Today was day +10. Today, Gracie's doctors lowered her pain medications, which is good news. They are still having some challenges managing the fluid levels in her body - dehydration and over-hydration in the same little body. They are running tests to determine where the fluids are being and not being retained. Hopefully nothing to be concerned about.
We also got her labs back, and her white blood cell count actually hit 0.1! At least we know something is happening in there. That number is still too low to really matter, but it's something. The doctors don't pay too much attention to the count until it reaches 0.5. At that point, they focus in on specific sub-types of white blood cells, most importantly cells called neutrophils.
Our friend Rylie, who is at Day +11 today also has a blog, and her parents did a pretty good job of describing what's happening with the white cell counts and why they matter. Rather than recreate it here, follow this link and you will get a better sense for what these numbers mean.
http://ryliehays.blogspot.com/2008/05/about-cell-counts.html
We picked up Muntz last night, so he got to spend some time with Sarah and Gracie today. Noni wasn't feeling well today, so she stayed home to rest. Uncle Mack has been a little out of pocket for the last day or two, but Noni and Muntz tell me that Gracie seems to be feeling a little bit better than she was a few days ago. She's been a little more active, playing a little bit more, gabbing, smiling, and drinking water every once in a while.
She still has the sores in her mouth and throat, which are creating a lot of mucus. She coughs every once in a while, but hasn't yet figured out how to hock a big lugie and spit it all out. Despite her roots, she didn't come out of the womb a certified redneck. :) Anyway, the coughing is uncomfortable and upsets her.
Her diaper rash has cleared up, thanks to the Bag Balm. Sarah says it's "the bomb," but I thought she was just calling it "the balm." Silly uncle mack. Anyway, it's in your local walmart pet section, and it has magical healing powers. I'm going to start bathing in it regularly and I'm also going to buy stock in the company that makes it.
Hope you are all doing well. We need lots of prayers as we start scrutinizing lab results and cell counts, as well as to deal with hassles like mouth sores and fluid levels. Thanks for all of your support.
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5 comments:
Hello!
Still sending out hugs and prayers to Gracie and her family. I know this is so dificult right now! Today Lauren is one year post transplant! How can time fly and drag on at the same time!?!
Just stopping in to tell Gracie's cells to GROW GROW GROW! Can't wait to see numbers shooting upwards soon and pray these 'wet lungs' are remedied quickly.
Love & Hugs!
Kindall & Lauren
C'mon WBC - we want a 0.5 and more!!! Glad to hear everyone has made it MN, safe and sound! Hugs to all!
Glad to hear that Gracie is doing well despite all she is going through. Here is hoping the labs continue to come back with good news!
Yay for Day +10!!! Still praying for her to heal fast and be more comfortable from all those awful side effects. That's great to hear the diaper rash is gone, it sounded so painful. I can't wait to hear the good news with her counts going up!
Heal Fast Sweet girl!!! I just saw a later post that says there is cell growth but I wanted to start where I had left off! I'm so glad the diaper rash is better. I hate that for her because you KNOW it has to be uncomfortable. Love you Gracie!!
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