We got Samantha back today. Wow, she is still the whirlwind that we remembered her as. She has only been gone a couple days, but it sure seemed like a lot longer.

Brenn had a clinic day today at 11:30. It was the first time that we went to clinic that she didn't have to get a lumbar puncture and spinal. That means that she was able to eat a normal breakfast, and she wasn't grumpy all morning. She did have to get her IV chemotherapy today, which really takes the wind out of her. She was really lethargic all day afterwards. She also has been starting to have some trouble walking. This is a normal side effect of the drug called Vincristine. She has a pair of pink cow girl boots that she really loves, but we have to go buy her some new shoes today, that are a little easier to walk in. She is to the point now that she does't even care. She is getting really weak, and really tired, but she was happy that her sister is home, and we are back together as a family once again. All of Brenns blood counts are way up from last week. On Friday her ANC (the part of the white blood cells that fight infections and colds) were 0.75, the normal range is around 6-14. Today her ANC was an astonishing 3.34. This means that we have a lot more freedom to go out into the community and do some activities. We have finally convinced Brenn that it would be better for her to ride in a stroller so that at least she can get outside and do something rather than just sit for hours during the day at the kitchen table or in front of one of the TVs here. She walks for a while, and when she gets tired then she rides in the stroller. You wouldn't believe the looks we got today while walking through Karidale with Brenn riding in the stroller, and Samantha walking along beside it. Brenn looks fairly healthy right now, her hair is definitely thinning, and she looks tired, but if you didn't know her, you would think that she was a healthy kid.

We had a good day today. Like I said we went and got Brenn some new shoes to help her walk, which also meant that Christine and Samantha got new shoes (they both really needed new shoes as well), and went to a candy store with the girls. It turns out that the owner of the candy store also sends baskets to the Ronald McDonald house and that she used to volunteer here. It is a pretty small community around here. We were only at the hospital for a couple hours today, which was a nice change from the last few days. Brenn is really a remarkable girl. Because of her recent mobility challenges, we were seen by a physiotherapist while we were at the hospital today, and Brenn was able to do all the movements that were asked of her. Her range of motion is still very good, however her strength is really waning. For all that she has been through, she is amazing.

We were worried about a fever today, it was a little high this morning, and a little higher when we were in the clinic, so we were really watching it all day, but it seems to have gone back down somewhat tonight. We are still keeping an eye on it, but once again, it seems to be taking care of itself, all on it's own. We are still getting loads of prayer, and moral support, and this has really been important for us, we really want to thank everyone, once again for all that you all do. It is really great for us to know everyday, that out there in the real world, people are thinking about us, and care enough about us to keep us in their thoughts and prayers every day. We love you, and really look forward to seeing each and everyone of you soon.

Scott