Amanda's Week in Review

It is always wonderful to be home in Columbia, and this past week has been no exception.

The days have flown by. Amanda has been busy, jumping right back into her world of siblings, school, homework, friends and cheer practice. Her energy and enthusiasm for life is contagious.

We spent last week doing a lot of lab work. Overall her counts did well following her chemo in Houston; however, mid-week her platelet count was low and since we can not risk her getting any type of infection or getting too run down with surgery coming up, she received a transfusion. It worked well for her and two days later her counts were back where they needed to be. Monday mornings lab work showed such strong levels that we do not have to have any more labs drawn while we remain in Columbia.

The weekend found us in Iowa, happily surrounded by loving family and friends. A family wedding was a wonderful reason to head back and we filled every minute with fun memories (such as the Penn family bar!)and laughter, and heartfelt words of encouragement and hugs. All four of our daughters were able to travel back with me (unfortunately soccer and work kept Caleb, Joshua and Larry here)and it truly was a refreshing break for us all. (It is really good to be from Iowa. ;-) )

Monday evening Amanda and I had the privilege of meeting with another 17 year old who was just diagnosed with osteo. His world has just been turned upside down and it was an honor for us to get to go, meet with him and his family and share our hearts and support. Amanda's smile and words of encouragement meant so much to his family, it was a true privilege for me to watch how God worked through her to begin to minister to this boy and his family.

Our time here will end all too soon and we will have to head back to Houston for surgery and the next phase of of this journey. Your friendship, support and prayers make it possible for us to continue on.

Thank you.