Monday, Monday

As we strolled the hallways of 9th floor this morning around 4:00 we began talking about music and how it takes us to certain places and times in our lives. I remember 3 dog night being a favorite of my Dad and his buddies, myself and my sisters playing pool and listening to the Charlie Daniels band or Jimmy Buffet. One of the nurses spoke of Prince ( or the artist formerly known as ) being one of her junior high favorites. Another nurse had never even heard of him! All this to say the nights are still restless, the fever and chills shake her and when her strength allows an "early" morning walk and a cup of tea are remedies this day for a bit of what ails her.
Dr Grote stopped by this morning to confirm that her white cells are still very low and that we are in a wait and see game for when they will begin to creep back up in number. Platelets and her Hgb are also low today, so they will give her a couple of units of blood. They will get sensitivities back today on the bacteria which has been growing in her blood stream. This will help the infectious disease team to know whether to continue to use the current pair of antibiodics or add a third to the mix.
The professional team that is caring for her continues to amaze me with their enthusiasm, patience and attention to detail. We are very thankful for them all. They say that they are equally, if not more so, thankful for Rhonda and her sweet Spirit.
Rhonda will also get a chest x-ray to take a peak and make sure the fungal infection she began having during her first round of chemo/ recovery isn't rearing it's ugly head.
She plans to round out her day with her Mom, having a pizza party tonight. She doesn't really have an appetite, but pizza and soda sounds fun and Pizza Hut is her choice.

Ways to pray:
Pray that the type of bacteria (likely it's the strep that is usually found on our skin) will be identified and a more specific plan of attack honed.
Pray for her white cells to begin increasing. We know it's a bit early to look for this, but it doesn't hurt to pray for it.
Pray for Rhonda to get more sleep that is restful, she may have had 3 hours in total last night. Pray also that she would hear from Duke soon that either or both sisters are a match!
Give thanks for the Spirit as He comforts, teaches and reminds her of truth.
Give thanks for the mercies that are new every morning. Each day a new surprise in the form of a treat, a tidbit of knowledge, a prayer answered with "yes", reminds us once again of the sweetness of Our Father.

Thanks to all who continue to call, send cards, e-mails, financial support and ask about her. The road seems really long some days and these encouragements are such a blessing.
Rhonda is eager to communicate, but currently the hospital wireless is not too reliable. She'll blog when she is able.