02/12/06 - Hannah did go in to Hospital this afternoon. She is having some prep work done before her surgery tomorrow. Upon returning to hospital today her platelets had dropped WAY DOWN TO 8. Hannah recieved 3 units of blood and will have more blood work done a few hours after as well as in the morning before surgery in case a transfusion is needed prior to the operation. The doctors decided to remove Hannah's spleen first because her platelets have been dropping so dramatically they feel that the spleen is absorbing the platelets and not allowing the body to use them effectively. They are hoping that with the spleen gone the plateletes will be able to remain within the body. This surgery is done laproscopic (meaning it only requires a few tiny incisons) BUT due to Hannah's history of low platelets their is some CONCERN for EXCESSIVE BLEEDING. There will be platelets on hand in the operating room IF NEEDED. The whole procedure/recovery is about 3 hours. Hannah will begin her chemotherapy on February 21st. GOOD LUCK TOMORROW HANNAH!!! WE WILL ALL BE PRAYING FOR YOU AS WELL AS YOUR MOM & DAD. You have had to endure so much in the past year but we know this will only make you STRONGER!!! KEEP SMILING SWEETHEART. WE LOVE YOU!!!!