Tuesday's gone with the wind...

Hi everyone,

Week one of Levi's chemo is officially done. Only three more days of this round, and I am happy to report that he still has his hair and seems to be getting a little stronger and more attentive. Yesterday after work I went down to see him with Wally and Megan Bennett, and we were able to take Steph some dinner and have a good visit with her and Levi. He was doing pretty well; tired, but we were able to coax some smiles out of him before we left. It was a pretty late night coming home, (made more interesting by driving through an awesome storm), but it was a much needed time with great friends. Special thanks to Cale, who picked out Levi's Chicago Cubs Pillow Pet. Steph also enjoyed a visit from a sweet couple in our CMA chapter earlier in the day, which really brightened her afternoon.

She and Levi had a good day today, although I think both of us were struggling a bit this evening being away from each other. It sounds like his little attitude may be coming back again, he even tried to throw his binky on the floor as a sign of protest when Steph tried to brush his teeth. As strange as it may sound, Steph loved to see that. She also got a visit from Phil and Marlene, our CMA Area Reps, who stopped by to say hi and pray with them (thanks guys!). Things are ok here on the home front, Caylee and I went and terrorized the public library for awhile tonight, and will probably head to the fair tomorrow night to sweat and look at the animals.

I do have some specific prayer requests for all of you to pray over...
1) Levi seems to be having some trouble with his central line. Not sure if they are going to try to redo it or not, surgery is not always a good thing when your immune system is suppressed. Please pray that the problems clear up and that they won't have to mess with it - it's how he is getting his chemo, nutrition, pain meds, antibiotics, and his blood drawn for tests... Basically, it's the key to his treatment.

2) Pray that Steph and I can stay healthy. It seems like we are always more prone to getting colds or worse when we're tired, and right now we're exhausted. I am super-paranoid that I am going to come down with something and not be able to visit him; I am normally not a germaphobe or a clean freak, but I have invested in large quantities of Germ-X hand sanitizer and am probably close to OD'ing on vitamin C.

3) Pray that they find a bone marrow match. It is kind of unnerving waiting to hear, so we are just trusting that God is in control of this and that the bone marrow transplant will be possible. As bad as I am with needles and medical stuff, I selfishly really hope it's me. Then I will feel like I am doing something to help. But if not, I just pray that someone is close enough to be a donor.

Thanks everyone. Your prayers and support give us the strength we need to take this one day at a time. Love you all,
Michael, Stephanie, Caylee, and little Levi