Respect the Stach

Carter is taking a medicine that is gross and makes him hairy. He has developed an adorable fuzzy nose and prepubescent stach. We got a good report from the doctor today. His platelet count was up to 152 which I think might actually be normal. His other two counts were good too which means his baby cord blood is doing his body good. They were monitoring for viruses after last visit they saw some possible action but today everything is still down in a safe range and not a threat. Still pretty nervous about him getting sick, but keeping him masked up and sanitized seems to be doing the trick. He's getting a little bored but I'm sure this week he will feel better! Merry Christmas to all! 

Day 41

 

Ok.SO SORRY for the delay in an update! This is Carter on the day we left the hospital!

 

 

Some of the amazing staff that cared for him.

 

 

Nick, an awesome nurse that cared for Carter.

 

 

 

 

Breaking out! This was the first time Carter was in this part of the hospital since he was admitted.

 

 

Finally home!

 

Ok. So to update everyone on Carter's progress.

Yesterday the doctor called and said the results of his bone marrow test show that his marrow is 100% donor. I'm not 100% sure what that means, but I'm fairly certain it means that his body has accepted his transplant and allowed the new marrow to "move in" as we say. The doctor said she was really happy about that!

 

Carter has been eating like a horse and has the cutest puffy cheeks due to his steroids. He's still on a lot of meds as they try to prevent his old immune system from trying to fight off the new stuff and keep him free from any infections.

 

We've had a few little virus scares here and there but nothing serious so far. We are trying to keep him mostly isolated with a few visitors here and there, as long as they are feeling well. He got a sweet set up in his room and a new desk so he's been doing a lot of Legos and doing school each afternoon with his teacher.

 

Thank you to so many of you who have sent cards, little gifts, and love and support. We have received so much! Every little bit has helped make Carter feel so happy. I really am at peace with where he is mentally as he seems very content and glad to be home with his family!

 

Oh, and we found out that he IS allowed to eat food from restaurants as long as they have an A rating, and so he has had wings like three times in the past two weeks. He is obsessed with hot wings.

 

His doctors are looking for day 100 as the next big milestone, but also said he won't be out of the woods for a few more months.

 

 

Day 28

I'm late in posting about our release because I took some amazing photos the day we left the hospital but have yet to upload them with the chaos of the last few days. We left the hospital on Monday and brought Carter home. He was so happy to be back in his own room. He had crab and steak for dinner. The next day he started to have some pain when using the bathroom and also some blood, which they say can be from chemo or a virus. So we are waiting to hear back from that. On Monday he gets another biopsy of his bone marrow done to see how things are working and also he gets one of his lines removed. The doctor said his body is mostly donor cells.. she couldn't find the percentage but said it was high and she was happy. That shows that the transplant is taking and the donor cells. .the cells that work. .are doing their job! Giving him his meds at home freaks me out since there are so many. I also have to hook up his iv lines to various things. Everything is going ok though and Carter is eating like a madman. Just taking it one jam packed day at a time. 

Day 21

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! We are very much looking forward to seeing some of our family and friends today and eating some of Mr. Rob's she-crab soup. We are looking at possibly going home Monday. We are very thankful today for that and for all of the love and support we have gotten. We have gotten letters from people we didn't even know. Mail and gifts from so many people. Letters and a bracelet from a kid he didn't even know. It's been an amazing help in keeping our spirits high. Carter is feeling great! Eating baby bell cheeses and drinking lots of Gatorade. He's unhooked from his IV a lot during the day since he's primarily using it for fluids. Carter will have a pretty extensive home care plan! We will have to stay pretty isolated except for visitors and trips outside with a mask. I'll have to give him his meds three times a day and also care for his broviac lines by flushing them etc. Good thing Derrick and I have been doing some work in Carter's room, making it more fun. He's gotten really big into doing Legos. Thanks to everyone who gave him a kit. When we get home I plan on displaying them on shelves! He's also taken a liking to reading minecraft books and making things out of them. Right now he and his dad are building a Pagoda. Hope you all enjoy your family and be thankful today for what you've been blessed with!

Day 17

Today's ANC: 6,000! But, like the doctor says, they are baby cells. His immune system still has to be protected. She said she very rarely let's a patient go before day 30 unless they are doing over the top awesome. Carter is doing really well but still has to get back to eating and drinking. We've been exercising by walking the halls and watching movies. Right now he is watching Remember the Titans.

Day 15

Wow! Time is flying along. Carter's ANC is up to 2030. The doc says that shows engraftment. They sent off some blood today to see whose cells are in there. Carter or the donor cells. I think the goal is to have all donor. Should get those results soon. He's feeling well. Other than a few things here and there. Overall he is doing much better now that his mouth and throat sores are healing and now that he can go play in the playroom. We were told we might get to go home around or before day 30. Thank you to everyone who has sent gifts and cards and came by to visit. You have helped our stay be much much more positive! And we loooove you for it!

Day 11

Today was a great day. Carter's ANC is up to 200. His immune system is growing! Once he gets to 500 he gets to go to the playroom and once he gets to around 2,000 we get to go home! He also had a few things to drink today and ate a few nibbles of food. His throat is starting to feel better. We got some awesome packages in the mail today. Some sweet cards, a Sebastian stuffed animal (immediately was snuggled), tee shirts, activity books and more fabulous Hurricanes stuff. Thanks to everyone who sent us something and to everyone who continues to visit and pray for Carter. His doctor said she was "thrilled" with his progress.