May 16, Day +19, We have killers!

Hunter had his first visit to outpatient clinic this morning.  It could not have gone any better.  Let me just go ahead and say that we got the results back from his white blood cell function test.  

100% of his new white blood cells killed bacteria.

Before his transplant, 0% of his cells were capable of killing bacteria.  Not a single one in his entire body.

But now....

Hunter's donor cells have taken over.

It worked.

The Lord has blessed us beyond measure.

Hunter checked in first thing this morning and was taken to a room for his blood draw.  They brought him warm blankets and it was private and filtered so he could take off his mask.  While they waited for his blood test results from the lab, he got his IV infusion for the day.  He did his Bible reading for the day and drank a coke.  

While we still haven't gotten back the DNA test, there were tears of rejoicing when we heard that his white cells were killers.  Hunter's own cells have never been able to kill bacteria, so that alone tells us that Hunter's white cells are donor cells engrafted in his marrow.  Mark and Jana have waited 28 years to be able to say that Hunter now can fight off infections.    

Hunter was checked out by his doctor, and gave him the good news that his WBC was 4.34 and platelets up to 134.  His neutrophils were 54%.  Hunter's WBC is already in the bottom range of normal, though his immune system is far far away from being normal.  What exciting news!  

Debbie and Jenny sent a shipment of cakes to give out.  We think it doesn't hurt to come bearing gifts:) 

I made a grocery run, then met Hunter and Jana back at the RV from across town.  Home is where Hunter is, so it felt good to be back where I belong.

 Hunter wanted to get out for a snack, so we hit up Sonic.  In case you were wondering, I did not get a hot fudge lava brownie;)

 When we got back, Hunter felt up to a walk.  He made it all the way around the lake, almost a half mile.  The nurses were impressed he was able to get himself up to the clinic without an wheelchair, so he continues to exceed their expectations.  He's a stud!

 Jana grilled us pork chops for dinner on our outdoor cooker.  We're pretty spoiled down here.  Hunter ate really well.  It's been a good day!

Thank you for all your kind and encouraging words regarding my little panic attack.  I enjoyed my time with my Uncle Tim and Lenora and they really spoiled me with dinner on the lake, lots of sleeping, and peace and quiet.  I left in a much better place mentally, ready to jump back into the process recovery.  Thanks you two, love you lots!

 To top off all our good news, I opened up a package from Abilene, and pulled out pictures of my guys.  Macey and Ashley had conspired together and secretly done a photo session with the boys for Mother's Day.  I had to take pictures of the pictures to get them on the blog, but I think you can see they're pretty priceless.  Jana got one of all four of her grandbabies together, and they sure are a cute bunch.  Thank you to all of you who got together and were in on the surprise.  We will always remember this Mother's Day, as it was Hunter's engraftment day.  This was beyond thoughtful and very much appreciated.  I'm pretty impressed that no one spilled the beans.  I love Team Hanner!

We do have a few things on our mind tonight.  Hunter's left arm is still swelling and puffy from all the trauma to get his PICC line inserted.  We would love for it to go down.  Tonight when we tried to flush one of the lines on his port it was plugged.  This happens a lot, apparently.  We go back to the clinic tomorrow to get that fixed.  We would love for prayers that it's nothing, because we haven't had the best luck with our lines.  Also, please continue to pray for Hunter's strength and immune system to continue to build and for protection from infection.  God has blessed our journey towards healing in so many ways.