Update: April 12th, 2008

It has been a week since the last post, so I thought I would fill everyone in on what has happened. Basically, it's been textbook - in a good way. Taylor had her chemo treatment last Friday. She was admitted overnight, and discharged the following afternoon! That was great, considering that the last time she went in for chemo, she didn't leave the hospital for a month. The following couple of days were pretty rough on her - she was extremely nasueous, and was vomiting often. But K and K were able to keep her hydrated with some Pedialyte, so she didn't have to go back to the hospital. The rest of the week was pretty uneventful (I think!?!), though she is still struggling with a lot of mucous and swelling in her mouth. She is still very, VERY uncomfortable.

Yesterday, Kristin took T to the hospital so the doctors could evaluate whether or not to give her her weekly dose of vincristine. They decided to give her half of a dose. While they were there, they did a blood draw to get her counts and ended up determining she needed a tranfusion. Kristin was worried they might have to admit her as she spiked a fever one time in the past when she was receiving platelets. Any fever is cause for admission. But she didn't! So she got to go home. Where she remains at this very moment! Keep your fingers crossed.

K and K are planning on taking a few current pictures of Taylor that we'll get posted soon. For any of you reading this who have children who may visit with Taylor at some point in the future, it would be good of you to show them these pictures so that they know what to expect. It is hard to describe to a 5 year old what she is going to look like - and even to adults who knew her before - but she has lost an incredible amount of weight for her small body, her hair is all but gone, and she has a tube in her nose. As Kristin was saying, tubes scare children. And while I am on the subject of future visits, I am going to say on behalf of the Thorells, because I know they would never say it themselves, that Taylor has become aware of her appearance and is very shy right now. She is not often in the mood to see anyone outside of her immediate family. Thank you very much to all the wonderful helpers who have been bringing food and treats to the Thorells - it is so appreciated, but please do not expect to visit with Taylor when you are doing the drop off. At this point, she is really not up for it for the most part.

That's all for now. A real (and probably more accurate) post will be coming from K or K soon. Until then, continue the good thoughts and prayers for sweet T.

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