still praying for platelets

We've been going about our busy lives the past week.  Last I blogged, Hunter was released from the hospital with a platelet count of 18.  We went back to clinic three days later and it had dipped again to 7.  He got a transfusion, platelet stimulating shot, and sent home.  He's been home a week, and today his count was 18.  Transfused platelets only live 3-5 days, so we are hopeful that the IVIG and steroids are starting to convince his immune system to lay off on the destruction of platelets.  We've been praying for a big jump, and that just hasn't happened just yet.  Living blood test to blood test is not my favorite way to be, but it's where we are right now.  So we will continue to pray for his platelet count to increase back into the normal range.  Houston did feel good enough about his progress to lower his steroids to 50 mg a day.    

I prefer to find positives in any situation, and a big blessing that has come about from the last month is Hunter's feeling in his feet is much improved.  Before he began his IVIG/steroid treatment, he was still walking very unnatural and locking his knees.  He could not lift his leg to put on pants or control his feet to put on shoes.  I am happy to report that his gait and feeling in his feet are much better.  Mentally it was tough on Hunter to not be steady to play and roughhouse with the boys.  He still has some room for improvement on his nerves, but overall is a lot better.

Got a hit...even with his eyes closed;)

 The cough that I originally thought was Caleb's asthma really ended up a respiratory virus.  No one had any fever or really felt unwell, but Caleb coughed Thursday and Friday, Clayton Sunday and Monday, and Benton Wednesday and Thursday.  Fun week.  We managed to get in Benton's baseball game, mother/son date night at church, and take in a movie in between sickness.  His doctors in Houston weren't overly concerned with our sickness at home.  It feels good to know Hunter's immune system is getting more and more developed.

Benton's fan club while Daddy was still in Houston

Stop looking so grown up!

He doesn't lack for confidence.  Mom said as he got out of the car he looked at his reflection and said "I sure look handsome." 

It's been a little bit windy here!

 Last Saturday night was our "My Son Rocks" date night at church.  We bowled, skated, ate pizza, and had a moms vs. sons dodgeball game.  We had a blast!

In the middle of our devotional time, one one Benton's friends prayed over our family.  Yes, I cried!

I helped set up, so mom brought the twins.  Thanks Honey!

Clayton preferred the hold my hand and run me around the rink method of skating.

And Caleb wanted to wear his skates and watch the action.

After a pretty disappointing clinic visit on Monday, Hunter got to come home for the first time in two weeks.  We were happy to all be together again!

 Here is what happens to your flower bed when you're gone to Disney for a week then Houston for two...

our very own beanstalk;)

 And nothing says summer like a snowcone!

Rio 2 in 3D.  Benton missed his school cowboy day for coughing, so this made it a little better!

 Hello stress relief!  I've been obsessively cleaning, decluttering, and changing winter clothes out of closets to keep my mind busy.

And just how have I been able to accomplish all on my to-do list?  Nana and G-Daddy took Caleb and Clayton to Angel Fire for the last five days.  Benton has loved being an only child, I had two days to myself while Benton was at school, and the twins have had so much fun in the mountains.  It snowed the first day they were there.

toe color-no time to be blue

Picnic and fishing at the lake

Benton has chosen all his favorite places to eat, we've been to Primetime to play putt-putt, and have been playing a nightly game of "Trouble."  And now we're ready for C&C to be back!

 

This last month has been a tough one.  We are thankful for our friends and family that continue to hang in there with us during the hard times and those of you who have kept Hunter in your prayers for well over a year now.  Pray for platelets!