Saturday, September 23rd
We elected to take Claire back to the hospital late Thursday night as she was dehydrated and it was visually apparent that she was getting close to a low white blood count. We learned during her low period with the first round that although there is no equal to being home, when she is that ill, having her at the hospital is truly the safest place for her. She woke up Friday morning, after receiving vital fluids and nutrients throughout the night, with a smile again and asked "Is my birthday over?". I quickly responded, "Absolutely, Not, It's Your Birthday Week!". We brought her DORA birthday decorations, balloons and cupcakes to the hospital and shared with all the children on the floor. Plus the outpouring of everyone's kind and thoughtful gifts we received for Claire and for the hospital will take her til next February to open. Thank You ALL Very Much. Some of your donated toys were already in the playroom and both Claire and Reese enjoyed performing an induction ceremony for them on Friday. She is holding tight but hit rock bottom today. We do not look forward to the week ahead but know she will prevail. Her next scheduled MRI will occur during the first week of October. Depending on those results her team of physicians will consult and determine if she will receive a third and final round of the very aggressive chemotherapy regiment she is receiving right now or proceed directly with her second surgery to remove the remaining tumor mass. The cancer cells turned into a real life evil alien that not only invaded and took over Claire's beautiful brain but developed into a self perpetuating being. They are hitting her with everything they have to stop it from spreading and ultimately cut off its blood supply and ability to live independently, making it safer to compeletly extract. Her long term treatment plans are tentative but post her second surgery she will under go radiation and more chemotherapy to provide Claire the best chance for the future without any reoccurance. Radiation therapy at such a young age is not prefered as there are long term side effects but research shows without it there is almost a 95% chance of the cancer resurfacing. I found myself staring at Claire sleep Thursday night in the hospital smiling at her and was warm and comforted inside as I welcomed my deep love for her to completely fill me and bring me strength again. The pure and life confirming unconditional love of a child is such a wonderful blessing to experience even under these circumstances, how can Chris and I feel anything but gratitute for Ryan, Claire and Reese.