Delayed Intensification Delayed

Like my play on words?? Well, went to the doctor Monday to check Catherine's platelets. They were up to 45,000 so no transfusion, but I knew that we were on a wait and see schedule for the start of Delayed Intensification (her platelet count has to be at least 75,000). Deep down I knew we wouldn't be starting - Catherine just seemed to be bruising left and right and while I was waiting for Dr. Elisha to come in, I found a new bruise on her forearm. Sure enough when he came in and saw her he felt the same way. Got the counts and she was back down to 28,000. So, I had to drive back down to Yale, this time with Catherine in tow, to pick up the platelets. The transfusion went smoothly and Catherine did great. She did a little art project with one of the volunteers and made me wait to go home until she was done! Of course I am frustrated that we are delayed. I just want this to start so that it can end. We have to go back Tuesday to check her platelets, and I told Dr. Elisha that if her counts are okay I want to start immediately. He agreed so we have another early appointment and will be ready to go. By the way, Dr. Elisha, being the strange guy that he is (he is about mine and Dave's age, is super smart, and so great with the kids), looks at the delays as a good thing. To him, the harder it is for her bone marrow to recover from setbacks, the better the chemo is working, at least in his mind.

On another note, don't know if any of you watched "A Lion in the House". I watched part of it and what a HUGE mistake. Granted, the strength and resilience of the families was awe inspiring, but 3 of the 5 children die (2 from leukemia and one from lymphoma). Not very representative of the survival rates for either disease. Still, it disturbed me and it may take a while to get it out of my mind.

Please pray for Catherine to hold on to and produce some platelets in the next five days. Thanks!