Thursday, May 31, 2007

Neutrophils Dropping -- Yeah!

I am writing this blog, while still in bed from the hotel room. I have been extremely tired lately, so last night it was decided that after dinner I go to bed and try and get as much sleep as I possible could. Fourteen hours later I emerged from my sleep and have decided to write today's blog.

Yesterday afternoon Nana and Gaga volunteered to watch Parker during visiting hours (3p-7p) while my wife and I went to Esselunga to get some cleaning supplies and then have some dinner. I made a red sauce with fresh ravioli we got from Esselunga. It was delicious. It was then that I plopped myself into bed and suggested my wife stay at the hospital tonight while I got some sleep. I told her I would be at the hospital bright and early to relieve her. She agreed. At twenty after ten that night, I woke up to see my wife coming through the door. She said that her mother was staying with Parker for the night and she would relieve her early this morning. My wife gave Parker 400 mL of milk (yes that is 13+ ounces) before he fell asleep and she left the hospital. This morning she left here at 6:45am to be at the hospital for seven. The time in the hospital is taking its tole on us but we are surviving.

As I had mention before, it is easier when Parker is doing so well. To be honest, we don't know what it is like for Parker not to act strong. Even when he was sick at a six weeks old and hooked up to oxygen he still would do his tummy time with me. Now, Parker acts like a normal child his age. He succeeds at every turn during his battle with this disease. That is all we know of Parker.

I had mention in my last article that we were waiting for blood results to come back tomorrow to see if it appeared that Parker was becoming neutropenic. The answer is Parker is on his way to becoming neutropenic. He would actually be considered moderately neutropenic from his blood result yesterday. So, we are happy. As I said, Parker does whatever is asked of him and we have never know any different.

Today is considered day +13 and tomorrow is another day in which so more major tests are done on Parker to obtain data for the study. We are hoping and expecting that Parker's neutrophils are even less than they were yesterday. Apparently, they should increase as quickly as they decreased. So during day +14 and day +21 we will have to be even more strict than we have been while Parker has been in isolation.

One of the nurses gave Parker a beach ball the other day. Parker absolutely loves it. It took him a good few minutes before being able to throw it out of the crib so I had to re-sanitise it but he loves it none-the-less.

We are missing home quite a bit lately. It is going to be a few more months before we come home but we know that we have everyones love and support from home and that too also helps us get through our time in Italy.

7 comments:

Nonno and Nonna said...

Hey Parker

Yeah! for the dropping of the Neutrophils. We are becoming so educated because of you Parker, who would have known all these terms and words a year ago.
I am so glad that you Mommy and Daddy got a little break and got to sleep at the hotel last night. You are such a good boy and very luck to have a sleep over with Nana.
We miss you guys very much, and can't wait to be together again.

love you tons
miss you even more

Nonno & Nonno

Auntie Christini said...

Dear Parky,
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! What great news...I know it's still early on, but the news is definitely positive.
You have always been a tough little boy.
I know this process has been really hard on your parents, but let them know how proud we are of them as well.
Hang in there guys! Our thoughts are with you all and we can't wait 'til your back home to us.
Love you!
Auntie Christini & Uncle Mikey xo

Auntie Natalie said...

Parker Pants,

Way to go little one...as your Daddy said you always do exactly what is needed! I can't wait to hear the good news about day +14!

I hope that your Mommy and Daddy slept well last night. They both need as much good sleep as they can get. Give your Nana an extra hug today for staying with you...I bet that you had a fun sleep-over!

Have fun with your new beach-ball! I think that means that summertime is almost here!

Love,
Auntie Natalie xoxoxox

Stacy and Brad said...

Kevin/Tracy - You two are truly amazing!!! Continue to stay strong, ok...For Parker but especially for each other!!!

Parker - You are an amazing little man!!! The next few months (even through the tougher days) will fly by and you and mommy and daddy will all be back home soon enough!!!

GREAT BIG HUGS to EVERYONE (Nana and Gaga too)!!!

Love Stacy xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Josephine DesLauriers said...

Dear Tracey & Kevin,

I want you to know that we miss you too! You are on our minds each and every day.

Both of you are strong, dedicated and devoted to your family and friends. It is not a surprise to those that love you, that your "little boy" portrays the qualities of his parents.

He is a trooper and will continue to make his Mommy and Daddy proud !!!

Love, Josephine & Kyle

Uncle Mikey said...

Hey Parker,

Congrats on the good results and numbers lately, we keep praying that everything keeps falling into place as scheduled. Stay strong and let your mommy and daddy know that we miss you guys tons and tons!! Before you know it you'll be on that plane home to family and friends who think about you daily.

Love Uncle Mikey

Elizabeth said...

Yay! I am so glad that your numbers are dropping - that is great news, Parker! I can't wait till you are home and we are able to play together!!

Hey, guess what? We got grass today, so you could even come over to MY yard to play, too! :)

Love Calder
((hugs))