Delayed

Today was the day we went to get Ally's blood tested to see if she can move on to the next phase of chemotherapy. Her ANC had to be over 750 to move on and start the next round of chemo. Her ANC was only 70. And 70 is very close to zero! They put her into the holding pattern. With the ANC so low, she wouldn't be able to withstand any more. So we are NOT going to the hospital tomorrow. This is the the first time I will be at home on a Friday since mid May. The plan is to start the next round, month 3, on Friday August 7th at 10am. Again, she will have to pass the ANC test next Thursday.

Are we disappointed? Sure. It is scary to think we are giving those bad cells "a week off" from the beating they are taking with the chemo. On the flip side, we are giving our daughter a week off from the side effects and fatigue that those same drugs give her. Jerad said...well maybe the fact that her ANC is so low, maybe that means that the drugs are working and doing their job. When the nurse called to tell me that chemo was canceled, she also warned me of the high probability that this low ANC will bring on a fever and another mandatory hospital stay. So I have that to worry me to sleep tonight. Always something.

We went to the outpatient testing center here in Beavercreek today to give the blood sample. Or should I say samples? Yes, both my girls had to give blood specimens today. Carly's doctor had ordered a lead test, so I just did them both at the same time. First I held the baby girl, she got pricked, screamed, cried, consoled, and then I set her down. Then I held the big girl, who was crying even before she got poked, she cried, was consoled, and they both got to pick a gift from the gift drawer. I don't think they get too many hemoc patients there, and definitely not too many sisters. The nurse was quite possibly the nicest nurse I have ever seen and was hugging both my girls as we left. Here is Carly...running up to give this nice nurse a hug...the same nurse that just pricked her and drew blood. Kids are so forgiving! I think people were staring at us. I think people are always staring at us though...I'll save that for another post.

Thank you to Ada and Keli for coming today and bringing me a yummy chicken salad lunch. It was the best chicken salad I have ever eaten! Thanks for the gifts for me and for Ally too. But most of all, thank you for reaffirming my faith. I love hearing your stories...Keli even told me of several times that she was awaken in the middle of the night just to pray for our Ally. They assured me that there are angels watching over my girl.

Tonight I attended the team captain kick-off for the Light the Night Walk. There were a lot of captains there, but I think I am one of the few new ones. There didn't seem to be families themselves attending, but rather people that were there on a family's behalf etc. There are survivors who walk, but also, sadly, there are people who have lost loved ones to a blood cancer. Of course, I hate hearing that.

The walk is structured like this. There is a registration time when people are turning things in, etc. There are clowns and balloon guys and bouncy houses for the kids. About 7pm, they have special ceremony. To celebrate the survivors, but also to remember those who lost their lives to this disease. At 730, which is about dark, the 1-2 mile walk begins. They keep it short so that older/younger/sicker people can still participate. Every person carries a lighted balloon. Red if you are there to support someone, white if you are a survivor of the disease, and gold if you have lost someone. They say it is a remarkable sight to see all of these balloons light up at night. Gives me goosebumps just to think about it.

Our goal is to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I will be setting up a webpage and it will have information on how to donate online. I guess that is extremely successful because people can donate right online and email it to other people to donate. I think everyone that walks raises some small amount of money...it could be $10. The teams that raise the most money are rewarded.

I have a few ideas of things I want to do to raise money. We did the bracelets. Great idea. Hats and t-shirts are next. I think we may have a party/concert with a cover charge with the money going to the walk. I also think we are going to do a poker tournament. Possibly a wine and cheese party. I bet we can do a spare change drive at school. Or maybe pay $1 and you get to wear a hat to school like Ally. If I could get a business or restaurant to help me, I have those little signs they hang up in the window if people donate $1. Restaurant nights. I have a big list of ideas. But only two short months to do it. And very little time!

So if you want to help us out, think of a small way to raise money. You can do this in Texas, California, Ohio, wherever. And then we can keep track of it on the webpage. Garage sale, lemonade stand, happy hour, jewelry party, maybe just ask your friends. Check out Sheri Cobler's comment from yesterday. Those Junction City kids have some great ideas. They are working at Pizza Hut as dishwashers to fundraise for Ally's Army walk.

I also have some more information coming on two different blood drives. I am still working on those and this post is getting too long so I will quit while I am ahead.

But think about it. Get an idea and just run with it. We can put some money towards research for this disease. And more importantly, consider walking behind Ally on the night of October 1. The balloons for her will light up the sky.