amber singing her "Twinkle, twinkle Little Star".  It was so funny.  Since Evalette's one line had stopped working the week before, we were hopeful that with the repair it might start working again, thus she could avoid having surgery to get it replaced.  After the repair was complete, Rick did a flush, but it still won't go.  We went to bed and I was glad that at least for tonight, we weren't down in the surgery room.  At 5 am, Amber came in to draw labs.  She decided to try the small line, the one that wasn't working.  "I see blood!  It is working!" she exclaimed.  We both couldn't believe it.  It was working.  Amazing and miraculous.  Suddenly I remembered, the day when it had stopped working I had prayed that night while I laid in bed.  I prayed over and over again that her line would work again and she won't have to get surgery.  In my mind, I had envisioned a nurse trying to draw blood and suddenly saying, "It works,  It works!"  And that is exactly what had happened.  Call it coincidence, call it crazy luck, but I will call it a miracle, an answer to my prayer, and my Heavenly Father sending his love.  
Thursday morning, Evalette was doing good.  No fever and happy as ever, a little ansy maybe, but still content.  Dr. Affify came in to greeted us that morning.  She was concerned because although she didn't have a fever, something had to be wrong.  It wasn't possible that nothing could be wrong.  She was hesitate to send us home, maybe keep us for a day or so just to be safe.  I tried to remain calm.  Then Dr. Affify turned to Evalette, whom she calls "Gift of God".  She looked into her eyes and Evalette looked into hers.  "She has told me that she wants to go home.  Emotionally she needs her home."  Dr. Affify said.  "I can't blame her.  This place is a prison....I shouldn't say that.  Pack your bags.  We are taking the risk.  Go home!"  I was so relieved.  HOME.  Heavenly Father had made it possible once again.  He was sending us home, to go be with the people we needed the most, our family.  
Thursday afternoon, we were home.  The miracles and the love from heaven hasn't stopped.  Miss Evalette has been so happy.  Back to her old self I would say.  She is so talkative, interacts with her brothers, laughs all the time, crawls all over, is almost walking, and eating everything in sight (no coaxing or persuasion needed from me, a first in months).   We have been and are continually being blessed.  
"The Saints should always remember that God sees not as man sees; that he does not willingly afflict his children, and that if he requires them to endure present privation and trial, it is that they may escape greater tribulations which would otherwise inevitably overtake them.  If He deprives them of any present blessing, it is that he may bestow upon them greater and more glorious ones by and by."
George Q. Cannon
Part 2: TRUST
But a few things have happened the last couple of weeks that have rocked my world and taught me at the same time.  
I wrote this post on Friday, May 31, the day we were admitted to the hospital to start the last round of phase 2.  I haven't posted it because I felt so torn, so raw, so saddened.  Here it is...


   "Today was our first day back at the hospital...since four days ago.  We sure do love this place (I wish you could hear the sarcastic tone in my voice).  As we settled into our new room (actually it is our old room 4413- they save it for us!) and got back into our regular hospital routine, I found myself scanning the names on each door.  Looking for friends and wondering about how they came to be here.  So many families, so many children, so many stories.  Then I begin to think about Logan and Liz.  Their name is no longer on the board, they got moved to the second floor.  Little Eli needed some extra attention.  I then hoped that I will see them soon; maybe in the cafeteria, in the laundry room, or down the hall.  My good friends.
Our day drags on with chemo, vomiting, pain meds, rocking in our chair and then more chemo, more vomiting, more pain meds and rocking in our chair some more.  Oh my little girl, hang in there we can do this.  We can do hard things.  Finally she fells asleep, exhausted from it all.  Sweet soft cheeks, sparse, yet long eyelashes, and perfect lips.  Oh how I adore her.
I think of Liz and Logan again.  I hadn't seen them yet.  I was getting ansy.  I had to know how my friends were.  So I pulled up their blog...and wasn't prepared for the news I read.  Sweet baby Eli had received his angel wings last Saturday while we were at the hospital.  My heart broke and I sobbed.  How could I have not known?  We were right there and I wasn't there to help ease their burden.
My mind raced back to our month together, right after my baby was diagnosed with cancer.  Liz and I became instant friends.  It wasn't hard to talk to Liz.  She always had a smile on her face.  And even though her baby was in critical condition and struggling to live, she would always ask how we were doing.  She and Logan never complained and never asked why.  Such amazing people.
Why them?  Why did their son have to die?  Out of anyone, they deserved to have their child live.  It isn't fair that my child is asleep next to me, stable and well, while they had to walk out of the hospital with empty arms.  My heart aches.  How can this be?  
All I know is hug your babies close.  Time is precious.  Going to snuggle with my sleeping angel...and to think and pray.  To Liz, Logan, and amazing Eli you have changed my life forever.  Thank you for all you have taught me.  Sending peace and love your way!"
 I am still not sure why little Eli had to go.  But I do know that he left an amazing legacy here with us on earth.  I also found out this week that beautiful Millie passed away a couple of days ago.  Finally free after fighting Leukemia for 3 1/2 years.  What amazing girl.  Oh how my heart ached again; for her family, for her friends, for everything her little body went through.  What a warrior.  I can't help but wonder why things happen, why some die so young, why some stay, why so many children have to fight so hard. Then guilt rushes in, why have we been so lucky and why has our daughter done so well?  I feel so bad that some parents have to say goodbye so early to their precious children.  As I ponder and struggle with my guilt and thoughts; one word has come to mind; TRUST.  
I feel that it is not for me to know.  All I know, especially from our experiences last week, is that we are all children of a LOVING Heavenly Father.  He loves us all and is no respecter of persons.  He wants what is best for us, each of us.  He knows and loves Liz and Logan and hasn't left them alone during this hard time of losing their baby.  He is their father and only wants what is best for them and for Eli.  That brings me peace.  So I have decided to let the guilt and sadness go. Because our Father is in charge.  He knows all.  All I can do is trust and know all things are perfectly orchestrated in heaven...nothing comes of chance.  And that brings me peace.  I love what Liz wrote in her blog shortly before Eli got his angel wings...
One thing I have always tried to think about when times get tough is the well-known Serenity Prayer.  The first part that most people talk about is great but I love the entire thing that isn't spoken about as often.

God grant me the serenity 
to accept the things I cannot change; 
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; 
Enjoying one moment at a time; 
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; 
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it; 
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life 
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.

At times like this when we feel so helpless because there isn't much we can do for Eli, it is such a comfort to remember that God's will will be done and we just need to have faith that it is perfect for Eli and for us.  Although the odds are entirely against him, we know that if it's meant to be, miracles can happen and we are holding on to that hope.  The greatest comfort Logan and I have right now is the knowledge that we are sealed to Eli and he is ours for eternity.  There is no greater comfort than that.

To my wonderful friend, Liz, may you feel peace, love, and a brightness of hope.  I love you.  You are the perfect example of what being an amazing person is.  Fight on, little Eli, fight on!  
If you guys what to be inspired, read Liz's blog....you will fall in love with Eli and his story.  www.jorgensenjargon.blogspot.com

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Feeding Tube Adventures

We have decided that we dislike feeding tubes very much.  The first 2 nights with it running while she slept, she threw up all the formula in the morning.  So James convinced the nurse to ask the doctor if we could run my pumped breastmilk, which he was fine with. So she got breastmilk through her tube.  She tolerated it great, but her line kept leaking so at 11:30 pm, we were changing a sad, tired baby and bed linens and again at 7:30 am.  A lot of my milk didn't even much in her little tummy.  So last night, we decided to try half breastmilk with hypoallergenic formula (since she had thrown up the dairy based formula the first two nights). And the adventures continued.  After her midnight vitals, she keep coughing and gagging.  She was very restless, so I rubbed her head through the crib. I could tell she didnt feel well.  Then at 1 am, she threw up.  She was screaming bloody murder...she seemed like she was in horrible pain.  The nurse didn't seem concerned and thought she just needed to calm down from throwing up.  I wasn't convinced, I knew she was in pain and I thought maybe the formula was really hurting her tummy.  So I rocked her to calm her down, but she cried and cried.  Then I noticed that her feeding tube was super long..it was practically all the way out her nose.  So the nurse tugged and it was out. It had been stuck in her nose.  No wonder she was screaming. Poor girl!  As soon as the tube was out, she laid back in my arms and fell right to sleep.  We turned the feed off and decided not to put the tube back in. This morning it was decided to give her a break since she is eating well. Bye bye feeding tube.

Monday, June 10, 2013

My teachers....

This weekend I got to spend some time with my boys.
Daddy stayed with Princess and I went home.
It was nice.
I had a hard time saying goodbye to my baby, 
but not the dreary hospital!
Evalette needed her daddy,
and I needed my boys.
We enjoyed a bike ride, 
naps on mommy's bed, 
going to church together, and 
chasing each other around the house.
Those little boys, 
they amaze me with how well they are handling all this.
I do have to say thanks to my sisters and Shar for being their second moms.
But my boys, they never complain. 
They miss their sister and mom, but they sure do live moment to moment.
They still see joy.
They still see happiness.
They still see goodness amidst it all.
They know it is all ok.
They teach me more then I teach them.
They are so special and their understanding far surpasses their young years.
On the drive home on Saturday, 
we said good things about everyone in our family.
It was so cute.
When we got home, they took care of me.
Oh my sweet boys.
At nap time, Tyrell got me a blanket, tucked me in, and
rubbed my head.
He whispered in my ear, "Mom, I am glad that you get to sleep in your bed today!
Cause the couch at the hospital doesn't look very comfortable!"
My heart burst.  
I haven't never even mentioned anything about the rock, hard couch before.
He just noticed and cared about his mommy.
Jarom kept hugging me and giving me kisses.
And Lance, my little Lancee,
that insists that he is no baby, but a big boy 
wanted to go with mama!
They remind me that every moment is special.
That there can be calmness inside the hurricane.
That with bad comes good.
That with pain comes peace.
That with sorrow comes joy.
"How long are you home Mom?" Tyrell asked me.
"For one whole day," I replied.
"Well, lets be glad you are home, even if only for one day!"
He happily responded.
And then when I asked him if something
I gave him was ok, as it was used and not new.
My amazing son said, "You get what you get
And you don't throw a fit.
It is great, Mom!"
I am pretty sure Alise taught him that!
How did I ever get so lucky? 
My six year old is going on twenty-six.  
Thanks son for being my teacher.
Why not choose to be happy and to see the good.
It makes life so much better.
We enjoyed our one whole day together.
I love those three tough boys with all my heart.
As Sunday came to a close, Tyrell brought me a picture of Evalette.
It was one that was taken one month before she got sick.
She was glowing,
She was so happy.
She was so innocent.
She was so free.
Tyrell handed me the picture and said, 
"Mom, It is sad that Evalette has cancer because she 
doesn't always smile like this anymore.
But I know that when she gets better, she will smile like this again!"
So although they know that their sister is sick and it does make them sad sometimes....
they also know that their baby sister is getting well.
And that she will be with them soon, happy, smiling, and well.
Oh my boys,
you will never know how much you mean to me.
Love you to the moon and back!

See you soon!!

When the Going Gets Tough...

They weren't kidding when they said that Evalette's chemo treatments would be aggressive.  This has been our toughest round yet.  Here is a recap of Round 3 of Phase 2.  The last round before phase 3 begins.  I apologize that this post is a bit of a downer. It was a long week.  It is hard to see your loved one in pain.  All is well and we are moving forward!
Friday, May 31st (Day 1 of Chemo):  
We get checked into our good ole' room 4413, get some fluids going and start chemo at 7:45 pm.  It was a long night.  Chemo finally ended at 1 am.  This round she gets 2 drugs (1 runs for 2 hours plus a flush, then one for an half an hour and then a rescue drug for 4 hours) for a course of 5 days. Not to mention Zofran every six hours because this chemo drugs are very nauseating.   It is a long process.  It was a long night for mommy, Evalette sleep through most of it.  The nurse and I didn't get along very well.  I usually get along with everyone, but she and I had very different opinions on my daughter's care that night.  She went and talked with the doctor and the doctor was fine with my way.   I can't handle every 2 hours having Evalette's diaper changed.  She needs her rest and so do I!!!
Saturday, June 1st and Sunday, June 2nd (Day 2 and 3 of Chemo):
Evalette was in a lot of pain.  She had a lot of mouth sores around the inside of her lips, down her throat and such.  She was in so much pain that she stopped eating.  It was so sad.  So on top of all the chemo and zofran, we added oxycodone to help her intense pain every six hours, and then an IV feed so that she wouldn't miss out on the nutrients she needs while she isn't eating.  The IV feed runs for 12 hours at night.  She also got a blood transfusion. I love it when she pinks back up.  So many things.  She didn't feel good at all.  Lots of vomiting, nausea, and hurting.  Mommy and Daddy rocked her most of the time.  Also tested positive for common cold, so in isolation.  No fun!    Good news, she has begun to sleep through the night again.  I wake up every time the nurse comes in, but she stays asleep.  So happy about that!
Monday, June 3rd (4th day of Chemo):
This was a rough day.  Evalette was not feeling well.  Mommy was very tired.  The chemo side effects were worsening everyday and so mommy declared it, Pajama Day.  We rocked in the chair, watched Mulan on TV, ate cheesecake (Evalette played with it, but mommy enjoyed it), and didn't do much of anything.  Evalette had a rough day sleeping and it seemed like every time I almost had her asleep or I was exposed while breastfeeding, someone would come in, even though there was a "do not disturb" sign on the door.  A cleaning lady, a tech to restock the drawers, or someone to empty the medicine bin...things that could wait.  I was a bit frustrated.  It was a long day.  So I made this sign...and planned on using the next day.  I needed some privacy, some boundaries, some room to breathe.  I appreciate all the doctors, nurses, and staff at the hospital, but sometimes I think that they forget that this is their job, but this is our LIFE.   It was a bit of a downer day.
Tuesday, June 4th (5th day of Chemo):
Finally, the last day of chemo.  Done with phase 2!!!  Lots of vomiting,  lots of baths, cuddles, rocking, and still on IV feed.  Mouth sores starting to clear up and breast feeding once a day.  Our wonderful friend, Mckenna, from Music Therapy stopped in.  We love Mckenna.  She is so good with Evalette.  We will miss her when her internship is over in 4 weeks.  Our music session really helped our day go a whole lot better.
Wednesday, June 5th (the waiting game):
Chemo is done, but since Evalette is a baby, she is considered high risk, she instead of going home, we get to stay at the hospital for count recovery.  The chemo she just received is known for being horribly immunosuppressive.  So the risk for infection is high.  So they won't send us home, until her counts, which are zero, start trending up.  They will stay zero for a while because the effects of the chemo will be in her body for a bit.  So today, they started her on a shot to help her white blood cells start to regenerate.  It isn't too bad of a shot, just a little one, but still I hate to have to have her have one more thing to be poked by.  So is still on zofran and pain meds, due to the side effects of the chemo.  
Also today, they put an NG tube down her nose and into her stomach, since her mouth sores have healed.  Evalette still is not eating solids and only breast feeding about once a day, so this will feed her at night, and give her 75% of the nutrients she needs.  It was quite the ordeal.  During the placement, she kicked the nurse in the face.  I couldn't blame her.  It took forever and 4 nurses to do it.  She was not a happy camper and neither was I.  All this wore her out and she was exhausted.
Thursday, June 6th:
Nothing new.  Evalettte was so mad when she woke up and had the tube in her nose and down her throat.  She was pretty grumpy all day so I declared it "GIRL DAY".  I painted our nails, we watched movies, read books, and relaxed.  She started to eat more and we just hung out while she got used to her new tube.
 
Friday, June 7th:
She was a little happier and her appetite was a little better. I got some smiles out of her and had a boring day.  It is hard when we are in isolation.  There isn't much to do.  She didn't take pain meds today and seemed to tolerate that well.
Saturday-Monday, June 8th-10th:
On Saturday, James and the boys came up and during Evalette's nap we went to the Discovery Museum.  It was so fun and the boys can't wait to go back.  Oh how Evalette and I have missed them.  
Our wonderful friends, Bill and Karyn, Tyler and Erin, and Bryan and Alison got our family year passes to the Museum.  Thank you guys.  We are so excited to have something to do while Evalette is in the hospital!!
Daddy and Grandma Christensen spent Sunday with Evalette so mommy could have a break.  It was nice to be with the boys, but hard to be home without James and Evalette.  It is so hard to be separated.  
As of today, we have been here for 10 days.  This morning, her numbers were incredibly low, at a stand still, they called it.  But they said when the shots kick in, her numbers will go up quick.  I am hoping to be home, by Thursday or so, at least by this weekend.  Evalette is bored and going home would be awesome for her.  There isn't much to do at the hospital.  She is restless and ansy, but doing well.  She is eating much better, along they still have her on the NG tube.  She isn't on any meds and besides 2 antibiotics (since her counts are so low). Tomorrow she is getting another blood transfusion and today she got platelets. I had started giving her her daily shot, since I will still have to do it when we get home.  The shots continue until her counts are 1500.  So for a while.   Fun, fun!!  We are praying we can go home soon!!  And are so grateful that this nasty PHASE 2 is over.  
Thanks for the prayers.  It is the only way, we made it through!!!