"Blood Transfusion Day"

The doctors examined Christi this morning and believe that her counts will come up; it’s just a matter of waiting this out – and then for Dr. Maris to decide what chemos and when to start with the next round. Fast decisions were being made during her rapid progression a couple weeks ago, and I know how hard you have to slap “a freight train” and I questioned Dr. Maris after he decided on the TVD combo. “Do you think you’re hitting her hard enough?” I told this morning’s doctors to let Dr. Maris know that– he hit her hard enough and I’ll stay out of his future decision making! She’s still down!

This morning’s blood counts were:
0.8 white (yikes, still no ability to fight infection now going on a week)
6.4 hemoglobin (whole red blood cell transfusion needed)
38 platelets (decreased)
ANC 0 (Yes, that is back to zero today, ugh.)

After Mom arrived, I went out for 40 minutes of fresh air. The temp is 65 in Philly today and I had a lovely walk. When I returned, Christi was SITTING UP, WATCHING PBS, and EATING much to my delight!!!!!! (I hadn’t witnessed that much activity in a week!) I said, “What’s this? I guess I should leave more often.” She softly said, “Pain meds, Mom”. She said she could eat some more soft food so I started offering everything I knew I could obtain even though I doubted if she’d still be hungry upon my return. She sent me back out – for Chinese food. Upon that return she wanted pepperoni which Nonee then obtained from the cafeteria. (Not exactly the foods I’d like after not eating for nine days, but guess to each his/her own. And I guess I’ve never gone nine straight days without food.) I hope she keeps up this new trend!

Grandma Nonee took phone calls and catered to Christi while I was out and then this afternoon she went to Barnes and Nobles for Christi’s latest book of interest. “Who Put that Hair on My Toothbrush?” by Jerry Spinelli. (So sweet, Ms. Chicago!) And speaking of hair, she noticed that her pillowcase was full of many strands of hair this morning. She says that her soft, pink cap Aunt Marty sent her makes her head feel better. She still says that her head feels like there are little pins sticking in it. And speaking of Aunt Marty, (leave it to my Godmother) she located a Siamese kitten from a breeder in Ohio and she’s willing to get it for her great niece. (Hold off, Aunt Marty! I’m afraid it’d lead to Shayla asking for a puppy next!!! Oh my!) I understand that during Shayla’s birthday party when Aunt Marty was visiting with Christi stuck in her bed she asked Aunt Marty for a Siamese kitten and told her, “Mom can’t control what other people get me for my birthday.” (Christi’s body may be exhausted, but her mind’s not. She knew to select another “Animal Lover” and one who is a big pushover!!)

Four weeks ago, our life was very different. I had booked a room at Cedar Point’s new hotel / indoor water park “Castaway Bay” for tonight since we don’t have school tomorrow. (They were having a $89.00 mid-week special which included a hotel room and two days of water park passes for four.) I’m saddened that Christi isn’t feeling better and that we’re not all together in Sandusky, Ohio tonight. Thanks, Paw Paw for calling “Castaway Bay” and canceling our reservation. (This indoor waterpark actually has an indoor roller coaster – we thought it’d be perfect for the little Cedar Point rollercoaster riding princess – Christi! Hopefully, another time. Regardless, it’s still sad. I miss Shayne and Shayla so much!)

The first unit of blood is now complete. We played “Clue” while she received it. Currently, the second unit is being put up.

GOOD NEWS: NO MORE SHOTS! They'll be able to give her the meds via her IV.