Todays counts:

ANC 400 (normal 2000-6600+)
Platelets 220 (normal 140-400)
Hemoglobin 12.0 (normal 11.0-15.0)

We went to clinic today because Eli's left toe is looking really angry again. We just can't get over this ingrown toe nail!! Hopefully once we are in maint. we can get it fixed, but for now we just take more antibiotics. He is also experiencing some pretty bad diaper rash, which is never fun. I am doing everything the wound care nurse in the hospital recommended, so hopefully it will get better soon. I went ahead and had them draw the blood so we don't have to go back until next Wednesday. He is supposed to be admitted that day for some Cytoxin...hopefully the counts will be back up to 750 so we can get going.

Eli has gone from eating chicken to eating "ravioli". Actually it is cheese tortolini...I am cooking it constantly. He is wanting chips in the middle of the night...much easier than cooking chicken. His sleeping isn't very good...at least we only have 2 more days of these terrible steroids..

Jacob had an amazing time at camp...I knew he would. He said he didn't miss up at all, which I am betting is probably right. He can't wait to go back next year. This week he is at camp invention and Sam is at the Holy Cross VBS. They both seem to enjoy it. Trying to keep them busy this summer has been tough. I can't believe summer will be over soon. Part of me feels guilty that I have "wished away" this summer because of Eli. I just want it to be over so we can get to maint. and maybe some normalcy. I know I said at the beginning of all of this that it is truly a marathon....but living it is so different from simply saying the words. I wake up and think....boy we have been doing this for almost 8 months...but I have almost 3 yrs to go....WOW. But we WILL get there and we WILL beat this thing. I do believe that.

Hope you have a good week.

Maria

I am thankful that Eli will finish his steroids this week. I am thankful that we haven't had any really terrible side effects from this round of chemo. I am thankful for my wonderful family that gives me joy every day.