Finally, An Update

Happy Belated Valentine's Day!  Happy President's Day today!  So sorry it's been so long since I've last updated you all.  I let the past 10 days slip away!
Well, since I last updated you, which I believe was the day Kayleigh received the red blood transfusion, she has continued to have to go for CBC's (complete blood counts) every 3-4 days.  This is done for two reasons.  The first, making sure that her counts are going up and not down.  If they go down too far, it may mean more transfusions.  The second reason is to make sure her ANC reaches 750 and platelets 75,000, so she can enter phase 5, Maintenance.  As of right now, this is scheduled for tomorrow as a lumbar puncture and chemotherapy.  I took her this morning for her CBC and so we're now waiting for the phone call.  I have to say that I don't think she's going to make counts, but could surprise me.  The reason I don't think they'll be high enough is that her counts last week were low and didn't go up much.  As of last Monday, her white blood count was 1.3, hemoglobin was 9, platelets 82,000 , and ANC was 440.  Her counts were taken again on Friday and resulted with: white blood count 1.1, hemoglobin was 8.6, platelets 295,000, and ANC was 460.  Her ANC only went up by 20, but the platelets are well over what they need to be.  Her hemoglobin was approaching low, as anything below 8 means a transfusion.  It's been nice for her to have a bit of a break, but I think we're all ready to get on with the show.
As you know, this is my therapeutic journal, the way I vent.  I consider myself a very patient person.  You have to be patient to be a working mom of three young daughters, working as a full time second grade teacher.  There have been very few times my heart has ever felt like it was racing, very few times I get frustrated due to lack of patience.  Lately, I notice it's harder and harder for me to be patient, not with my kids (children and students alike), but with waiting.  It's like watching a pot boil, it never boils when you're watching it.  I feel like I find myself just waiting, watching the phone, wondering when we're going to get the call, wondering if it will mean an unexpected trip to the hospital, wondering when Kayleigh can continue on with treatment so we can get closer to the end.  I want to live each day to the fullest, cherishing each moment with my family, and believe me I try.  But more and more often, I find myself wishing time away, wishing that the next year and a half to two years would just be over.  Kayleigh's done remarkably well and I know she'll continue to.  I always try to stay positive, especially in front of her and her sisters.  I just can't help but want all of this to be over though and to have our "normal" lives back.  This winter's made it especially difficult.  As Kayleigh just said the other day, "I'm a prisoner in my own home." :(  With her ANC being low most of the winter, we've been cooped up in our house unable to get out and do anything fun (school for Kayleigh, bowling, movies, swimming, dinner,etc.).  It's just frustrating!  So enough of me venting!  Thank you for letting me do so!
On another note, it is my belief that everything happens for a reason, that people are given a "test" for a reason.  I believe that Kayleigh's is to make a difference in the lives of others.  She has touched so many lives through her journey.  Believe me, she's certainly made me and Jason stronger people.  She's taught her sisters to be brave, strong, and positive, among many other people as well.  She's made quite the difference as a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Pennies for Patients hero.  The school where I teach has raised more money this year, almost doubling our goal so far, than any other year we've run the campaign.  I know she is helping her school and others to do the same.  She is a remarkable young lady!  She makes us more and more proud each and every day! :)  Thank you to those of you who have made a donation to the LLS for the Pennies for Patients campaign or at any other time.  You too are making a difference!