Annie-Banannie...Update

(The picture above is the meds I put together every Monday and Thursday as doses change on those days, for Anna to take each and every day....just a few)

A very over due update on Anna. Today is day +52....over half way to day +100!!! And how is our dear one doing??? Well, upon getting the results of her bone marrow aspiration, we were informed that she still has cancer cells, for which all were disappointed. The percentage (0.03% or so) is small though and not much to be concerned about at this time. In six months if she still has cancer, than we will discuss more treatment options. We trust that her new cells are fighting the cancer cells and that the GVHD is a good sign of this happening.  The cancer is not visible with the regular blood samples taken, only through the extensive tests with the actual bone marrow. All of Anna's numbers are fabulous! She is doing quite well. Sunday, Anna had a slight fever that we monitored closely, and she did not feel well. By the end of the day her temp was normal. During Monday's appointment, the doctor said that this was probably a GVHD flair up due to the tapering of her prednisone and that it should ease up in a couple of days. She still doesn't feel too well, but her temp is stable. At this point in time, Anna has two days a week that she has to go to SCCA for blood draws and appointments.

The jumping jack competition......
As you may remember, Anna had a jumping jack competition planned with one of the PAs (physician's assistant), Darrin. Darrin was one of our favorites with his good nature and fun spirit. He had a bone marrow transplant eleven years ago so he totally understands his patients' needs physically and emotionally. Well, we found out that he had had to have a double hip replacement due to the high dose prednisone for extended period of time. We asked him if he should even be doing a j.j. competition. He said, "no, probably not, but I'll still do it!" Unfortunately, Anna is under strict orders to NOT jog, or do jumping jacks. Only light exercise, also due to the prednisone and how hard it is on joints and bones. So no competition ever took place...don't worry, we all know who would have won!!! ;-) Go Anna!

We are very much enjoying having Anna in our home and can not wait to really get her HOME... In Bremerton! Day +80 will be a huge day of extreme tests much like she had prior to being admitted to Children's for the transplant. After day 80 we will have a better idea of when we might get to go back to Bremerton. City life has it's perks, but country life has soooo many more! Sunday I sat in our van, windows open, baby sleeping.....the peaceful sound of the breeze was something I hadn't realized I had missed so much! You don't realize how quiet Bremerton is until you've lived in Seattle. Sorry, folks, I'm still a country girl! You might be able to take the girl out of the country, but you can never take the country out of the girl! I miss home very much! I miss being able to have my windows open for a breeze and not have cigarette smoke to smell! Oh, there is much to be thankful for here... don't get me wrong! I am very blessed to have had this place to live in! But I'm ready to get back to life at home again.  I am thankful that God has allowed us to stay together throughout this ordeal! It also makes me more thankful for things at home that I may have become unthankful for before. Well, I hope you all have a fantastic day today! Thank you for your continued prayers! God has been faithful and good!