Our apologies for not providing a blog update the last few days…. To be real and honest, they’ve been very hard for all of us!

Positives:

• Chemo is done and her body has responded appropriately.
• Rae has a fighting attitude. She continues to try and push through the difficult. This includes staying awake, staying mentally and physically active, and eating.
• There is only 1 day left before transplant day 😃! She has an amazing donor that is willing to sacrifice for her, and they’ve never met her… how incredible is that?!
• Rae has some amazing friends, and a great and supportive community that continues to cheer her up, and pray for her continuously! We cannot thank you enough!
• So far, Rae has been able to avoid the need for supplemental nutrition through a nasal tube or IV by eating when she’s able. This is very important for her overall health and healing.

Negatives:

• Most days the chemo and medications wipe her out. She struggles to keep her eyes open quite often, and mostly just wants to sleep. While her body does need rest, the doctors say it’s important to stay active to support the healing process.
• The chemo and medications make her nauseous. She already faces a tough time eating due to the limited gluten free options provided by the hospital kitchen. Most days are filled with just trying to find something that she’s willing to try eating. Nicole and I have tried making stuff at home and bringing it in… sometimes she eats it, sometimes not. Friends have made some delicious food, but it’s been hit or miss with her. We now have subscriptions to Grub Hub, Door Dash, and Uber Eats and have become very familiar with all of the restaurants and their gluten free options… when she’s willing to try to eat them.
• Rae’s a fighter! So, as you can see, that’s both a positive and negative. She is extremely stubborn when she wants to be! Nicole and I are exhausted from trying to find ways to encourage her, motivate her, and find her food she’s willing to try and eat. She has even gone as far as hosing Nicole with the shower… ok, truthfully that was done playfully, to make up after a fight. But, everything has certainly left us battle scarred!

We must focus on the positive!

If you ask each of us, is this worth it?… we would respond with something like “It really sucks right now, and we just want it all to be over, but it will certainly be worth it in the end!”.

We know in the end it means no more treatments twice a week, greatly reduced long-term health concerns, and ultimately she will be happy and healthy!

We have stood back and watched our daughter fight through the suck, and know she will come out on top! We continue to be overwhelmed by all of you offering countless prayers, words of encouragement, and amazing compassion! We know through this all, we have seen God work in our lives in so many ways! We are truly loved and blessed!

Again, thank you all for your prayers, and caring enough about Rae to follow along with us and provide support and encouragement for us all! Also, we thank you for your continued prayers for the donor and their family!