Smiley Asher

Today is day 22 of induction chemotherapy. Asher continues to tolerate the treatment well. Two days ago he receieved an antibody transfusion to build his immune system for fighting viruses. He was given Tylenol and Benadryl before the infusion started because there was a good chance that he would have a reaction. The nurses watched closely for trouble breathing, fever, hives and chills. Of course the little guy breezed right through it with no trouble at all. It is scary when the medical staff feels the need to be so close by, but they always assure us that they can handle any reaction with ease. I am just happy that treatment is over.

His ANC numbers have finally started dropping. It is an expected side effect of the chemo but Asher’s numbers stayed high for so long it was kind of a bummer to see them drop. The numbers are checked daily and his went from 3,500 to 950 to 510 and this morning they are 320. Anything under 500 is considered “neutropenic” and means he is at a high risk for getting sick with an infection/fever. I will know more about what this means after the doctors round this morning. I assume there will be more restrictions on where he can go, so we’ll see if he is still allowed in the playroom. His numbers could go to zero before rebounding, eeek. We would appreciate some prayers that they start rising again ASAP.

We are more than half way through this stay and looking forward to our estimated discharge date of December 2nd!!!

A much happier Asher post steroids.

Biking riding for OT/PT (the only way we can get him to wear clothes)