Austin - Day 6 - December 8, 2013

The update …

Good news!

It looks like the treatment is working, they started on oral steroids today, and he doesn't have an IV in now, might need one later.

His hemoglobin is up to 7.3 and there are other positive indicators in his lab work.

He's looking good too since mom got him in the bath this AM, Dad shaved him and cleaned his hair.       

And on Facebook …

Keep your fingers crossed, we should be able to go home today. Hemoglobin is holding steady at 7.3 and Bilirubin (what made him jaundiced) is down from 10 to 1. Doctor will be by this am.

No news will be good news - that I'm packing him up, taking him home and getting him settled. 

Hugs and thank you all for being a member of my support and prayer team, Sal

And a later update …

Hope I'm not bugging y'all.

Darn that hemoglobin count, it went back down to 6, we’re staying another night at the Henry Ford Hospital Hilton.

Did a quick run home to shower and change clothes (Jer was with him but we just missed each other when I got back since he had to get Gen to a hockey game). I borrowed a pair of Natalie's yoga pants, going for comfort since it's getting old sleeping in my clothes.  Stopped at Soltz's and bought Austin some of his favorite hot dogs (and buns).  Before you know it we might be taking over their fridge, got his Grape Juicy Juice there as well.

History Channel is back on, hope he doesn't pick up anything worse than Dumb Ass from Pawn Stars (one of his favorite shows along with American Pickers), I've already told him I get to watch "Once Upon a Time" at 8, Mom gets dibs.

And in case you're wondering - I've already been told "Nice Hair Babes" a thousand times today.  .

He’s starting his third time of IVIG, discouraged because it’s starting late and it takes a long time.  I’m a little concerned about all the meds he’s on, they have to give him Zantac to combat the heartburn related to the other treatments and his folic acid is low, need to give him something for that.  Didn’t keep his food down today, might give him something for that (I’m holding that off a little seeing if it will change).

Hugs, Sally.

And once again from Facebook, a little humor to keep me sane …

Adventures in the "D", Last evening as I went to redo my sticker to spend the night, stepped outside of the gates to indulge in my habit (I know shame, but five times a day, if I get that lately, isn't so bad). A gentleman named Tyrel came up and started talking to me, yes we had a polite conversation. Told me it was his Dad's birthday, Tyrel seemed like he learns maybe a little slower than some. I hope he wasn't upset that I wouldn't hold his cold open 40 oz. of Beer while he got his hat on, he did ask and I said I couldn't do that - my luck someone on Austin's floor would walk by and they'd think I was a boozer. I did give him a smoke but at about 6'4" he probably looked a little silly smoking a Virginia Slim SUPER Slim. I'm thinking if I'm still here tomorrow night - which I might be - maybe I should stop in at the local liquor store and by a little four pack of wine. When this is all over I'd really like a few Cosmos or Appletinis.

It was overall quite the day of ups and downs, I'm a little more guarded now, often waiting for the other shoe to drop, not losing hope but not getting overly excited because if good things are changed I don't want to crash too hard. Not being optimistic or pessimistic, just being real.