A Busy Week

We wish we could have set sail on Elena's Make-A-Wish trip today.  That's what we would rather be doing.  We wish our busy week ahead was filled with regular summer fun, but it's not.  Instead, our minds are focused on something else entirely.  Tonight, while laying down, Elena said she was thinking about "it" getting closer and closer.  When asked what was getting closer, she replied, "The one thing we are doing this summer."  She said she didn't like to say the word - - transplant.

We are trusting God that Elena's bone marrow test results will show NO evidence of leukemia cells and that this week's schedule will go on as planned. We should hear the results of the test tomorrow or Tuesday.

We want you to know the details about our upcoming week, so that you can pray over all of them.

Monday, June 11th
We will start the week with a fun afternoon at the Georgia Aquarium.  One of the things on Elena's "What I Want to Do Before My Transplant" list.

Tuesday, June 12th
This day is filled with medical evaluations and meetings at Egleston.
We are scheduled to arrive at 7:45 am.
Elena will have kidney, heart, and lung function tests.
We will meet with the child life specialist, psychologist, social worker, and financial coordinator.
The final appointment is scheduled to begin at 3:00 pm.
It will be a long day, both physically and emotionally.

Please pray:
- for Elena not to be anxious about the day
- for Elena not to be overwhelmed by any information she hears
- for mental and physical stamina for each of us
- for all of Elena's medical evaluations to have good results
- for Liv to enjoy her day with friends and not worry about what we are doing

Wednesday, June 13th
Liv will have her annual MRI at 8am
She will be sedated and receive contrast for this brain MRI.

Please pray:
- for Liv to be calm before the test
- for Liv not to be anxious about getting the IV  (she usually gets extremely upset and cries)
- for the sedation procedure to be safe and not harm Liv
- for Liv to come out of sedation calmly ( she usually wakes up very agitated and upset)
- for the MRI results to show NO signs of recurrent tumor

Thursday, June 14th
On this day, we are scheduled to meet with the bone marrow transplant team doctor at 9:30 am.  It is a consent meeting. We will hear the specifics about the chemo and radiation procedures that will be used in preparation for Elena's bone marrow transplant. Elena will be present for most of this meeting.  We have been told that it will last about two hours.

Please pray:
- for Elena not to be overwhelmed by any information she hears
- for us to have the wisdom to determine what is appropriate for Elena to know at this time (long term side effects of treatment will be discussed)
- for God to direct Elena's doctors as they make decisions about her care
- for God to give us and the doctors His perfect wisdom about what is right for Elena

Thursday evening
Our neighborhood swim team, the Morningview Manta Rays, will be holding a fundraiser for CURE in honor of Elena, Abby Boone, and Cole Carter. All of these children in our neighborhood either have had or do have leukemia.  Proceeds from the sale of orange t-shirts, wrist bands, cupcakes, cookies, raffle tickets, smoothies, orange nail painting, and many other things are going to support childhood cancer research. 

The event will take place during a swim meet. The fun begins at 6:00 pm at our neighborhood pool. We would love for you to join us if you can!

Friday, June 15th
There will be a Red Cross Blood Drive at our neighborhood club house in honor of Elena, Abby, and Cole.  The drive will run from 1:00-7:00, and you can log onto www.redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment or contact Abby's mom, Kim, at kimboone123@gmail.com and she will make an appointment for you. Over the years, Elena has received 12 blood transfusions. Most recently, on May 10th. We would love to get 50+ units of blood this day!  It is truly a life saving gift!


Thanks for reading this really long post!
Please continue to pray for us to have the strength, peace, and hope we need to continue this fight.

In Him,
The Tates

"Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9