Day 13 (March 27)
White Blood Cell Count: 0.3
Not that I’m supposed to be paying attention to the daily numbers, unless something major (good or bad) happens. But her mouth is definitely feeling better because she at least tried to suck on a bottle today. She of course didn’t take much, not even 1/4 an ounce, and then vomited it all up and then some later. But overall, it’s been a nice slow day, with only the occasional issue. Then again, favorite nurse was there, and things always seem to run smoothly when favorite nurse is around. Haley actually slept more than 3 hours today. Of course it was very hard to put her down at night, but she at least slept. That’s good. Her diaper rash and mouth sores (and any other place along her digestive tract that she has sores) are healing a bit, and apparently a count of .3 can do that. The magic numbers are either .5 for 5 days straight, or 5.0 one day (the count can jump that quickly). The new strep cultures haven’t come back, but her temperature has actually been on the low side, so I’m not panicked over it. Besides, she’s on every antibiotic she can be at this point. I’ve asked the attending to set up a neuro consult, as I am worried about her tremors. That will take place some time tomorrow.
Today was the first day without the usual attending. I think Haley misses him. But this new attending is very nice, and has a nice gentle approach. She even came in a second time just to check in.
I was outside the room painting Haley’s door window, when I met the next door “neighbors.” Their story was incredibly sad: this is the child’s second transplant (first one was stem cell, second one is regular bone marrow transplant). This is why I don’t talk to anyone at the hospital. Especially other parents.
Today’s guest was Uncle David, who was nice enough to buy our next door neighbors some snacks when he went out. Thank you Debbie for giving him up right before Passover. He was greatly needed.
Funny thought today was the amount of people who work at the hospital who now scream “Butt Paste” to Haley to try and make her laugh.
I was just going to bed and was glad to check the blog. Keep up your spirits. Every 0.1 up is a step closer to more giggles (and less GI sores)! We have you on our minds. Have a good night and a restful upcoming Shabbat.
-laura, ben, sarah and jacob
March 28th, 2007 | #
maybe we can yell “butt paste’” instead of “we are georgetown” on saturday night. hope the levels go up like the temperature down here.
lauren marty rachel and juliana
March 28th, 2007 | #
It sounds like Haley is on the mend. This is so good. Baby steps, right? I’m so pleased to hear that her mouth sores and digestive tracts sores are healing, bless her little heart. Thanks for the details and numbers. I can be more specific in my thoughts and prayers and positive vibes. Come on, Haley, give me a .5, you can do it!!! Glad to get the favorable update on her strep (or lack thereof)/ low fever.
I’ll be thinking about you tomorrow and hoping that you get a good report from the neurologist about the tremors. Haley’s been through so much. I’m hoping it’s just a normal reaction to the chemo which will subside as she heals.
Hang in there. You’re doing great. You and Haley are amazing. Just amazing!! love, Auntie Dana
March 28th, 2007 | #
It’s easier for us to go to sleep having read this relatively positive update. Haley, keep those numbers coming—slowly but surely wins the race. Tansy, you haven’t written anything about basketball lately. Is Haley still watching? Hopefully, “Giggles” will be a better nickname for Haley than the “Butt Paste” that’s going to stick when her friends read copies of your blog in the future. We hope the consult goes well and that any problems are just results of the treatment. Hope you all get more sleep tonight.
March 28th, 2007 | #
Good morning from Israel,
We are here for our grandson Eli’s bar mitzvah and went to the kotel yesterday to daven and offer tefilot on behalf of Haley.
We are praying that the report from the neurologist brings good news.
Met your brother-in-law Josh last night. Alan and family are living in Elazar and Josh is doing some gardening for them.
Our love to all of you.
Sheila & Sherman
March 28th, 2007 | #
It’s always a delight to read good news. Haley is the real barometer, and I’m so happy for her and for you and all of Team Haley that she is bouncing back.
:grin:
March 28th, 2007 | #
So glad that the day was somewhat ok — and that mouth sores and diaper rash are getting better. And really hoping that you have a good meeting with the neuro consultant today.
Here’s hoping for some more sleep as well. All of my love, Mel
March 28th, 2007 | #
tansy-glad things seem to have normalized a bit (at least normal for hospital life) and that haley’s counts are holding and some healing can take place. a big “butt paste” to miss giggles. roman is way into the fake sneeze lately so you might want to try that for comic relief if “butt paste” gets old (hard to imagine!). as always, thanks for the updates– seema.
March 28th, 2007 | #
Sending hugs to all of you…every day. xoxo – Dawn, Greg and Tyler
March 29th, 2007 | #
It is wonderful to read that Haley is improving-we look forward to progress reports!Tansy,I can understand why it is hard to speak with other parents.Having been a patient I too was reluctant to speak with other patients- for no two patients are exactly alike,We hope that you all get some much needed rest this Shabbat.As always,you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
March 29th, 2007 | #
Hey how are you doing? Glad to see the count going up. So I thought you may want one description of the home front that may keep you smiling through the day and provide a giggle or two from Haley – imagine the mood in washington now that Georgetown is in the final four – random honking etc. even the CVS’s around town are selling georgetown t-shirts, hats and banners. But we are missing y”all. Send our love to everybody.
March 29th, 2007 | #