Riding The Waves

This morning we found ourselves a little wobbly after being knocked down by one of those random waves that you see coming but just can't get out of the way. This wave came in the form of a fever at around 11:00 pm. As a result of the fever, Elena is receiving fluids and an antibiotic in both of her lines to combat a possible infection, as well as micafungin, which is another antibiotic that she has been getting all along. Her pole is stacking up with devices used to pump all of these "essential" fluids into her body, and the network of tubes she has traveling from her pumps to her CVL would make any engineer proud. It is kind of intimidating yet comical at the same time, especially when Elena gets up to go somewhere and we have to make sure that all of this goes along with her! She definitely has the most deluxe pole out there!

Everything seems to be doing what it is supposed to though, because Elena has been fever free and feeling better most of the afternoon! She even went down to The Zone for a t-shirt decorating party. Here is her design and creation. She can't wait to wear it!

Please continue to pray for better days ahead as Elena has started her second round of chemo this afternoon in the midst of everything else that has been going on. What a day!

In Him,

The Tates

"Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. He will never let the righteous fall."

Psalm 55:22

Day 13 Update

Today has been a day of ups and downs. It started last night when Elena received a platelet transfusion to help bring her platelet count back in line with where the doctors want it. That has been followed by her temperature fluctuating and at times bordering on a low grade fever. Her ANC remains very low which is keeping everyone on their toes, and Elena a little tired.

When she has felt well, Elena has enjoyed some Just Dance in PT, a walk outside to the newly reopened koi pond area, and a little schoolwork. She is currently at a pizza and makeover party for teens here at the hospital. Praise God that she is feeling better so she can enjoy a little social time with girls her own age.

Please continue to storm the heavens for us!

In Him,
The Tates

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

All is Well

Today is Day 12 of Elena's treatment. Overall, she is doing really well.

As expected, her counts are continuing to drop. Her ANC remains at 0.

Elena began experiencing headaches and jaw pain again this weekend. The nurses have been able to manage that with Tylenol. She also has trouble settling down at night and has had many restless nights, so yesterday, the doctor added Melatonin to her daily meds. It seems to have worked last night. She slept well. Praise God!

Today has been filled with physical therapy, some schoolwork, and a surprise visit from a friend who had a clinic visit today. Weston also has ALL. He was diagnosed five days before Elena. He will finish his treatment sometime in August or September of this year. Boys have to undergo a longer treatment process for ALL than girls do.

Visiting with friends, going outside, and chatting with the wonderful nurses are definitely things Elena loves to do. They boost her mood and help rejuvenate all of us!

Thank you for continuing to call, email, or text if you would like to come and visit. We have to continue to take every precaution necessary to keep Elena away from any germs and viruses. This means keeping visitors to a minimum. It also means that visitors must be well and can not have been sick or have been exposed to anyone who has been sick in the last week.

Thank you for continuing to shower us with your love and prayers!

Please continue to pray:

-for Elena's counts to recover

-for Elena to stay well

-for all of the necessary medications to be doing exactly what they are designed to do

-for our family as we juggle our home, work, and hospital lives

-for there to be peace and patience in our waiting

-for Elena to be in remission at the end of this first month of treatment

In Him,

The Tates

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint." Isaiah 40:31

Saturday Pics

Liv and Grandpa having fun wih face masks!

Elena with one of the therapy dogs.

We LOVED being outside!

It doesn't get any better than this!

What a Great Day!

Today was a fabulous, fun-filled, family day! This was the first time in NINE days that all four of us have been together!

We are so very thankful that we were all able to spend some much needed family time together. We enjoyed a picnic lunch outside, giggles, a little TV watching, a visit with some friends and dogs from Canine Assistants.

We also thank God for a pain free, nausea free day for Elena!

We are so very grateful for days like these!
To quote a favorite devotion, "Today has been filled with life. The life you (God) have given (us) to cope with, and to contribute to. And (we) wouldn't want to have missed it, not a single moment of it. Thank you, God, for this good day!"

Even in the midst of this, we are so very blessed! Thank you for blessing us with your prayers! We feel them! They fill us!

In Him,
The Tates

"Be joyful in hope. patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

Friday Night Update

Friday night brings with it the end of a long week. A long week of treatments for Elena. A long week of adjustments for all of us. We have made it through and are counting our blessings, though we are doing so from two different locations as we lay our heads down for some much needed rest.

Elena had a busy day today doing all of the things required to try and stay on top of things. She is still receiving fluids, IV antibiotics and oral medications. She is doing physical therapy to try to help prevent the side effects from the chemo from becoming worse. And she is keeping up with her school work all the while trying to remain a well rounded, fun-loving, happy-go-lucky, soon-to-be teenager! We think she is doing a wonderful job!!

We found out today, Day 9, that Elena is right on schedule for where the doctors thought that she would be. Her ANC has dropped to 10. This is the number that tells how well her body can fight infection. Normal is 1500 or above and safe is 500 or higher. Needless to say with an ANC of 10 and falling to 0, we need to take every precaution to keep Elena away from any germs or viruses. A fever now would not be good at all. We are sorry for those of you who would like to come visit Elena in the hospital, and for Elena because she loves visitors, but unfortunately, we have to keep visits to a minimum for now.

Thank you for understanding.
Thank you for your prayers and for your words of encouragement!

In Him,
The Tates

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” Jeremiah 17:7

Post LP Update

More Praises!!

Elena's lumbar puncture went very smoothly. She was originally scheduled for 1pm but was able to be taken earlier. Everything went according to plan and she is back in her room having a well-deserved, and much anticipated lunch. She had not eaten since around 7:30 last night and woke up pretty hungry, so this was a long wait.

Thank you all for continuing to pray for all of the details connecting to make the big picture. We all know who is in the details and that God has it covered.

In Him,
The Tates

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight."
Hebrews 4:13