On Monday we were back in the hospital with Sky for her next outpatient treatment and what should have been the start of the consolidation phase of treatment. We weren’t able to start this though as Sky’s absolute neutrophil count was too low to start and so we have been rescheduled for this coming Monday to allow some more time for her body to recover from the induction phase of treatment.

Our primary haematology Dr who was on vacation when we received the MRD test result spoke with us and we were taken a bit off guard when he told us that based on Sky’s MRD result he was classing her not as standard risk now but standard - high (before MRD Sky had been standard - favourable but when we were told the result last week we were told she dropped to standard so this was another drop from there). He was very confident in saying that he believes that Sky is still very very treatable but the treatment plan is increased on top of the increase we were told about last week.

Sky’s consolidation period will now be doubled from one to two months and also the intensity of the chemo drugs will increase during this period. Sky’s next MRD test is critical which will be at the end of consolidation in 2 months time. If this test is still positive then the medical team have said we will need to discuss options together like stem cell transplants as an example as chemo on its own may not be enough to cure her. We pray we do not have to have that discussion.

As many people know the treatment for cancer can be a rollercoaster ride with highs and lows following each other in quick succession. For now we continue to pray and we feel Gods presence strongly in our lives each day upholding us. Without him our family would be a complete mess.

Jude 24-25
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen

In terms of our mini holiday we are enjoying it and we made it to blowing rock for a couple of nights as Sky is doing very well with her break from treatment. We would love to put some pictures up on here for everyone to see how she is doing but we’re not able to due to Sky’s being adopted and for her protection. 

Thank you all again for your prayers,  love and support

Michael, Poppy, Nathan, Elijah, and Sky