Good Evening,

Today was another hospital day.  It was all-in-all pretty uneventful, but as usual I am wiped out.  It seems to have a subconscious effect on me, even when it is ”easy.”  I come home totally wasted. 

Sharmi and Chantel have both had colds this week.  They seem to keep sharing it back and forth.  One day one is better and I think we are on the mend and then the next day their nose is running and they can’t breath again.  As a result of their colds Sharmi’s ANC was up to 5600 (target 1500).  Since she is sick we will wait until next month before making any chemo adjustments, because her ANC will be inflated to fight the cold. 

I also asked the doctor about Sharmi’s leg.  Last week Sharmi was sitting at the table eating breakfast.  I was on the phone and she climbed down and said, “Mommy, can you help me?  my foot is tight and there are stars on it.”  I asked her if it hurt and she kept saying, “no there are stars on it… it kind of tickles.”  Her doctor said the vincristine is causing this.  It has caused nerve damage and weakening of the muscles in the front of her leg, which puts strain on her muscles in the back of her leg.  The muscle at her ankle is so tight that it pulls her foot down.  This results in tingling and it also makes her clumsy.  I have been noticing that she falls a lot especially when she gets tired.  Apparently this is the cause.  Her doctor has referred us to physical therapy for some exercises to help combat the cumulative effect over the next 9 months. 

Chantel is making huge strides in walking.  Last Friday my parents were here and we were showing off her great walking skills of 4 to 5 steps and she just kept walking.  She was so proud of herself.  She walked fifteen feet between Sharmi and Papa.  That night during worship, we were all sitting in Chantels room and she keep walking between us; grandma, papa, Dean, Sharmi and I.  Sharmi’s technique was a little rough, so Chantel was very motivated to walk in an opposite direction.  Poor Sharmi she was so excited.  She’s kept chasing and pulling on Chantel, and we kept telling her to sit down and let Chantel walk where she wanted to walk.  Sharmi’s pride for her sister is very sweet.  I frequently hear in a very LOUD voice, “Mommy, Chantel stood all my herself… mommy, Chantel walked all by herself” 

Well, this day has been long enough. Goodnight to you all. 

Cheris