Shirt off His Back

During the last 8 months we have witnessed the generosity of so many of you as you have helped us in our practical needs and carried us through in prayers. A story was shared with us about a friend who gave the “shirt off his back” to support the cause of fighting cancer. Last Saturday, Jack Trice Stadium was filled with “Beat Cancer” t-shirts. A good friend of ours was asked about his cardinal and gold “Beat Cancer” shirt. The women liked the shirt so much that our friend gave his shirt that he was wearing and asked her to go online to Beat Cancer Today and donate $10. We would have loved to have been at the tailgate to see him return shirtless! Thanks to all of you that supported Eden by wearing “Beat Cancer” shirts. Although the outcome of the game was disappointing (to ISU fans) the shirt sales was a success and with all the proceeds going to Cure Search - we feel it was a big win.

Tuesday brought us to our local hospital for Eden’s weekly labs, and the results were . . . disappointing. Once again, her neutrophil count had fallen, keeping her at a high risk for infections. The only encouragement from these results was that the lethargic and inconsolable behaviors were justified with low counts. After calls to Eden’s medical team in Iowa City, our request to have Eden seen was granted. Wednesday we met with Eden’s Drs to discuss our concerns. They were comfortable with her low counts and were confident that the low grade temperature, increased sleep and temperamental attitude were related to the chemo that she had received more than a month ago. We trust our Drs but were a bit more apprehensive as the toddler living at our house was not our little Eden. We recommended a few more tests and a couple were ordered. A call from our Dr that afternoon affirmed that her labs were okay and that Eden was still rebounding from her intense rounds of chemo. Thursday afternoon I received another call from Eden’s Oncologist. . . a bacterial infection had grown in Eden’s culture. An antibiotic was ordered and we will be combating this infection at home. We were relieved as we really believed there was something wrong with our little girl but we are her parents not her Drs.

This morning has started out quite “normal”. Later today we’ll be outside enjoying the wonderful weather.

Also, a HUGE thanks to all of those who participated in the Sabula Trail Ride last weekend and a special thanks to Don, Deb, Emily and Amy Warner. Your generosity is very much appreciated.