Good morning, everybody. Some surprising news: Katie's red cell count was very low this morning (it was pretty good yesterday--we thought we were out of the woods), so the nurses ran Katie's tests a second time and confirmed that she needs some red blood cells. We've given her Tylenol (always a part of the process); we are simply awaiting the arrival of her brand new blood. (The power of the blood donor...) Katie caught up on sleep last night--always a plus--but she feels pretty crummy, so we are looking forward to the boost she gets from blood. She is eating well and appears relatively healthy when she isn't miserable, so we're still hoping that her recent fevers are the result of her medications (Ara C and cytarabine are both possible culprits) and that we can rule out infection. Unfortunately, her ANC has dropped to 30, and we won't be allowed to go home until that figure improves.
The doctors have already scheduled tomorrow's treatment as an inpatient procedure; it's good, at least, that we can continue with treatment and get that done. Katie is two weeks from the end of Delayed Intensification--we are almost there. She will celebrate her birthday next Wednesday. She gets the best present of all this year: For her third birthday, Katie gets the one last treatment of the Delayed Intensification cycle and a pass to Maintenance. While Maintenance is two years long (2 years!), she will have most of her meds at home and should be able to resume normal activities. She has just this one last hurdle.
For the record, we remain grateful for all that Katie's doctors have done to care for her body and to nurture her spirit. They are so good. We are very fortunate to have had so much help. Thanks to Heather and Ryan for caring for Joshua. Thanks to my mom and dad for a badly needed respite yesterday afternoon. We're getting there. Many thanks to all of you for carrying us across the threshold.
2 comments:
I sure hope all is well tonight. I have been thinking and praying for you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers always. Give Katie and Josh hugs and kisses for me.Uncle Kim said he will not let a good window go by again without seeing you all.Take care call if you need anything. Ricky good luck with your class. Love Aunt Michelle
Hi All, I hear things aren't great yet but any plus is good. Now with prayers and confidence all will be well again soon. I can just see that little smile on her face many times a day. When she is well again, let me knowwhen it is a good time and I would love to come visit you all again.
Jsh I hate to say it but that darn snow will be coming again soon
Amy & Rick, I think of all you have to handle often. And only you know. Because all have had similar problems. But everyon is different. But I have to say, you do not show others just how you feel. Yet we know. So hang in there and know if you need anything.....Let me know.
Bless You All
Roxanna
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