Counts:

ANC 860 (normal 2200-6000+)
WBC 3700 (5000-11000)
Platelets 357 (140-440)
Hemoglobin 12.8 (11.0-15.0)

Yes, I am late in writing this...sorry. Yesterday went about as well as it could have, but it was still a VERY long day. All in all we were there from 8-3:30. The timing wasn't that bad, the bad thing was that Eli was NPO (NO food or drink) from 9pm on Tuesday night until he woke up from his LP at around 1pm Wed. That is no fun for anyone, especially a two year old. But, as usual he was a trooper (an extremely crabby trooper, but a trooper nonetheless!)

Eli's blood looks good, although his ANC was much lower than I thought it would be because he hasn't gotten chemo in a week...but the docs weren't the least bit concerned and the numbers were high enough (over 750) for him to begin treatment.

The LP went off without any problems, they said everything looked fine. Then we got 2 chemos and our monthly antibiotic pentamadine. Then we got to go home. Eli also started his steroids last night, so we will see how that goes. When we were in the hospital they gave him the liquid steroids and they tasted horrible...so it was hard to take them. The doc said we could try the pills this time and that has gone much better. We simply crush them up and mix in the bubble gum snow cone syrup and he doesn't complain a bit....YEA!!

I got to go to a little get together my bible study had last night. One of our members is moving to Memphis. Jean has been such a wonderful example of really practicing what you preach. She is an amazing woman, with an amazing knowledge of the bible...we will really miss her. I had a really good time seeing everyone again..but it was a little bit bittersweet at the same time. I really miss being involved at church, especially with this group of women. I know, "do not be discouraged"!!! When we come out of this in 2010 with Eli healthy again it will be worth it....I would do it 10 times over to have a healthy boy!!! Enough of my pity party....it is a "different" summer for us and I think I am still adjusting to all of it.

Our church is having a blood drive on July 23 in "honor" of Eli. Please come out and give a pint. I am also trying to get the bone marrow registry folks there to register people. All it takes is a swab and you are done. We are looking for a sponsor that would be willing to pay $25 per person for the registry. The Red Cross is paying half, but we need a sponsor the pay the other half. If I can't make this happen for July, I will try for the fall. If I have learned nothing from the past 6 months it is the importance of giving blood products and registering your marrow!!!!

I hope everyone has a good weekend.

Livestrong,

Maria