Bennett is doing good. He had a great weekend. He went to the varsity game Friday night, and we won by one basket against West Frankfort in the last few seconds. He spend the night with a friend after the game.

He had basketball practice Saturday morning and than he went Christmas shopping with me in Carbondale. We went to the freshmen championship game Saturday afternoon and they lost by one point against Herrin. His friend spent the night with him that night after the game. It’s been several months since he has hung around with a friend so we are thankful that he was able to.

After church today, we went to the movies to see Quantum of Solace, (James Bond movie) it was ok.

Hamilton was Joseph in the church Christmas play. It was really cute.

We go in the morning for a blood test, we pray for low liver levels and a safe range for his ANC. Tuesday, he has an appt in St. Louis.

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need.” Psalm 23:1

Well, this week flew by.  Bennett has been pretty tired and exhausted most of the week.  I know last night he went to bed at 9:00 and slept all night.  He indicated he just felt really tired.  He is resting and sleeping as much as he can.  I am glad he didn’t have any games this week so he could rest in the evening.

He didn’t stay home too much though. He went to two freshmen basketball games and tonight he went to the varsity game in W.F.  He has had basketball practice every night except tonight, they will have it in the morning instead.

He goes Monday for a blood test.  We pray that his liver levels are down even more and that his ANC is in safe range.

It doesn’t seem like Christmas.  It’s been difficult to get in the season spirit.  I used to think people were scrooges that didn’t want to put up decorations, go shopping, and all the holiday rush.  Now as we get older,  we find it’s difficult to get it all done and still be joyful.

May God bring peace and joy to all of our homes.

Bennett is doing good.  His cold is better, barely coughing and his runny nose has about quit. He is still taking an allergy pill daily and that is helping.   He has had basketball practice after school every night.  Him and Hamilton are counting down the days until school is out and Christmas Day.  Their last day of school is next Friday.

Everything else with Bennett is pretty quite now.  We like it that way!

Thank you for checking in.  Hope you and your family are blessed.

Bennett’s ANC today was 1,311 from 1,830!  His WBC was 2.3 from 3.0 and neutrophils at 57 from 61.  His WBC could of been elevated from his viral cold.

His hemoglobin was 11.9 from 11.4 and platelets 179 from 134. Great numbers, the best they have been in a long time!     His liver numbers went down, Yes!  From 539 to 169 and 145 to 46.

The nurse indicated that these numbers were much better.  His Dr. still wants him to only take 5 methotrexate pills instead of the 10 previously. She wants to give his liver a break for another week.  He still is taking the normal dose of 6mp pills daily; this doesn’t effect the liver.  His next blood test is next Monday and his next St. Louis appt is next Tuesday.

He had basketball practice tonight after school. Bennett said only 8 players were at practice, 5 others were sick.  Yeek!   We don’t have any games this week!  Unbelievable!  The 7th graders are in their conference tournament therefore we don’t have any regular games.

We count are blessings daily and praise God for his glory! We are so thankful that Bennett is doing well!

“The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. His work is honorable and glorious, and his righteousness endures forever. He has made his wonderful works to be remembered.” The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.” Psalm 111:2-4

We made it home Saturday night and we both were exhausted.  We went straight to bed.  We were thankful for having a safe trip to Paxton.  It was at least 10 degrees colder and very windy.  It flurried snow and we had some ice on the roads.

It was so good to see the Coe family and to visit with them.  We were able to go back to their house Friday night after visitation and see where Ryan lived, his room and all of his stuff.   We had a good visit with several 9west families and nurses too.

Bennett looked good and he was so proud to be Ryan’s pall bearer.  The services for Ryan were so sad and very nicely done.   I appreciate everyone’s prayers for the Coe family.  Below is their address if you would like to send them a card:

Todd & Michele Coe, 053 E 200 N Road, Loda, IL  60948

We go in the morning to check Bennett’s counts.  We pray that his liver numbers are down and his ANC is in normal range.