Sunday, March 14, 2010 4:28 PM, EDT

Daddy and Ally are safely in NYC. Ally had a good time on the train, and was promptly welcomed with a brand new build-a-bear when she arrived at the RMH. She was also offered a doll with several accessories; but due to limited suitcase room, they decided to save it for another kid. Daddy said the trip was easy with Ally, except that she has now gained some weight, so carrying her through Penn Station was a challenge.

Tomorrow will be Ally's first day of 3f8. If you are looking for something specific to pray about here is what we know:
1. There will be pain. From what we have heard from other families it is intensive and can last from minutes up to an hour or so. There is usually lingering pain throughout the rest of the day.
2. Breathing Problems. Many of the children need some oxygen help and need to be told to breathe and keep their breathing under control.
3. Hives. Some kids break out in hives, not all. Let's hope Ally is spared of this side effect.
4. Blood Pressure/Heart Rate. Too high or too low, blood pressure can be a problem. Often children's heart rates spike into the high 100s (150-200) during the treatment. They will not let Ally leave with a high heart rate.
The whole process takes about 3 hours, with the actual antibody therapy infusion taking 30 minutes, so it seems like most of the time is recovery.

I am very anxious to get a report from Daddy tomorrow. I will be sure to post anything as soon as I hear, and as soon as I am able to get a short break from teaching tomorrow.

I miss them already....