Platelet Transfusion Today:

We got to the clinic early this morning because we figured he'd need a transfusion. Last Thursday when he got his outpatient chemo his counts were dropping fast. Today his platelets were as low as 15,000 - really low. We will be back on Wednesday too for blood which should perk him up. He has been really tired an inactive but doing well otherwise. Thankfully, no bugs. Looking forward to his counts coming back in a week or two.

This weekend we took Ethan and Brynn down to the cattle drive/parade they had downtown. The kids loved it. Uncle Cole then decided to take Mama to get a new pair of boots. While I haven't found a pair yet, Ethan picked out a very cute pair of brown and red ones. He is loving them!

There's your update... We will post again soon. Love ya!

Fifth Round of Chemo:

We went in Thursday, got his chemo, stayed the night, and got a whole lot of hydration. He did great and it all went smoothly. We're home now and happy things went so well. The only downer is that he was doing soooo well before he went in that it's much harder to see him struggling when he comes home from a new dose of chemo. He is so tired and is so nauseous, it's hard to see him like this every 4-6 weeks.

BUT, we are very thankful he has made so much progress. I can't wait till we are done with chemo!!! Only four more cycles to go.

We love you all and thank you for all your support. We will check in again next week.

Another check up:

We had a very quick check up yesterday. New nurse also, and, thank goodness, no problems accessing his port. Phew! Counts were decent so we don't even need to go back in next Thursday. In two weeks, we'll just check in to the hospital for the next round of chemo. Some time next week, he'll have another hearing test to see where he is at with that. They have to make sure he is not losing it due to the Cisplatin.

He is still drinking and is walking pretty darn good with his walker. His eye continues to be a little gooey, but we're chalking it up to allergies. Thus, we're all happy campers at the homestead for now!

We'll update you if anything comes up...

Have a good one!

Check up - no chemo.

Hi,

We went in Thursday for counts and, although Ethan was low, he did not need any platelets or blood. His white blood cell count was lower than usual and you can tell he is a little weak, as he is not walking as much (assisted), and seems a bit shakier overall. Usually, by this time he's doing much better, but it could change any day now. We're guessing the cumulative effects of chemo are taking hold.

On the upside of things, he drank milk from a straw today!!! This was an amazing feat for him since he has refused liquids all this time. He just hasn't had the muscle strength in his cheeks to do it but things are obviously getting better. He is eating a lot more variety now too. Cereal, ice cream, etc. These were all things he had too much trouble with before and wouldn't even attempt them. So yay, he's doing better and better!!! The right side of his face definitely has more and more expression too. The left probably does as well, but we don't notice anything obvious. We are with him everyday though, so it would be harder for us to notice subtle changes.

I'm still trying to push him really hard to get up and around with his walker. I have also started making him dress himself again. It takes him a really long time and it's in a seated position but at least he can do it most of the time.

He still has a couple more weeks before he has to check back in to the hospital for the next chemo cycle, but we'll continue to go in to check counts on Thursdays.

Thank you all for your encouraging words and support! We love and miss you all. Have a great week!

Nic & Fam