The next couple of weeks

This past week has been wonderful to have McKenna at home. I think that 7 days worth of antibiotics she received in the hospital helped to really give her immune system a boost. We were thrilled that her ANC was above 5,000 on Friday. It was great to have a couple of outings. She has had friends over visiting this weekend. We are so grateful for such an outpouring of love and support.
Several people have asked me what is coming up next with McKenna's treatment, so I thought I'd post it. This Thursday will be the last dose of Prednisone for awhile. (This is the medicine that she takes at home every day.) She will take it during the course of her treatment, but only for 5 days at a time here and there. She is glad to be getting off of it. Friday will be a very long day at the clinic. She is having her 2nd bone marrow aspiration and another spinal tap. They will be looking at the bone marrow to determine what percentage of the leukemia cells they have killed in this first phase of treatment. (They expect 95%) We should receive the results the following Tuesday or Wednesday. After receiving the results, her doctors will meet with us to give us her "road map" of treatment for the next 2 months.
We have met other kids in the hospital with the same type of leukemia as McKenna who are a little farther along in their treatment. It has been nice to find out about what changes have occurred, and when they occurred. This next phase of chemo seems to be a bit more challenging. We are thinking we are a couple off weeks away from her hair coming out and her losing her wonderful appetite. We are hoping and praying that the side-effects won't be too bad, but know that her upbeat personality and amazing attitude will help her to endure whatever challenge well.
Much love to you all!!!