Thank you for all of you who prayed for Allistaire’s bone marrow test today. The nurse practitioner who did the bone marrow aspirate and biopsy was quite pleased with the biopsy samples she was able to get. She actually referred to them as “beautiful.” I asked her what she meant by “beautiful,” and she said that she could feel the fibrosis and possible scar tissue and then was able to find a “sweet spot” where the needle pulled back easily. The color in the biopsies also showed that the samples she got likely contain the needed components. She is hopeful that the samples will be sufficient for the pathology tests. Preliminary results may be available tomorrow if they are able to get results from the aspirate (this is the juicy bloody portion of the marrow). In the previous two bone marrow tests they were not able to find any cancer cells in the aspirate, perhaps because of the fibrosis. Results from the biopsy will probably take 2 – 3 days. My understanding is that once we get results the doctors will discuss with us what are the next steps. Hopefully from there we will be able to go home for a few days.
Allistaire is doing wonderfully. After she woke up from the anesthesia, she was quite loopy as in each previous time. This 30-45 minutes is a bit challenging as she is totally unsure of what she wants and appears tired but doesn’t want to sleep, seems to want to be held but rejects your arms, asks for food but then turns away from every offer. Thankfully this is short-lived and within an hour she was back riding bikes around the Unit with Piper. Again, please pray that tonight we would be aware if she is in pain so we can provide for her accordingly.
Conglomeration of Joy 
Jai,
Thank you for sharing your blog with me! It is beautiful- not only sweet Allistaire’s journey, but your authenticity and dedication shines through each post: you are able to find joy and bring application into the most trialsome and tearful times, which is a gift not only for you, but others privileged to be a part of this story- inside and out! … It’s now 2AM, and after an allniter with Carter last night, and just two hours of sleep today myself, I still have had you ALL on my mind and couldn’t go to bed without writing. Forgive me if I was a tad tired this afternoon. 🙂 I am so grateful all went well with her tests! Praying for a restful night, a great day tomorrow, and for your whole family. Please call or email me if I can help at all.
Thanks for your encouragement and your presence Leslie – they go hand in hand
“beautiful” … and gorgeous. I love that Allistaire’s insides are getting such rave reviews.
🙂
Thanks for the update!!!
love love love you guys!
That’s great! Glad they were able to get a good sample and that she perked up!
I am so happy for you what a wt off your shoulder. I will keep the prayers coming.
Dear, wonderful family:
I just want you to know that Allistaire, and you, have a whole contingent of people praying for you in Oregon! Dr. Emily Houle is my daughter, and she shared with me your story and how much she cares for you and dear Allistaire. She asked us to begin praying for your lovely daughter, and believe me, we are! Allistaire is adorable, and you are so faithful and courageous. We feel truly honored to be part of this journey of prayer and hope with you.
Warmly, The Houle Family (Marcy and John)
Marcy – wow, you do not know how much i love your daughter. From the first time we met her in the emergency room that Saturday night, exactly one week before we found out Allistaire had AML, to the night she so thoughtfully came to our room to check on us of her own accord and all the mornings we heard her voice speak our realities to the doctors during rounds, she has been joy and sweetness to us and most significantly, the face of Christ, shining in times of bleakness. She is beautiful and delightful and sweet air to breath for those living in a frightening time. Thank you to you and your husband for your part in raising her to be such wonderful woman and supporting her along the way in her pursuit to be a doctor. It is no insignificant thing! Thank you too for taking the time to write with your encouraging words and for all of your prayers!
Your words to me meant so much, especially considering all you are going through. I can’t tell you how much Allistair is in the Houle family’s hearts and prayers. And a lot of that is because of you — the way you express everything, and how God is working in and through all of your lives. I think, whether you know it or not, you have given inspiration and a deepening of faith in Jesus to everyone who reads your story. May God bless you all. You are a very special family and we will continue praying for you for as long as you need! Allistair is a blessing to so many people — because of you and your openness to share your story. Jesus shines all over it!
Jai, I must say that your strength is astounding. God has given you grace and it is so evident how he is using this little Allistaire to bless many, many people. Gregg has been talking to me about wanting to visit you all but doesn’t know if that would be more stressful or at all helpful. Let us know if he could visit for even a day or two. We love you!
Oh Anya – how it warms my heart to know Gregg’s love for us. He need not come, though I can’t tell you what it means to me to know that he would want to show his love and support of us in such a tangible way. I’m flying to Bozeman this Saturday night and will be there through Wednesday afternoon and would love to see you three!