Hello Everyone-

We had our first off treatment clinic visit today and everything went
well.  Because Isabelle had her Broviac catheter removed a couple of
weeks ago, today was the first time her blood was taken with a
fingerstick.  She did extremely well and only began to fuss at the very
end (the nurse needs to squeeze her finger for a while to get enough
blood). They put a bright blue bandage on her finger, which made
Isabelle extremely proud (she showed it to everyone we passed in the
hall).  We then went over to the pediatric hem/onc side of the clinic
where she was checked over by her oncologist.  Her blood counts were
great for Isabelle.  Everything was in normal range with the exception
of her white cells, which is to be expected.  But they are high enough
that she is no longer neutropenic or even immunosuppressed, which means
her body can fight infection!  We celebrated by coming home and playing
in the pool!  It was a little cold, but she loved it nonetheless.  Her
new favorite game is to stick her wet hands in the mud, scream,
"Ewwwwww!", then wash her filthy hands in the pool!  A good time was had
by all!  Tomorrow we go to her 2nd Musikgarten class, which she really
enjoys.  I think I will enjoy it a bit more now too, knowing that her
counts are good.

I will be forwarding the list a letter written by a friend and former
student of Alexis'.  Her name is Kathy Kantaras and she will be running
the San Diego Marathon in Isabelle's honor to help raise money for the
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America.  This will be her first
marathon and she has been training for many months now.  We were so
touched that she chose to run for Isabelle and wish her the best of
luck!  We only wish we could be there to cheer her on to the finish
line.

Wishing everyone a good week!

Annie