So, we made it back today!
I did go up Sunday morning. Took some things that I didn’t get packed for the girls in time on Saturday… and since they rode in the ambulance to KC, they’d need a way back.
I continue to be impressed by Children’s Mercy. They have worked hard to make it a good experience for their patients. Of course, I do appreciate the readily available free coffee, but as far as hospitals I’ve been, Children’s Mercy (and their staff) gets two thumbs up!
Since Kate’s fever was the catalyst for the trip, we had to go two days from taking blood with a clear blood culture, and have 24 hours without a fever. Both conditions were met at about noon today.
What we found out later is that our transport to Children’s was typical for chemo patients (who are often also neutropenic) and in the future we don’t need to be quite as quick to admit Katie to the hospital.
We are excited that Kate’s neutrophil count has gone up significantly (from 30 to 1000, with the target being somewhere between 1500 and 7000) and her other blood count numbers seem stable. If this continues, she can start removing some prescriptions and being less careful about exposure to infections.
We were very loved during our stay, several people brought us food (and with our diet – Paleo) that’s no small feat, many prayed and some gave financially to help us out. We feel blessed and humbled.
And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
Luke 12:29-31
God knows how to feed us.
Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.
Mark 10:29-30
We really have houses, families, and land all over. It is a high privilege, a wonderful encouragement, and very humbling, to see this in action when we have need, and we thank you who helped, we hope we are able to be a blessing when others have need and we rejoice in a God who has made us one, and is making us one.
He is Good. He is the only True Good. May he shine through each of us.
JS