And the verdict is...

...still waiting.

The results of Levi's bone marrow biopsy in his right humerus didn't give us any answers. The good news is that they did not find any AML cells. Apparently, though, they do not feel that they can rule out leukemia yet. They are still considering a couple of other options to explain the spots they saw in his bones, including bone infections, LCH (which is apparently a different type of cancer that is much less in severity than AML), and scar
tissue that may have been left behind from his bout with leukemia last year.

To keep moving things forward, the Dr ordered a skeletal survey (basically a ton of xrays of the whole body) and a bone scan. We completed the xrays tonight, and the earliest they can get us in for a bone scan was Thursday morning. That being the case, they are talking about letting us go home tomorrow and having us come back down for the bone scan the next day. That, of course, is welcome news, as tomorrow will be one week since we were admitted. They are setting up home healthcare to help us maintain Levi's IV and PICC line, so we should know more about that tomorrow morning.

Other than being cooped up in the room with his pacing parents, Levi had a pretty good day. He was singing and playing this morning, and was almost back to his normal ornery self (although he wasn't too interested in moving around). His appetite improved considerably, and he didn't seem to be as feverish as he was the past couple of days. A friend of ours brought us a great home cooked meal tonight (Thanks Jen!), which was a welcome break from hospital and restaurant food.

We're doing ok, just worn out. I originally thought about posting my frustrated daddy response when we found out that we didn't have any real answers after all these tests, but just when I was thinking about what to write we got a text from Amy, my sister-in-law. The text simply quoted a well-known verse:

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

So, instead of ranting, I am praying tonight that God gives me the patience to wait for His will to be done in accordance with His perfect timing. He has a plan for Levi, a plan to prosper him and not to harm him, plans to give him hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Thank you once again for the outpouring of love and support. We love you all, and will continue to keep you posted. Please keep us in your prayers. Also, please pray for the other little ones here in the hospital. I was outside taking a walk with my daughter Caylee yesterday evening, enjoying the sunshine and her company. We saw a little girl laying in one of the Riley Hospital wagons along the walkway with her mom. They were taking a break on their short excursion, the IV with her chemo treatment right beside her, that familiar cuff around her arm. I looked at my beautiful healthy daughter, and tears immediately flooded my eyes. I was reminded that no matter how bad we think we have it, there is always someone who is in a worse spot than us. It is up to us to find ways to minister to those who are hurting.

God bless you all, have a great night.
Michael, Stephanie, Caylee, and little Levi