| Monday March 22, 2004 Day +18 of Transplant Paige's follow-up clinic appointment today went well. She's seems to be feeling good and her appetite is better than its ever been. She's a bit unsteady when walking, but they feel it's muscle weakness from being in bed for nearly three weeks during transplant. Her labwork showed that her ANC is 1,000 so we will give her Neupogen for two days. This medication is given as a subcutaneous shot in the thigh and will increase her WBC, therefore increasing the ANC. She does so good with the shots as long she has some say of which leg, where in the house she wants to be when it's given, and if she has a variety of bandaids to choose from. It probably hurts us more than it does her. Andy will return to work tomorrow. Even though this last month has been very stressful, we realize how fortunate are not to have to worry about our jobs. The fact that we were both able to be with Paige through the transplant was a blessing. We've heard so many sad stories... single parents with no other family support, pressure from employers to return to work, and even those who lost their homes due to their horrible financial situations. We are so grateful for the support of family, friends and our co-workers at Hurley. It's hard to believe that this unbearable situation could actually be worse. So, thank you for being there for us. We'll have a few days at home and then return to clinic on Thursday. Since Paige has been feeling so good, she's scheduled to have her Easter pictures taken tomorrow. Almost all of Paige's pictures have been taken at a local photographer (Alternative Photography) and for the last two years she's had them taken with the live chicks and bunnies for Easter. Well, since our list of post-transplant restrictions includes no farm animals, they have been kind enough to fit us in before the animals arrive tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully the photo session will be a success :) Thanks again for taking the time to check on Paige. Love, Andy, Sandi & Paige |
| Labwork 3-24 WBC 2.9 (2,900) Hemoglobin 9.1 Platelets 120,000 ANC 1,000 |