Mouth Sores

There's some real challenges with the aftermath of the chemo in this first induction cycle. The white blood cell count has dropped from 2,500 on Sunday to 300 late Wednesday night to 100 yesterday evening. Talitha basically has no white blood cells left.

The fever has been up and down. Nothing is showing up in the blood cultures, urine sample, or mucous analysis yet. Still they are giving her antibiotics as a precautionary measure while the cultures are allowed to grow for 48 hours.

Unfortunately, Talitha has serious sores in her mouth that may be the cause of the fevers if they end up testing positive for some kind of herpes virus. Additionally, the sores are reducing her ability and desire to eat and drink.

Still she is fighting on. As must we.

I read a quote today that really moved me especially in light of the current challenges:

"If we do not have a deep foundation of faith and a solid testimony of truth, we may have difficulty withstanding the harsh storms and icy winds of adversity which inevitably come to each of us.

"Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In order for us to be tested, we must face challenges and difficulties. These can break us, and the surface of our souls may crack and crumble--that is, if our foundations of faith, our testimonies of truth are not deeply embedded within us." ~Thomas S. Monson

We are trying to be strong and faithful at this time especially as we pray for and encourage our little daughter.

We are aware that many others are facing struggles and adversity at this time too. We are more sensitive now than before and hope that we may at some point be of help in lifting others as so many are generously lifting us.

The outpouring of love and kindness is extraordinary. Thank you for being the angels God uses to answer our prayers.