Last day of School

We went, we prayed, we sang, we chatted with people, we looked at her report card. We were choked up when the last prayer was for Mary-Elizabeth. Mom and I both shed some tears and fought back the rest that wanted to come.

I know that prayer is powerful but to hear the prayers in person in front of the church full of people that know you or of you is a very different thing. I felt like I had been hit by a tsunami wave. Thousands of prayers have been said but this felt so different, so intiment. .

We have been physically gone from St. Joseph's school and church this year but we have been so much a part of the community. I realized how much I missed this year when I saw the 7th graders at the head of the church. They have grown so much since I last really looked at them, which was a year ago. Being away for a year has given me the opportunity to really see the changes. High heals, more hair on the boys, deeper voices, needs for real bras, they have transformed in such a short time. While we have been in Chemo World, the world has continued to spin and to change. It is strange on one hand but very comforting on another plain. The world will be there when we are ready and able to return.

I told one mother yesterday that if there was a year to miss, 7th was the best one. We have not had any 7th grade girl drama. ( They make movies about it.) No build up the the "What High school will I apply to?" angst. It has been a very easy year that way.

We have lived this very minimal life, no extra's, no distractions from the outside world.

I asked some questions about Maintenance. I was under the impression that we went to the hospital once a month, but then we know that I am never good at predicting schedules. The first 12 weeks goes like this: Hospital Chemo, oral chemo: Methotrexate once week, Mercatupurin every day for the entire 18 months, Prednisone ( five days only a month). On alternate weeks we go for evaluation to determine what her numbers are and they ajust her meds. They want to keep her ANC between 1500 and 2500. Our is between 5000 and 10,000.

I had hoped that this time would not one of imuno compromisation. It will be a good time no matter what. I guess we really are waiting for sushi.