We are getting ready to start the 4th and final cycle of Phase One tomorrow. It doesn't seem fair (not that anything seems fair lately) that we have to start chemo so soon after Lauren's tough time last week. But we know it's necessary and Lauren being the trooper that she is, didn't complain or whine once about starting chemo. She just accepts it and rolls with the punches.

Today, Lauren has to drink lots of Gatorade and lemonade so we can collect her pee for her kidney test. Her kidneys need to be tested before beginning each chemo cycle. Hopefully it will go as smooth as last time so that we don't have to do the kidney test using the radiation injection, which required Lauren to stay away from mommy for 3 days, which really upset her.

She'll get three chemo drugs tomorrow, Carboplatin, Cisplatin (by IV) and Temador (orally). Then carboplatin (IV) and Temador (orally) on Thursday, and then just Temador (orally) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, then Phase One is complete. She won't have to take Vincristine once a week for two weeks like she did in the first three cycles so hopefully she'll bounce back quickly and be able to enjoy the majority of August before beginning Phase Two.

Also, we are meeting with Dr. Finlay tomorrow. This will be our first official meeting since May to discuss Lauren's progress and Phase Two, when we begin the serious chemo. Maybe I'll try and take a picture of Dr. Finlay and Lauren together if I don't chicken out.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers and your posts. Between Hilary and I, we must check the blog posts 4 to 5 times a day. Seeing everyone's support and posts really makes us feel good and they help out a lot. Thanks again.