Day 2 - Sunday, September 23, 2007

Today hasn't gone as expected or hoped. Courtney was supposed to have a minor surgical procedure to remove the failed PICC line. It appears that the PICC line either exited the vein instead of travelling through it, or never actually entered the vein. Dr. Young, the oncologist who visited her today, told us that she had never seen that happen before, neither had a surgeon that she spoke with. So, as Chris said, "Courtney remains being one in million." In any case, it's now 11:41 and were still waiting to hear from the surgeon. This is unfortuante, because we were hoping to have this done and past us, so we could bring the kids in to see her. Courtney wants more than anything else to be able to see her babies and spend a little time with them.

Last night Courtney's spirits were lifted by a wonderful priesthood blessing given to her by Bishop Jared Hall, Dan Perkins (whose family is doing a tremendous job taking care of our girls) and myself. In the Bible, James Chapter 5, versus 14-15 reads:

14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let
them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and
the Lord shall raise him up;

Courtney believes in Jesus Christ and loves Him with all her heart, and believes in the power of prayer and His ability to heal. That faith together with the love of family and friends around her, as well as the knowledge and expertise of the medical staff, will see her to quick victory over this ugly disease.

Courtney just had a quick visit from a few of her close friends, specifically the ones who are helping with our kids at the moment. And while we're saddened to know that for the next few weeks they won’t be in her hands, it’s more than reassuring to know that they are in good, loving hands.

Today’s results from the doctors include:
White Blood Cells up slightly to 78,000Blasts 72% (which means % of white blood cells are blasts - 0 - 5 % is normal)Red Blood Cells samePlatelets sameBlood work shows that leukemia is AML type, but determination that it M 3 can't be made yet.

The surgeon just stopped in and indicated he would remove the PICC and put in a Hickman catheter at around 4:00 this afternoon. Although experience indicates this will mean around 6:00 or later, this is still good news. At least now we know that Courtney can see the kids shortly.

More news: Courtney’s brother in law, who’s in Afghanistan, sent word to Courtney that they haven’t found Bin Laden yet, but they’re still looking.