Please Pray

Just a quick request for prayers for one of Catherine's little friends. Perhaps some of you recall a post back in July where I mentioned a little girl who relapsed during Long Term Maintenance, needing a bone marrow transplant. She received her BMT at Sloan Kettering in late September. Sadly, I just learned that her leukemia is back. Actually, when you relapse during treatment or after a BMT, it means that the leukemia never went away - it just played an excellent game of hide and seek and won (this is why treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia is so long - you are searching out those hidden cancerous cells). This almost 4 year old is an only child to a couple who lost another child 5 years ago (due to prematurity at birth). They will be trying a new very toxic drug to try and kill the leukemia. Please pray that it works and that 2007 brings them the miracle they need. This little girl is the one child Catherine seemed to connect with at the office (probably because they have similar personalities). Catherine sometimes ask for her and I try to change the subject - no need for her to know her friend is so very sick.
On another note, I saw the child psychologist today. Nothing surprising and happily she does not think Catherine needs to meet with her. She explained that Catherine is at an age where she is more aware and starting to process what has happened to her - which can be called a trauma. As a result, she has gone from a very outgoing, fearless child to a more cautious child with fears. This is what is causing her separation issues. The fact that she is strong-willed and a perfectionist has not changed, however, things probably came too easy for her before - now she has physical and social limitations (due to the chemo) that are frustrating her and causing tantrums. I have been given tips on how to handle these issues - hopefully they work. She also told me that it is okay to "grieve" the child that Catherine was a year ago and not feel guilty for wanting the old Catherine back, but we must also learn to deal with the new Catherine and accept that this is the hand that she has been dealt and not ask "what if this never happened". I know we will get through this. I must go now as Catherine actually has a low grade fever. Dr. Elisha is giving us a reprieve and not dragging me to the hospital unless the fever hits 102 as she seems to simply have a cold. Hope that's all it is. Thanks for all your love and support.