Day - 4

While sitting here tonight, we realized that talking about life in Room 3206 every day might get kinda boring.  You probably don't want to read about what time we wake up, every little side effect Elena experiences, and what we did to pass the time.

So, since we are stuck here for the next 25 - 40 days, we thought we'd show you our temporary home away from home.

In an earlier post, we shared how the BMT team takes every precaution necessary to keep the kids here from being exposed to germs, bacteria, mold, and basically anything that could cause harm to their compromised immune systems. One way they do this is by keeping each child isolated in the BMT unit until they are discharged.  It's eerie how quiet it is and how "empty" it feels here. There are only 10 rooms and they are not always filled.  The kids can't ever leave their rooms unless they are walking their laps or going to have a procedure or test.

We hope you enjoy the tour of our little space:

The view from one corner

We even decorated the ceiling with

paper lanterns and starfish.

The view from the opposite corner

Bathroom door on the left

 Mini kitchen (fridge and microwave courtesy of friends)

in the middle

Door to the room on the right

The view from Elena's bed

A close up of the amazing poster

that is under the TV in the picture above -

a friend made it for Elena

It is filled with scripture, jokes, and sayings.

We have fun reading something new each day!

A beautiful wind chime made for Elena

by some friends at church  

It is filled with words of encouragement

and brightens the once empty corner!



No, not another bright spot in the room.

Just a snapshot of the current chemo Elena is receiving. 

This is the second bag.

She has one more bag to go to finish this 24 hour dose.

This 24 hour dose will end at 9:00 in the morning.

On Sunday and Monday,

she will receive a different chemo drug.

As another day here is ending, we have to say that the highlight of the day was being able to spend time with friends.  You definitely feel less isolated and alone when you can enjoy laughing, talking and hanging out with someone who loves you no matter what!

We are grateful to have so many people in our lives who take the time to pray for us, encourage us, and love us through this time!

In Him,
The Tates

"A cheerful heart is good medicine."  Proverbs 17:22a