We’ve held our breath for the last week, the second week of the cycle.  Last cycle, Alexander had a low-grade fever on Day 10 that landed us in the hospital for five nights, until his counts began to rise.   That hospital stay disrupted Alexander’s sleep, his diet, and his verve.  This cycle, we have avoided the fever, and every aspect of Alexander’s life has been better.  He has had better appetite and more energy, and we have all been so glad to see him so happy.  Without the disruptions to life, he has shown his sunny disposition.

We’re also happy to report that his counts have seemed to rebound more quickly than last time.  Last cycle, we were stuck in the hospital until Tuesday, Day 16, because his counts did not start to rebound until Monday.  This cycle, his counts were low when we went in for his outpatient chemo on Day 10, low enough in fact that we had to return to the hospital for a blood transfusion Wednesday and then again on Friday for a platelet transfusion.  When we went to the hospital on Friday, Day 12, we learned that his white blood cell and neutrophil counts were already on the rise.  We’ll get another readout on his counts Monday, but it seems like things are trending in the right direction.

Alexander’s good health and good spirits have helped us enjoy life here at home much more than we could last cycle, too.  Charlotte had her first orchestra concert on Thursday–you’ve never seen so many musicians on one gym floor in your life!  We’ve had fun at home reading, playing, watching baseball, and enjoying time with my mom and dad, who have been such a tremendous help caring for the kids and helping around the house.  Thank you so much, Grammie and Grandpa!