September

     Our little Hazelnut and family has had a very busy September! She has been feeling great and even had a regular check up where everything looked normal (something I am still not used to yet!). During that check up she had her first blood draw without her central line. That means she has to be poked in her arm for the first time since the beginning of treatment. She has seen countless needles with the daily injections, but that did not make this any less traumatic. Even though she was terrified, she did an amazing job and I couldn't be more proud. From here on out, all blood draws and injections for scans will be done this way, so please pray for my sweet baby. Her six  month post treatment scans are scheduled for the 15th and 16th of this month, so please pray for clean scans. We spent most of the month "Going Gold" for Childhood Cancer Awareness and it was glorious. We marched for childhood cancer awareness in front of CHLA, went to Super Max's Loom-a-Thon, took part in a parade for Alex's Lemonade Stand, did an interview for our local news and helped my children's school organize a weeklong book drive to benefit pediatric oncology patients and a gold spirit day.  God has truly blessed us with all of these opportunities to spread awareness and to give back and I am so thankful. Here are some pictures of the festivities:

     In addition to all the wonderful things we took part in, we also had a bit of a scare with Hazel's new sister Zoey. When at her well child exam, the pediatrician noticed that her little bum crack was shaped like "Y" at the top, instead of in a straight line. Sometimes this can indicate a tethered spinal cord or a form of spina bifida. The news of this possibility was utterly overwhelming. She had an ultra sound done but it was inconclusive and an MRI has been scheduled for the 21st of this month. So I humbly ask for your prayers for yet another member of our family to have clear and normal scans. At first, I was very worried and fearful to be facing the possibility of another health scare. But in God's ultimate mercy and faithfulness, He has covered me with a peace beyond understanding. I have full confidence in Him, knowing what He has already carried us through!