And Again
He needed platelets again yesterday. And again today.
His body just can’t keep hold of them. I don’t really understand the science behind it but something about his antigens “chewing them up.” Yesterday was actually our “quick” day as it lasted only four-and-a-half hours and we were out in time to pick Braedan up from school. Today took longer because about thirty minutes after his transfusion, he broke out in hives. An allergic reaction to some of the antibodies in his donor platelets, not terribly uncommon but concerning nonetheless. So, a quick dose of Benadryl through his line and a sudden nap and we were released shortly after 5.
Braedan is so completely easy-going that he is thrilled with whomever picks him up from school, however unexpected, and he had a great afternoon jumping on the trampoline of our friends. That definitely makes things easier. Plus the fact that everyone seems to enjoy having him over. He’s endlessly chatty and adores grown-ups, so I don’t feel too guilty for foisting him on people at the last minute. Plus he’s not one of those kids whose favorite activity is “dumping” (you know, dumping containers of toys onto the floor but never playing with any of them).
We’re due back in the clinic in the morning and expect to have to go in over the weekend too for at least blood counts if not transfusions, which means briefly checking into the in-patient floor since the clinic is closed.
Nothing brilliant to say right now except I. Am. Tired.
I don’t know if it helps…but I remember my platelets being 11…then 7…then rising to a grand 18…then dropping again. The transfusions never seemed to hold. My body just rejected them. I hope that a little time will help Austin’s platelets come back up again. Hang in there, it’s very difficult. And oh…those trips to the hospital that were supposed to be just an hour and a half and ended up being forever. I was so angry at everyone and usually found one or two nurses or technicians to really focus my anger on. Poor people! But here we are, 6 years later. You will be, too.
Krissy, I know you already know this, but nothing’s ever quick at the hospital. And the more chemo cycles they go through, the longer it takes and the more difficult the process for the bone marrow to bounce back again. So you’ve just got to hang in there, which I know you already know. Just keep moving those marbles from one jar to the other …… and keep on keepin’ on……. you will get through this.
Barbara
I was waiting for Steve to pick me up and caught a glimpse of you running probably from Bolwell to the garage while carrying Austin in your arms. The expressinon on your face said it all. It was cold and windy and rush hour and you looked tired. I wanted to say Hi but you had an agenda, getting Austin ins a warm car and home. I read your posts daily and I remember you at Austins age, and my heart is with you every day. When the hours go on and on remember, Ghosts in the graveyard, the playhouse and the plays you and Jen used to put on for your Grandma and all of us, Camp Christopher. I think going to good times as a child will help make the time pass even faster.