Long, but successful trip

Hey everyone!

Well, this week's one day trip turned into a two day marathon. Grant has been pretty pale for a week, and yesterday we found out why... his hemoglobin was down to 5.2, his white cells, platelets, and neutrophils were barely there also. It is to be expected during this phase of treatment, it's just part of it.

So, the doctors felt it best to give him platelets yesterday along with the chemo (several types, including the dreaded PEG shots in the legs- Grant hates them... it took 2 nurses, Emily and me holding him down to get them done. YUCK.) Anyway, he had slight fever while getting the platelets, so there was some concern. But, the fever left, and after the doctor and nurses gave Emily very specific instructions for the night, we were able to leave the clinic at 5:00 pm, with orders to come for a blood transfusion in the morning.

Em and Grant opted to go see the new Transformer movie after a little supper, and I went shopping nearby the theater for some frames to put my grandchildren's pictures in. They enjoyed the movie, but Grant was so weak after arriving at the hotel, Em had to wipe him down with cold cloths to revive him a bit.

We slept pretty good, but Grant woke up nauseated and quite unhappy. He was throwing up by the time he got up to the second floor of the clinic where he receives treatment. It took a little while to start the blood transfusion after arriving back at the clinic, but shortly after, Grant started looking and acting better. We left the clinic about 12:45 and Grant was asleep in the car before we got back on I-40.

The thing about these trips- Grant is so very fortunate to be doing as well as he is. We see so many very sick children- it will just tear your heart out. Parents are doing everything they can, it's just hard. The doctors and nurses- all the staff at the clinic are just fantastic. They have wonderful skills and fabulous personalities to deal with such dire situations for so many. I have such an appreciation for them all.

Anyway- it's been a rigorous couple of days, but the trip was successful. Grant is doing well- and feeling much better this evening. He does not have to have chemo at home this week, so we are looking forward to a better week. He will return to Chapel Hill next Tuesday.

Thanks for checking in- thanks for your love and prayers.