September 2, 2006

Samantha is on her third day of her new treatment and seems to be tolerating the increase every day. Her MRI of the spine came out negative which of course was a huge relief. We had a PET scan done yesterday but have not received the results yet. She has had very long days this week and is quite tired but is looking good and still smiling.
The next two days will be quick visits to the clinic to have her medication bags changed by the nurse, see the doctor and have some labs drawn. Her results from yesterday looked real good. Her platelets have recovered tremendously (they are higher than mine) and her white blood is above 4 which we have not seen in many months. We met with the nutritionist yesterday and got some ideas of how to keep her sodium low and potassium up. Her appetite seems to be coming back but we have to watch everything she eats. The medicine she is getting is known to increase sodium levels but it is easy enough to balance it out with her intake.
Kurt and I have been learning how to pack her medication bags, flush her line, program her pump and administer emergency meds through her port. It has been a little overwhelming but as we do it each day it should come pretty easy. We hope so anyway.
Baby Britton remains content where he is and so far no signs of labor. We are hoping for another week or so of training with Samanthas meds before he makes his debut!! Not to long though... as Samantha should be done here around the 20th. We would like to be able to get home as soon as she is through but obviously won't be able to travel unless the baby is born. Christopher is at home with Grandma & Grandpa and seems to be doing good. We all miss him terribly and wish he was here with us.
We will continue to update as we progress and as always please keep the prayers alive for Samantha.
With Love,
Audra, Kurt, Christopher, & Samantha