Home!

We are finally home!! Everyone is asking how this happened? I'm saying God granted us one more miracle because all the doctors said it would at least be this weekend but probably the first of next week before we were able to go home. God is so good!

On Sunday, they said Kari's counts were up around 1000 which is outstanding as the threshold is 500. However, Dr. Moscow came in yesterday morning and said that number was given in error. He said that Kari's counts were staying around 360 and that her body was slowly bringing the counts up on its own and that the only reason they are staying low is the leukemia. This is kinda confusing but I'm trying to explain it the way I understood it from Dr. Moscow. If Kari's body was not responding to the chemo, her counts would not be able to stay steady or climb at all. Since it's the leukemia and not Kari's body, he said she didn't need anymore fluids or antibiotics; therefore, there was no reason for us to stay in the hospital. They did give her a blood transfusion and sent us home with a bag full of medication (not fun for either of us). I also have to flush her PICC line twice a day myself. I was very nervous about coming home because while we're in the hospital, we have nurses and doctors that do this routine daily...for us normal people, it's hard to know what to do!!!


But they gave me a few lessons on flushing the PICC line and also gave me an instruction sheet on giving Kari her meds everyday. Unfortunately, until her counts are up, it's doctor's orders that we are not allowed any visitors outside of immediate family at this time. It's a dangerous time and being outside of the hospital....we can't risk anything. Kari isn't allowed out of the house at all unless her counts come up so we are praying for some fun days inside! We don't have to go to clinic until next Monday for chemo! Yay!!!


We have had so many good days with Kari since we were in the hospital. Over the weekend, she played and had a great time with friends and family just like she always has. It's been hard to remember at times that she has leukemia. But the lady that helped get us ready to go yesterday gave me a reality check: this is only the beginning. After her 28-day induction month, things are going to get rough. While I was thankful for the warning, my heart is also full of dread for the days to come. Especially Kari losing her hair. It's a very obvious reminder that Kari is suffering. Kari has heard us talking about her hair falling out and, while I've discussed it with her already, she doesn't really understand and is starting to ask "Mommy, are you talking about MY hair falling out?" Shewee....lots of tears here.

So, here are some things that I'd like for you all to pray for if you would:

Kari is supposed to be the miniature bride in Latasha's wedding on August 13th. I'm also a bridesmaid in the wedding. Kari will have a bone marrow biopsy, a spinal tap and the surgery to insert her PORT on August 9th. Recovering from those 3 things could take several days. Her counts also have to be above 500 before we can even THINK about going to the wedding and even at 500, she will have to wear a mask walking up and down the aisle. Please pray that things will turn out good for Kari and I to be in the wedding. She has looked forward to this for six months and I want her to be able to enjoy it.

Also, please pray that her counts can come up enough for us to be able to go to church. Church services are important to us and we hate missing them!


Honestly, today I'm trying my best to rally but I'm struggling. Being home is awesome but there are also lots of reminders that my baby is very sick. Malachi will be home today and we are going to try to adjust the best way we know how. I pray that God gives us a smooth transition.

I love each and every one of you! Thank you for praying, caring and all that you've done for us. We are grateful and ask that God blesses you!
Please listen to the words of this song...it's been a blessing to me since the first time I heard it. I'm thankful that as hard as this is, God will use it for His glory and for our good.