We have joy

Phoebe received her 4th dose of the study drug today.  We are still very hopeful, but over the past few days her white blood cell count has been slowly climbing and today she had blast cells in her blood.  We are continuing on the trial, as it seems that it is too early to decide whether it is effective or not, and we are hopeful that tomorrow's blood work will show better results. As for other bridges that hold different treatment options - we will cross them when the time comes. 

Leukemia aside, Phoebe is doing well.  Smiling, playing and babbling and making many friends at Sick Kids.  She has daily visits from her big sister who is also making many friends at Sick Kids.  Phoebe's face lights up when Mae walks in the room and she loves to get hugs and kisses from her sister.  It is wonderful to see them bonding and developing a close relationship despite the abnormal situation that they are in. Mae is adjusting well to her big city life and the routine of switching back and forth between Jon and I that has become somewhat normal for her.

Phoebe spends most of her days doing what she is doing in the pictures below.  Smiling, playing and laughing.  The other part of her day is spent sleeping, being poked by doctors and nurses, and having her vitals taken, but it is these moments of joy that truly matter.  It is these moments that propel us forward and help us to believe that anything is possible.