Quiet weekend in the hospital

Not much going on, yesterday Liam had some diarrhea (likely from the antibiotics), but as a result we can't leave the room. Liam's going to need a transfusion for Platelets today, it only takes 10-15 minutes and is through his IV. 

This is all a part of our new "normal", getting transfusions is expected. And unfortunately fevers are going to happen as well.

Liam had a fever Friday morning, then he didn't have a fever again until the afternoon. He didn't have a fever Saturday or so far this morning.

We won't be leaving the hospital until Liam's blood counts come back. Nadir is the expected period when the blood counts drop, should end about today, and his blood counts should start going up tomorrow.

Blood counts today:

	Liam's Count	Normal Range	When take action
White Blood Cells	0.1	4.0-14.0	n/a
Hemoglobin	100	110-157	<80
Platelets	31	150-400	<10-20
ANC	0

Blood counts today

Liam should not look as good as he does or have the energy he does with these numbers! Liam's colour isn't great, but he doesn't look very bad.

Liam is getting a blood transfusion for his hemoglobin, this takes about 3-4 hours. So now Liam is getting antibiotics and blood instead of just antibiotics.

Woke with a fever

Liam woke up with a fever this morning, so off we went to the Children's Hospital. Liam got checked out by the doctor, he's still in a good mood, although he was extra cuddly this morning, our first sign something was wrong.

They treat fevers seriously when he doesn't have white blood cells, once Liam has a fever, they treat with antibiotics right away for at least 48 hours, so we'll be in the hospital for the weekend.

Our amazing new play set

Thanks to everyone who contributed to our amazing new play set. I am so touched by everyone who contributed, thank you to my Mom for organizing. And thanks to Alex and my Dad for helping us build it, and thanks to Roberta and Tanya for helping me keep the children out of the yard during construction. It is timely since we now have to be aware of being in public places when Liam's white blood count is down.

We've had some rainy days, but today was very nice outside, we got the swings up and Liam was loving it in no time. We didn't think Liam was going to try the slide, it was a bit intimidating at first, Grandpa went with Liam the first couple times. After that, Liam went over and over and over...

Liam has always been a cautious guy, but he is a bit more cautious now, he does stumble easy, but he runs through the grass with no problem now.

I think we are going to get a LOT of use out of the play set! The challenge is when we actually need to be inside...

Blood cell counts

We are learning the chemo cycle as we go, Liam is currently at the point where his counts are expected to be at the lowest. He has next to no white blood cells right now, so Liam will have troubles fighting off viruses, etc, right now. As a result, we're not having any play dates at the moment, and not going to too many public places. Except the hospital, a germ factory! They keep tight wraps on the oncology unit though, they try to keep the contagious people out as much as they can.

Weekly Clinic Appointment

Liam woke up really happy, but then wanted to lay down, and was sick for a while this morning.

This afternoon Liam has his checkup, bloodwork, and his weekly chemo, the weekly chemo is just injected, so it is quick. Because of Liam's symptoms, they put us in isolation, in an exam room, but the doctor is happy with how Liam is doing.

As expected today, Liam's blood counts are low, he's on the verge of needing a blood transfusion, but because he's looking and feeling pretty good, they didn't do one today. If Liam starts feeling worse, we'll take him in for one, it takes 3-4 hours, they'll do it as outpatient.

Cycle 1 Day 8 of 21

Looking so good today