Adventure Interrupted

I knew things were going entirely too well……… except for a queasy morning stomach, the chemo today was a breeze and this afternoon we met up with the wonderful Mr. Grant at the US Mint where we were even treated to “rock star” parking – if I can borrow the exact words from Jenn and Traci. Christi was excited about returning to the US Constitution Center– just across the street from the Mint because she didn’t have enough time there this summer.

The special Franklin exhibit was excellent. After spending about 30 minutes there I decided to call the hospital because I was curious about her blood counts. When I heard a hemoglobin of “five” and a “did we know about this”, etc. I knew things were not well. I told them that we were treated to a special trip we had just started enjoying and that she was zipping around the museum, not cold and her lips look fine so could we please stay until 5:00 when it closed and then come for her blood transfusion? Well, that just got me a “Someone will call you back.” (Her hgb. was 9.5 on Monday and with no outward signs of bleeding there had to be internal bleeding with a hgb. now of 5.0. I was getting worried.) Soon the call came back from the Nurse Practitioner telling me how about a compromise of enjoying the museum for 45 more minutes and then getting right back to the hospital because they wanted to re-test her hemoglobin because it was such a jump and if it really was five it was an emergency situation; she was having internal bleeding. So I told Christi that we would go back to the Constitution Center when we could put on the Supreme Court Justice robes and read and decide upon those important cases and spend as much time as she wants there, but right now we had to turn around and rush back to CHOP. (She and Harriet did manage to get sworn in as US Presidents as we hustled out the door.)

Thankfully, after it was retested it was 7.6 indicating that yes she needs a blood transfusion, but that it can wait until morning. Knowing that may interfere with our fights home for tomorrow, I asked if we should even go home fearing what the answer would be. (Shayne mentioned, “They’re not going to let you go home now.” when I first called him at the Constitution Center in a panic today.) Pat explained with her ANC being so low already, her counts now falling fast and some other things that it would be dangerous to return home for the five days like we had planned. As usual, Christi took the news better than I. I’m really sad. Even if we weren’t going home for long – we were going home. UGH! How I hate this evil cancer monster!

Being greeted by the sweet social worker here at Ronald we learned that there are a few families with “stomach viruses” staying here now. With Christi having a very weakened immune system, she should stay in our room; therefore, Christi will be permitted to eat in our room. (She was happy about that! Watching TV and eating – wow!) Tomorrow when she realizes that Harriet and Elizabeth will be setting sail back to the island, I’m certain there will be big tears – from all four of us. I can't even explain the comfort, support and blessings they have been to me this entire week. (And making the nurses laugh when looking at the three of them putting "tongue tatatoos" on their tongues at the hospital. Soooooooo funny!)

White: 1.4 (low)
Hgb. 7.6 (low) Transfusion tomorrow
Platelets 50 (low) Transfusion probably on Monday here at CHOP
ANC 560 (Yikes! Falling fast! Praying a fever doesn’t accompany it! She does so much better when she’s not in the hospital!)

**Shayne's been very busy with work and with Shayla. When/if time permits, he'll add some photos I took of Christi and the Explorers to these past two entries.

Now of to cancel our flights!