Labs ok

Noah's lab results came back ok today; white count/neutrophil count is rising, but his platelet count is a little low. He won't get an infusion, but if his platelet count doesn't come up enough by Monday then we will push his next treatment up a week to give his body time to recover (it is scheduled for this Wednesday). This is fine with me as I would like to see him have a week of good blood counts, and let him have some social interaction, which he is starving for!
Our Path for Progress team has already met nearly 70% of our fundraising goal. I am waiting on a price quote for our t-shirts and will get the order page set up as soon as I clear everything with the printer. I also spoke with a representative from ABTA today and we are able to request our donation to be set aside specifically for pediatric brain tumor research, which I am VERY happy about. I asked him what percentage of their funds go to pediatric research, and he estimated between 8%-10% (around $150,000). He said this ratio is consistant with the ratio of adult to pediatric brain tumors. The sad part of that percentage is that of all pediatric tumors, brain tumors are the leading cause of solid tumor cancer deaths in children through high school age (tbts.org). There isn't that much funding for it's research...and that sets a fire under my butt. Now, I realize that ABTA isn't the only organization funding pediatric brain tumor research; there are several other organizations that are dedicated to childhood bt awareness/fundraising/etc (cbtf.org, braintumorkids.org, pbtfus.org). But I know there still isn't enough money floating around in the sea of research funding to figure out why my son had a life-threatening tumor that grew rapidly inside of his brain, and how to effectively get rid of the cancer for good. His treatment regimn is still experimental...and that's kind of scary.  
Anyway, it's late and I'm rambling...but please know how much we (my family) continue to appreciate your prayers and gifts and encouragement. I will update again when I know our next date for treatment. Have a great weekend!

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" (Proverbs 19:21). Holding firm to His truth and promises. :)

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