Day 14 (March 28)
White Blood Cell Count: 0.9
Not that I’m counting or anything. Again, it doesn’t mean anything YET. It is going in the right direction, and that is good enough right now. She had many in-house visits today: in addition to the parade of doctors and nurses (that’s not an insult, by the way; I happen to love parades), the neurology team came to observe her tremors and head-shaking. He couldn’t tell if it was behavioral or involuntary, and whether or not it’s induced by the various drugs. He ordered a brain CAT scan, which she had this evening. We were supposed to get the test results already. It’s 2 a.m. and no word. Also to come today was the dance therapist. She brought in reggae-style kids music, and Haley loved it. The DT told me that Haley was “totally” getting the body connection idea. I have no clue how the DT knows this, but Haley is so happy when she comes, so I just nodded in pleasure. The occupational therapist also came, and I know they do extremely important work, but nothing compares to dance therapy. At least not for me. It ‘s a highlight.
Going down to the CAT scan is a bit of a pain. I sit in a wheelchair holding Haley while she is draped in a hospital gown. I started underneath the gown with her, but out body heat as too much and I almost passed out. She was surprisingly good with the scan itself. She moved her head around a lot, but when the machine started going, she kept very still.
Favorite nurse changed Haley’s dressing and noticed that the catheter was coming out, just lke i had noticed a while back. Sche scrubbed wire and put it back in. All in all, Haley had a very active and calm day.
Guests today were: Aunt Elana, who decroated the window very nicely.
This is such good news! 0.9!! How did Haley “know” that day #14 is a “turning point” milestone? She’s smart as well as being tenacious.
My husband and I follow her progress every day. Thank you for your moving updates.
March 29th, 2007 | #
Counting? Are we counting? Ummm…definitely!! Here’s a lovely Martha Graham quote for your DT, and so true: “Think of the magic of that foot, comparatively small, upon which your whole weight rests. It’s a miracle, and the dance is a celebration of that miracle.” Your little ballerina Haley is a miracle. I imagine her tiny feet and hands as the DT works with her. I think of you and her having to endure the CAT scan. I look forward to the day that Anna and Haley and you and I and all of us can crank up some hot salsa music and dance around the room in pure celebration. (Followed of course, by some way cool reggae!
) Hang in, amiga. We’ve got your back. xxoo Cristina
March 29th, 2007 | #
those numbers bring a big smile to my face, as does the picture of haley rockin’ to reggae in dance therapy. i’m so glad to read about a day that almost sounds fun–hang in there tansy–i’m hoping for more calm waters today! –seema
March 29th, 2007 | #
How could Haley not love dance therapy? Look at Mom’s name!
We’re all “dancing” in your corner-love and hugs
Hedi and Donny
March 29th, 2007 | #
.9! Music to my ears! Way to triple Haley!! I read into your blog that we’re supposed to be cautiously optimistic at this point, and I get that, but I sure do like where things are heading. It just thrills me to pieces. In your blog, I can just feel the collective sighs of relief and I can see the big smiles on everyone’s faces when they read about Haley’s triple and that she’s dancing and smiling again. I am SO happy that she’s feeling better.
I’m hoping that you’ve already gotten good news on Haley’s CAT scan.
I hope you all have another active, calm day today. And I hope Haley gets to make more of the body connection today with her dance therapist. love and hugs, Dana
March 29th, 2007 | #
Well I’ve decided that Haley is just trembling in anticipation for the final four game — and who isn’t? Sorry, at Georgetown we’re all a little wacky these days and since Haley has shown an admirable interest in college basketball, I just assume that she’s got March Madness trembling. I know GU will go all the way, but the seder will take precedence over my attending the game.
We are happy about Haley’s rising numbers and her increasing comfort. I’ve just decided to be happy instead of cautiously optimistic because you should grab happiness when you can.
Hugs and kisses (properly sanitized and de-chametzed!)
Love,
Lindsay, Norm and Tamar
March 29th, 2007 | #
.9!!! Way to go Haley!! So glad that you had a pretty good day. Hopefully you’ll get some good news from the catscan results. Big 5 blood count — here we come!!! All my love.
March 29th, 2007 | #
I was away for several days in NY and NJ and away from my computer, and I kept wondering — on the train, in the hotel, in the taxi — how is Haley?? This from a person who doesn’t even know her! I’m thrilled to see this good news, and I’ll continue to hold all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Bravo, Haley! What a champ.
March 29th, 2007 | #
Sweet Haley. After all the necessary tubes and lines and pokes and prods and sores and rashes, it’s so delightful to hear that she’s also enjoying her little body dancing. And following the numbers day-to-day so far gives you a sense of joy and relief, so by all means follow the numbers when they are good. Your posts teach us all so much about living in the day you’re in, not the last one or the next one. .9 means a good day, so hooray for the good day.
We’re going to Brooklyn next week, so my comments will dry up, but not my care and affection.
March 29th, 2007 | #
Sheryl told us about your site….now we can be updated constantly when we can’t reach Grammy Helene.
Our Love and T’filot….
March 29th, 2007 | #
Dance Therapy is very intriguing. Can’t imagine what they do, but it seems to be a way to become attuned to the body via music. It also seems to be a way to get a bed-bound baby to “move”. Oviously, Haley loves it and that’s wonderful. We’re so happy to hear the rising blood count number and hope it increases every day. We also hope the CAT scan results were good and nothing to worry about. We look forward to hearing more good news.
March 29th, 2007 | #
good showing by haley. – can anna count up to nine yet – i think this counting may absolve you from the omer this year. our love to the family.
March 29th, 2007 | #
AHHHHHHHHHH!!! That’s a big sigh of relief coming from the Fisher Clan. Keep rising, Sunshine!
XOX, Colleen and the boys
March 30th, 2007 | #
Chag shamaeach and lots of love. Thinking about Haley each and every day.
Clare and Jeremy
April 8th, 2007 | #