A Better Week Than Last Week

July 28th - Aug 1st

I know that I mentioned that I would update Camryn's blog every Tuesday and Friday, well obviously that didn't happen. I traveled for work this week which just messed up my "free time". No worries though, I will get you caught up. Last week, Camryn really struggled taking all of her medications. The frustration level was high, for Camryn and for her ever loving, extremely patient parents. This week, progress was made; not giant steps, but steps. We were happy to have progress of any sort after last weeks debacle. The last three days have been good as we have made some minor adjustments to her medication schedule. Also, her appetite appears to have returned, but with a craving for pickles, lots of pickles. Not sure if the pickle craving is a sodium thing like Lee Ann's (way to long of a story to explain that one), but pickles are food.

So, today was the big day for the first post-transplant bone marrow biopsy. The results of the biopsy will give us an indication of what percentage of the marrow is Morgan's, hopefully around 98%-99%. The high percentage indicates that the transplant was successful. Lee Ann was with Camryn at Vanderbilt from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm. Camryn had her blood draws prior to the surgery, and then had her biopsy. The procedure went very well, no surprises or complications. Camryn slept most of this afternoon, due to the anesthesia, and her hip will be very sore the next 2-3 days.We will not have the bone marrow biopsy results for a few days, however, Dr. Frangul told Lee Ann that Camryn is definitely producing a significant amount of bone marrow and the consistency (jelly like) is exactly what they wanted to see. Also, from the blood draw, Camryn had the highest level yet for her white blood cell count. What is so encouraging about this particular level of white blood cells, is that her level is getting close to what is considered to be within the "normal" range. Also,  the wart situation continues with the miraculous disappearing act. Lee Ann and I are hoping to post some pictures for you of Camry's hands prior to her hospital stay for the transplant, and now. Even the docs who had not seen her for a couple of weeks were amazed at the difference. Once we find those darn "before" pictures, we will post them. You just have to see it to believe it. Next blog on Tuesday.

The pills, taken multiple times per day
with Camryn's "geriatric" like pill box.
 Camryn now knows exactly
how Grandpa Ras feels.

Hospital supplies for IV fluids,
cleansing and changing the venous
catheter, which Lee Ann does at home.