The joy of giving

Phew! What a busy week we have had. Monday we had our clinic visit for counts check. All her numbers were good and she had an ANC of 1200. Man are we loving not being neutropenic. Not that I still don't stress about germs and going out in public, but its nice having some good numbers, not to mention how much better she has been feeling with this phase.

~Sailing the ship at the clinic~

Grandma and Gabbi came with us so that afterwards we could go to As You Wish with Becky and Reece and create some more memories. We did a few holiday plates and Bella painted her own little piggy.  The kids also got to play in the 'snow.' At Tempe Market Place they have snow (which is really soap) falling at 7 & 8 pm. The kids had a ton of fun and were asleep within minutes of putting them in the car.

Painting hands

~Finished Products~

 Tuesday we were up bright and early to be at the hospital at 6am. Those who know me knows how much I love despise getting up early. So needless to say Tuesday was a very long day. Her procedure was scheduled at 8:30 but we didn't get started until 8:50. She woke up from the anesthesia wonderfully! Was up and running the halls within a few minutes. I swear you would never know this kid just had chemo.

~Waking from anesthesia~

 The 24-hour chemo got started much earlier then we were used to and that was very nice. Except of course with our luck it didn't go as well as it usually does. Twice we had an issue with her line disconnecting from her port and having it start spilling chemo out all over the place. I know where the pause button is and we didn't waste much chemo. But they still have to get new tubing which takes a while. Then to top it off, the next day while Bella was playing in the playroom the needle from her port came dislodged so she had to have her dressing changed and checked. Luckily we were able to readjust it in order to get it working and we didn't have to re-access with no numbing cream. Friday arrives and her levels look good so we get to go home. Before leaving though we have our photo shoot with Flashes of Hope. A non-profit organization who takes photos of children with cancer and their family.

~Blood draw from 1 of her favorite nurses~

Saturday Bella received her Peach's Neet Feet. What a wonderful gift these are. They are hand painted shoes made specifically for each child. We got to meet her sponsor and chat for a little while. Bella finally started warming up a little right before they left.

~Bella and her shoe fairies~

~Trying her shoes on for the 1st time~

Then we made cookies and decorated our tree and then went shopping for our adopted family. Bella pretty much wanted everything for herself. But after explaining to her it was for another little girl that didn't have any of that stuff and seeing pictures of her, she decided she also wanted to give away 2 of her new movies and try to help mommy and grandma wrap everything up. On Sunday we got all the presents wrapped up and ready to send off to Texas to our adopted family who's 4 year old little girl also has ALL.

~Loved decorating the tree~

~Our adopted families presents~

Daddy cleaned the yard while mommy got all the Christmas cards ready to send out. Overall Bella has had a great week. Except for some mucositis on her bottom she is doing wonderful. We are back to the clinic Tuesday for counts check and then back for our last round of this phase next Tuesday.

~Sisterly Love~

Many people have been wondering about Bella's remission. Yes, she is currently in remission. But that does not mean that this journey is over by any means. Leukemia has the longest treatment time vs any other type of cancer. With boys being in treatment for 3.5 years and girls at 2.5 years. Boy are longer because leukemia cells can hide in their testicles.  And the reason why the treatment is so long is because the little buggers called Leukemia is known to hide out for a very long time before making its appearance.

~Looking so Sweet & Innocent~

I also know people have been asking why we are now watermarking our photos. Unfortunately there are people out there who like to pretend they or someone they know has cancer, either to get money or what I am not sure. It is very sad but it happens and we do not want any of Bella's images floating around without our consent and people using them to raise money on her behalf without our knowledge.

~Showing Gabbi her turtle~

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." ~Psalm 28:7