Day 6

We went through a few good days with no symptoms. Then he started getting some of the mouth sores and a sore throat we were expecting. He's dealing ok, but I can tell it really hurts him. He hasn't been eating or drinking, which I don't like. But he's getting what he needs through his IV.   He's done three days of school so far! He wanted to do it even though he felt yucky.  So now we are just waiting for his mouth to feel better. Not much else to report. Everything is looking good and according to schedule.

Day 2

Carter is doing well. Last night his friend came to visit and his dad brought their projector. It fit perfectly on our wall and we watched Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles. Carter had SO much fun. He was dancing and being silly. It was like we weren't even in the hospital. He's been cruising these past two days. Nights are a little rough. We are so blessed by our friends and family. Nothing makes Carter and I happier than the visits from our loved ones! He's also been enjoying flying his air hog and drone toys around the room. I'm pretty sure they are outside toys but hearing him crack up watching the helicopter crash around his hospital room is music to my ears. I would like to take a minute to say that I love Lindy Sparby and the University of Miami. It's not just fandom anymore. I love them because they continue to pour out love and support on my teeny love! Also all the Miami fans and just genuine nice people who have commented and sent prayers! We were told we probably won't see any sign of engraftment until day 20+. That will be awesome to see Carter's body rebuilding! This morning was so beautiful as I left the house and it made me remember friends and Carter playing YMCA sports on Saturday mornings. Little blessings. Can't wait to get back to that!

Day 0!

 Thank you so much to everyone who helped to make today great for Carter. We had cake, balloons, friends, silly string, blow pops. It was a great day. Carter looked a little nervous before we started. They gave him his new blood cells and THANKFULLY he did not throw up, which is a predicted side effect. He got to silly string us and zeroed in on his beloved father, of course. The team at Miami sent Carter an awesome happy birthday video and I can't say thank you enough. We watched that and his Raising Canes video before he got started. So today is day 0. He was given the cord blood cells from whom I deemed the "baby yankee" (we were told our donor was probably from the NE U.S.A.) And now we wait. He's not really hungry but he is eating a little here and there. Hopefully everything will continue to go as planned and we will begin the engraftment/healing process leaving Carter,

RENEWED!

 

Happy Birthday Carter Hucks, from the U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgXwXSDF1R4&index=1&list=FL82d6oPu57mw4veEGPrXVSg

 

Carter Renewed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tZWv_YjCM8&index=2&list=FL82d6oPu57mw4veEGPrXVSg

 

Day -2

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Carter is up and down with how he feels. One minute he's up throwing his football, the next he's feeling sick to his stomach. Thank God today is his last day of chemo. It will still be in there making him sick but at least no more is going in. He asked about it last night. Why are they giving me medicine that makes me sick? So hard for a kid to understand you have to go through the pain to get the gain. But I heard him telling himself, "You got this Carter" softly under his breath. And he does. We got some special mail from Miami yesterday and Derrick read him each one. He loved it. Thanks to everyone who's encouraged our family and my boy through this. Please keep it coming!

Day -3

Well, Carter officially feels yucky. He's mostly dealing with fevers, chills, and poopies. Lots and lots of poopies. His skin is looking a little flushed and his cheeks are getting puffy. I told him he looks like he gained weight from working out ;) . He still looks handsome! Anywho. He's doing great, all things considered and in pretty good spirits. He has been sleeping a good bit this morning. If you're in the hospital you become nocturnal. He feels gross but still loves having company. Just make sure you aren't feeling sick at all if you want to visit! From what they say, we are still in the thick of it with more to come. At least we have 2.5 days of chemo down and only 2 more to go! He will still feel gross afterwards, but at least we know he's done with yucky chemo meds that are so harsh on his little body. Second birthday coming up this Thursday(The day he gets his transplant cells). Be sure to wish him a happy birthday if you can! Now we have to have cake two days per year. What a shame!

Day -4

Today was a good day. Carter tolerated his chemo pretty well. No puke. . So far! Just some nausea and fever. He was feeling a little better too. Thanks to all of our sweet visitors! We love you!

Day -6, -5

Yesterday's radiation went well. We finished early in the morning. That afternoon was a little rough mixed with great. He threw up from the radiation but later was feeling better. We had visitors and went to the play room. Carter got a phone call that cheered him up. We saw part of the Halloween parade and Carter put his football outfit on. We went to the play room later to see the super heroes repel down the side of the building. Then they came inside and Carter walked right up to Batman with a pool stick and challenged him to a game of pool. He's really liking playing pool. The heroes were so nice! That night he was a little sad. Feeling a little emotional about the gravity of the situation. It was a late night. This morning he felt better. We donned our Kelly tough shirts and watched Duke and the canes run up the score on NC while he did chemo. He had a pretty good day but did get sick and picked up a fever. He's sleeping now and was ok when he fell asleep! Thanks to everyone who has sent well wishes and expressed concern. Sorry if I haven't responded to you! It can be a little hard to take attention off Carter.