Most of you are still asleep as I write this but me, I just got back from the grocery store where I bought some nice healthy vegetables for lunch and dinner. I made sure to go to the grocery store that is a little further away this morning so that I got a few extra steps in to keep me healthy.
For those of you who are curious, my blood pressure has been absolutely fine the past few days. To be honest, I think cutting down on the chocolate (which I do not normally have) and increases the amount of water consumption (which I also don't normal have) probably made the biggest impact. Regardless, that is enough about me.
My wife, Nana and Gaga have been doing all of the work the past few days since I have taken a few days to rest. Actually, my wife made me. I am extremely thankful that Nana and Gaga have been here to do this. Nana has been doing my nights and Gaga hangs out with Nana during visiting hours. I may be going there this evening to sleep, but that is up to my wife's discretion.
As of yesterday, Parker is severely neutropenic. That means that his neutrophils are 500 or below. Normally, not having an innate immune system, in addition to an adaptive one (lymphocytes) would be extremely bad. But, as I have mentioned several times in the past couple of weeks, this is what we want. The Bulsulfan (chemotherapy) is suppose to have this effect so that the new bone marrow cells have a chance to work while the old ones are not. That is what is referred to as the unfair advantage or "making space".
Blood was taken from Parker this morning, and I am sure the results will return soon. We expect Parker to be severely neutropenic for a little while before his neutrophils begin to increase. That is why it is extremely important to be extra precautious around Parker during this period. My wife has recently been very focused on making sure that the cleaning staff that come in to Parker's room have been aware of the severity of the situation. Why? Because at times they do not seem to be. As for the nurses? Absolutely amazing as usual. We just want to keep Parker in the best possible state for the gene therapy to work with its most effectiveness.
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4 comments:
Hello My Little Parker Pants,
It seems so strange to be saying this...but I am so happy that your numbers are dropping as they need to be...I am used to wishing for your numbers to be higher!! Good for you little one. You are such a superhero! Do you think you are more like Spiderman, Batman, or Superman? I bet that you are totally unique!! What would you like your superhero name to be? I will keep thinking until I can think of a name that is totally deserving!
Yahoo Kevin!! I am so glad that your blood pressure is behaving! Way to go on the walking and water! I have been hoping for good news!
Lots of love,
Auntie Natalie xoxoxoxox
Parker:
What have we all been telling you all along? That your numbers would drop when they needed to drop, and rise when they needed to rise!
You are such a fantastic little boy to be making your body do exactly what you (and the rest of us) all want it to do for you to be healthy. BRAVO little guy!!
Keep your strength up, Kev. Parker & Trace need you to be healthy too. Look after yourselves over there, DesLauriers family!
Nana & Gaga - keep your eyes on those three - you know as well as the rest of us do that they always give 1000000 percent and never quit or give up. Just be sure that they (T&K) take a few minutes each day to refuel their souls, not only for Parker, but for each other. A strong marriage makes for strong children.
Lots of love,
Auntie Kari
xo
YAy! Congratulations on being Neutropenic! Yes, that's what we want! You just keep chugging away there, Parker darling and show everyone what you're made of - strong stuff!!
Yay, Kevin - glad to see that your numbers are behaving as well - Tracy and Parker need a healthy guy in you! :)
Take care and missing you all,
Elizabeth
Hey Parker,
I am so glad that your numbers are dropping, now we need to get your smart cells to doing there job and multiply zillions.
Thank you to Nana and Gaga for coming through again and again sleeping over.
Stay strong DesLauriers
we are counting the days
love you tons
miss you even more
Nonno & Nonna
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