May 9, Day +13

We had a pretty laid back day today.  Hunter's port is holding steady.  It's still a little red, and he's run a low fever in the night.  Cultures and bloodwork have all been negative, so the current plan is to watch and let the antibiotics take care of whatever might be going on.

His white count is continuing to climb.  Today's WBC is 0.75.  We are so excited to watch this number climb.  His platelets increased all on their own.  Just as we've been told, Hunter's mouth and throat have felt tons better today.  He says it would feel like a strep or sickness sore throat today.  I shudder to think of how much he's truly been hurting over the last few days.  I guess you have to go through the valley to appreciate the climb out of it.  He has eaten soft food and it's no longer a problem to drink.  His extra secretions are all but gone.  We are thinking his stomach has shrunk quite a bit because even though he's dreamed of food for several days he doesn't have much of an appetite.  Despite his lack of appetite, Hunter ate cinnamon rolls, a smoothie, fish and squash for lunch, and cheesy rice with a boost for dinner.  Yay, Hunter!!!  He was able to lose his constant drip of morphine, which was one of the things that needed to happen before he can get out of the hospital.  His body is feeling a few new aches without the drip. 

Last night wasn't the most restful for Hunter.  I know his port was on his mind.  He has been pretty sleepy today as a result.  The condition of his face has been bugging him as well.  One of the side effects of the chemo was a rash all around his mouth and on his chin.  The rash has since dried up, but the healed dead skin seemed to get thicker by the day.  As a result of the rash and low platelets he hasn't shaved in several weeks.  He is rapidly losing all his hair, and lots of his facial hair has wiped off.  The combination of remaining whiskers and dead skin was itchy and scaly.  He was ready for it to be gone.  His mommy fixed him up today with a little pampering.  Under normal circumstances, this would have never happened, but he sure felt better after his hot washcloth soak got rid of his stubble and skin.

So fresh and smooth, and ready for a nap.

It looks like Aunt E and Michael had fun getting the boys ready for school this morning.  We got a good laugh about our mini-Michaels in cutoff shorts, moccs, and slicked over hair.  Anyone that is willing to feed the boys breakfast, dress them, pack their lunches, and drive them to school is welcome to dress them in any manner they choose. {as long as it's cute, of course}

Tomorrow makes two weeks since his transplant.  Every day still feels like a miracle, and we are mindful of the sacrifice of our donor every day when we hear his counts.  His doctor feels like we have excellent donor cells and a very determined patient!  Continue to pray for Hunter's baby cells, for infection to stay away, for those of us taking care of all Hunter's needs, and for our little guys that we're away from.