Hannah Update 10.13.08

Today we went to Arkansas Children's Hospital for bloodwork and to see Hannah's oncologist, followed by her daily radiation treatment at CARTI. Her doctor was pleased with how well she is doing, and the fact that the side effects of the radiation have thus far been minimal, but he did tell us that her platelet count has dropped pretty low. So, tomorrow we will go for radiation at 8:30 a.m., followed by a transfusion of platelets at Children's Hospital. He also wants us to come back on Friday after radiation for another blood draw to check her platelet count again. Apparently, radiation to the spinal cord can really cause a drop in platelet production, and they want to keep on top of that.

Over the weekend, we had the opportunity to get together with several of Brad's family members, and my sister-in-law (who is a great photographer!) took several pictures of our family. I've attached a couple of them for you to see. In both of these pictures, Hannah is on the right, and Bethany is on the left in the striped sweater. Thank you, Maria!

We are so thankful that Hannah is feeling well overall, and that we have been blessed with such a great medical staff to oversee her care. We are also filled with gratitude for all of the friends, family, and strangers who have done so much for us...we can never thank you enough for the prayers, emails, cards, phone calls, gifts, meals, etc. We see these expressions of love as symbolic of what Jesus Christ has done for all of us...His salvation is the ultimate gift!

I trust in You, O Lord; I say "You are my God." My times are in Your hands. Psalm 31: 14-15
God is good, all the time!

Jill & Brad