August 22, 2009

McKenna is still in the hospital, but with any luck will be able to come home tomorrow. We're keeping our fingers crossed! You can visit her at our home when she is back. She would love that. (Her ANC has gone up a bit!)
We are seeing more of the effects of the Prednisone Kenna is taking. She wanted me to mention another of the effects it has on her...her appearance! You have probably noticed that when people start chemotherapy their faces start rounding out quite a bit. (As well as other parts.)That is due to the fact that Prednisone makes you retain A LOT of water. In the past couple of days that has become more noticable. She only has to be on the Prednisone for 2 more weeks, at this high dose, so she is relieved that she won't have this lovely look permanently. I have been impressed with her good humor about this. She has made me laugh so hard with some of her comments. (I'll have to ask permission if I can repeat some of them!)
As we mentioned before, McKenna has been noticing others and how we can make things easier for other families while they are in the hospital. She suggested bringing in a dinner, as many of the families eat the same things day in and day out. We finally got ourselves organized and are taking down dinner to leave in the "Family Lounge" so others (and Kenna) can have a break from Ramen noodles, oatmeal, and Chef Boyardee. She wants to put together something like this on a regular basis when she is out of the hospital. It is amazing how serving others can lighten your own load.
She has also met some other teens with A.L.L. in the hospital this week. As we know we will be back from time to time, these friendships will be one thing to soften the blow of returning to the hospital. These kids are really amazing!
We are so grateful for all the support and kind words we have received from you. It has been such a blessing to have my parents here to help us juggle life and try to keep things as normal as possible for our other children. We feel so blessed. There are many tough days ahead, but we know that we will be stronger, kinder, and better because of this experience. Love you all!!