Going Home!

This is now Thursday morning.  We first came to the hospital on Monday afternoon.  I was very ready to go home!  Kayla was doing really well, her vision was still very limited, but she was gaining confidence.  When she needed to use the restroom, she refused to hold my hand and she wanted to do it all by herself and didn't need any help with finding the sink, turning on the water or washing her hands.  This was very encouraging to me.  I wanted to help her, but I also wanted her to be as independent as possible.  She is a very independent little girl and I knew that would be a blessing to her.

Before we could leave, we met with a dietitian who talked to us about an immuno-suppressed diet.  It really isn't that much different than normal.  Basically, hot foods need to be hot, cold foods need to be cold, dairy products need to be pasteurized, no sharp or bleu cheese, no raw nuts or nuts in shells, no raw honey, nothing out of the bulk bins at WinCo (the bottom ones where people can stick there hands in), fresh produce needs to fresh, only up to a couple of days old.   Generally, just being extra careful with food to avoid mold or bacteria.

We also met with someone from the MSTI (Mountain States Tumor Institute) clinic where Kayla will be doing her treatments.  She told us about what her visits would be like there and answered any questions we had. . . I really don't remember a lot about what she said.

After waiting for hours to go home, the nurse finally says we can go. . . and then Kayla decides that she REALLY wants to take a bath. She asked all week if they had a bathtub at the hospital and hadn't had a chance to take one yet.  So, we went and she took a quick bath before we went home.

Now it was time to really see how this was all going to affect our everyday life.

Real quick, I didn't mention the visitors we had in the hospital and I was really grateful for them.  First of all, our Bishop came and visited us on Tuesday night right as we were getting the news about the whole chemotherapy thing.  We had a good visit with him and he helped Bryson give me a priesthood blessing and then he gave Bryson one.  The things I remember about what he said was that we would see miracles throughout this year and to write down our experiences.  Thus, I am trying to keep a fairly detailed record of what has been happening so I can really remember all that we are and will go through this upcoming year.  I know it will be an incredible learning and growing experience for our family.

I had two good friends come and visit on Wednesday night.  They were so thoughtful and came even though I told them that we were doing okay.  It really lifted my spirits to have them come.  One came back the next morning and brought me a bag full of food!  That was so nice.  Many of the women in our church ward wanted to do something, so they put together lunch for me.  It would have lasted another week.  I am so grateful to all of those sisters and I don't even know who contributed.

One thing that I have not shared yet is that I am expecting our 5th child right now.  At this time I was just over 11 weeks along, so that is another reason why the bag of food was such a blessing!

 I am grateful that my Heavenly Father trusts me and my family enough to really try our faith and test us with such a major trial.  I know that there were and are so many people praying for our family right now and it has really strengthened me and my family.  I am grateful for all of your prayers!  Thank you!