Day 31

     Our Primary Doctor called later last night and spoke to Scott.   He acknowledged that the treatment plan he had been discussing with us was incorrect (along with some other things he had told us).  That is very disconcerting!  What do we do with that?  Do we switch doctors again?  And switch to who? We are running out of options.  But then, how do we stay with this doctor and have confidence and trust in him?  We will have a meeting on Thursday with him to discuss this further (after we get the results of her most recent test -MRD-).  We again have some decisions to make. 
     On the bright side of things, because Katie's neutropenic level was up so high this week, we have been able to go out with her and do some fun things!  That has been amazing for us.  We have all enjoyed our time out together (including Katie's Uncle Scott, Aunt Janna and grandma GG).  The doctors said her high neutropenic level is temporary, but she will be able to go to church this week.  We will try to sneak in the back and sneak out before anyone notices.  The steroids played a part in this - so that is the one positive I can say about that.  However, the steroids have made this past month intensely difficult.  We are so glad we are done with the steroids.  We can already see the effects starting to wear off.  Katie slept all night last night!! (Only wish I had - I was hurting all night because of my bladder infection - and I am afraid I kept Scott up too).  Katie also smiled to today...she let me kiss her hand...and she actually repeatedly laughed out loud with me, when I was putting her down for her nap.  Laughter has never been so beautiful or sounded so sweet!!!!  It has been a month since we have heard a laugh from her.  It was wonderful to hear!  The steroids are still very much present and rearing their ugly head, but we are starting to get our Katie back! 
     We are so glad today for the help and time we had this week with my brother, sister-in-law and my mom.  We were sad to have to say good-bye to them today.  The scripture that comes to mind today is 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9, 15-18, 5:7  It reminds us that Mortal trials are nothing as contrasted with eternal glory.  "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
"Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
"For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
"For we walk by faith, not by sight:" 
Thank you for your continued prayers!