Merry Christmas!
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! 
Are you as excited as Emily is? She is eagerly awaiting to see what Santa brings her tonight. Betcha her & Trey will go to bed early tonight so they can get up early Christmas morning to see all their Christmas surprises. 
Pray that Emily feels better today and tomorrow for Christmas. Yesterday, Monday, she had an appointment at Duke for blood products. Dawn & Eddie & Emily headed to Duke but by the time she got there, she was in alot of pain in her lower back & tummy area. They thought she might have a bladder infection, since she has had some unusual bladder signs, but ran some tests and ruled this out. She did have to be catherized and since she was in pain they gave her a heavy dose of morphine to give her some comfort. It appears that the pressure of the tumors may be causing the pain and the bladder problems are most likely from the advanced stage of the cancer. Dr. G wanted to admit her to the hospital but her parents felt it in her best interest to be HOME for Christmas this year. They will return to Duke on Wednesday for further observation and test results.
Emily has an MRI scheduled for January 7. They plan to keep that appointment unless Dr. G finds reason to do it earlier. Pray for comfort from pain for Emily, particularly in this next 48 hour timeframe, so that she may enjoy Christmas at home with her family. Pray for safe travel for Dawn & Eddie as they take Emily back to Duke on Wednesday. Pray for their strength as they continue to uplift Emily as she continues this mighty battle.
Emily, Trey, Dawn & Eddie wish EVERYONE a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR. 
Thank you to everyone for your cards & gifts this holiday season. Remember to pause and reflect on the fact that Jesus is the Reason for the Season.
Love to all,
Stephanie
“Daily God opens His storehouse of blessings, but His greatest gift has always been the Child.” ___ Marcia Swearingen
