Thursday - Saturday / July 10-12

Days 23-25 Hospitalization
Days 14-16 Post Transplant

As I share this particular post with you, which will contain some exceptional news, I want to discuss Camryn's relationship with her sisters, particularly with Jaime Shae, Camryn's 10 year old sister. These two have forever been "best buddies". At home they share a bedroom with two twin beds. Every night, and I mean every night, at bed time, each bed will have one child in it. Yet, come morning, one bed will be empty and two bodies will found occupying one bed. This has been their life and connection together for as long as Lee Ann and I can remember. One can imagine the disruption of this particular family dynamic with the hospitalization of Camryn. Lee Ann and I discussed "plans" for Jaime Shae to help alleviate her loneliness. However, we really have not needed to do much because many of our ward (church congregation) friends have taken Jaime Shae for a day to spend time with their children or other children to help keep her occupied. This has been a tremendous blessing to us and to Jaime Shae. Only yesterday, for the first time, Jaime Shae asked me, with those sad lonesome, eyes (which is an absolute killer for a parent) when Camryn was coming home.  The look on her face as she asked me the question, was an essay written to Camryn of their friendship and love for each other. Keeping my own emotions in-check to answer her question, was difficult, to say the least. But the only answer I could give was that she has made it through nearly four weeks without Camy, and she had only two more to go, which Jaime Shae begrudgingly accepted. Now, Jaime Shae's other older sisters have certainly been a help in "occupying" her time, but it's not the same as spending time with her buddy. So, why this mini dissertation regarding the dynamics within the Rasmussen family? Ironic you should ask. We were informed yesterday, that the transplant team has targeted Thursday as Camryn's discharge day; if all goes well the next four days, she's coming home. Now, before we all breakout the parade gear, fireworks, streamers, etc, etc., Camryn, needs to eat and to drink regularly and must be able to take her meds orally, which has been a struggle. If Camy does come home on Thursday, she will be about 8 days ahead of schedule, which is remarkable to us.  The reason for that is because Camryn's immune system is rapidly firing up. Apparently, Morgan has an immune system with "attitude", it functions as though it's the Queen Bee in the hive, and now THAT immune system is Camryn's. Her critical cell counts are continuing to climb and hitting their target growth goals. Also, Morgan's donated marrow has found its home inside Camryn's bones and is producing NK cells, the critical defense system Camryn's body has lacked since she was born. In two weeks a closer analysis of Camryn's blood draw will occur and we will know then how well the "grafting" process has gone. The goal is to see 98%+ of of the blood to be Morgan's. One other interesting note, something completely unexpected is occurring. Camryn's warts, the blessing in disguise, are appearing to "dry up". Many, like "witchy poo", are suddenly dropping off, or turning black and disappearing. Medically, this was not expected to occur for some time. Obviously, our hope is that this trend continues, but regardless, the evidence is clear; Camryn now has a functioning immune system (Thank you for sharing Morgan). It's a young and still growing immune system that will take months to be fully functional and serious precautions still must be taken once Camryn returns home. For now though, the next four days are focused on getting Camryn eating, drinking fluids, and taking her oral meds with little trouble, which today (Saturday) we have seen progress. Camryn is motivated, she wants to come home. Now, Thursday's decision is completely in her hands. Come on Camy, you can do it, we want to take you home!