Haley is three weeks in to DI-1 (first phase of delayed intensification). We have been told that her blood counts will drop and that she will be very sick. Thus far, we have seen none of this (knock-on-wood). As a matter of fact, this month, Haley has had more energy than she has had in the last 7 months. The doctors are a little baffled. Haley hasn’t missed one of her brother’s basketball games, has been to the movies three times and is the first to volunteer to drive her younger siblings to their activities. We have seen some rollercoaster emotions from the steroids but even that, Haley hides her unexplained anger and irritations pretty well. I look at her, and I swear she glows. She is a true gift from God. 
My heart swells with gratitude for all the people that make our lives possible. My sister, MaryAnn, Haley’s aunt, has been our saving grace. When Dawayne was on the road for four months, MaryAnn quit her job to come and live with us during that time so Haley and her younger siblings would be cared for. Regardless, of whatever troubles Mary is having in her own life, she is at my doorstop every Monday morning at the crack of dawn and spends the whole week at my house cleaning, cooking, caring for Haley and the baby, and basically makes it possible for our lives to function. Even after Dawayne got home in October and started working full-time, my sister has remained our children’s full-time nanny. Mary, words cannot express my gratitude and love for you. We have always been close singing and playing the guitar together but I cannot tell you how much you have saved me these last seven months. /cry/cry. You are absolutely the best. I am also extremely thankful for Jessica Silotti, Haley’s closest friend. I have called on her many times to run Tyler to
his practices and games, grocery stores runs, she has come to my house and helped clean and accompanies us to Haley’s Dr. appointments. Thank you thank you to both of you!!! You are truly my closest and dearest friends.
his practices and games, grocery stores runs, she has come to my house and helped clean and accompanies us to Haley’s Dr. appointments. Thank you thank you to both of you!!! You are truly my closest and dearest friends. January 31, 2012 starts DI-2 (second phase of delayed intensification). A whole new set of treatments are administered so will be prepared for those side effects. For now, we are thankful that Haley is feeling well and able to resume a somewhat normal life! Stay tuned . . . .
