Thursday 3
1.) After about 5 hours spent between being at Kyle's doctor appt. and traveling to and from the hospital, we were exhausted. But we got some informative news. They are referring to his condition as "Marker Negative Auto Immune Hepatitis." It is NOT, however, the type of Hepatitis that is infectuous. It is not a communicable disease. In this case, Hepatitis means swelling of the liver. (itis = swelling, hepa = liver). They cautioned us about even using the term hepatitis with anyone, because so many only think of it as a communicable disease.
On Monday Kyle's blood tests came down very little from the Thurs. before that. But they were still trending downward (though one of the numbers, his AST, actually went up a little). The doctor said most patients she see's in Kyle's condition would have responded better to the medication by now and their numbers would be back to normal already. That was frustrating to hear. Anyway, because of that he was put on another medication - one that he will have to take for the rest of his life. And I guess in 1-2% of patients they can actually contract a cancer of the bloodcells. I'm not excited about any of that. But we are between a rock and a hard place on getting his liver functioning again. And apparently the benefits are greater than the risks.
On a brighter note, I took Kyle in this morning for more blood work and his numbers have made significant progress since Monday (with the addition of this new medication, and many, many prayers). The doctors told us on Tuesday that they think it will take Kyle about 4-6 weeks for his numbers to be back to "normal." I am thinking it may happen faster than they are thinking!
2.) Yesterday was New Beginnings for Young Women. Our theme was "Everything we need to know we are learning in Young Women's." It was a busy time getting everything ready, but I think it turned out really well! Kayla was super excited about the cute magnet boards we made for the girls, along with a magnet that had each girls' initial on it. (I'll have to take a pic. and post it.)
3.) Kyle's faith amazes me. Today, as we were pulling out of the garage to go to the hospital for yet another blood draw (something he detests more than anything) he said, "Mom maybe we should say a prayer that it won't hurt so bad this time." I told him it was a great idea and asked him if he'd like me to say, or if he wanted to. He said he'd do it. So he said the sweetest, most humble prayer.
After an almost hour wait, they called him back. This time the phlebotomist got a collegue to help hold his arm (I was so relieved I did not have to do it this time - it's hard to have to submit my child to that). She got his vein the first time. On the way out Kyle told me that that was his "easiest time of getting a poke." He said he did not even feel the needle go in.
So we talked about how that must have been an answer to his prayer. He was sure it was. So I suggested he say a prayer of thanks, which he did. It was such a tender, tear filled moment. On the way home I asked him if he would like to drive past the temple. It is on our way, but it is faster to go another way, so we don't usually go that way. But he said yes, that he'd like to so we did. As we approached the temple Kyle said, "Mom the temple is so beautiful, don't you think?" Again it was just so touching!
Though this is a difficult trial to be sure, it is filled with so many sweet blessings. I definitely feel my Heavenly Father close as Laren and I try to work our way through all of this.
* Oh and a little sidenote, after all of that our house contract fell through - so no buyer afterall!
Scentsability or something like that. 
Kallie and Me.
Kayla's magnet board from Young Womens.
