First Clinic Day and a minor complication

Today was our first "Clinic Day".  We were at the clinic at the Children's Hospital for 8:30 this morning and not really sure what to expect.  When we entered the clinic all the staff was again incredible and so friendly and welcoming.  Jo Jo (our primary care nurse) was walking through the clinic when we came in and made us feel at ease right away.  We were taken in right away and everything went according to plan.


Karlee had her port accessed and had blood taken.  They then put her on fluids to ensure she was hydrated when they put her under general anesthetic.  About 11:45 she was taken into the procedure room and they did the bone marrow aspirate and gave her another chemo injection into her spinal fluid.  She woke up a little faster this time, but still wasn't in a big rush.  She was in a much better mood when she did come around; just a little fussing and then she was looking for food.  The steroids have greatly improved her appetite, which was expected.


She got her chemo into the port and after a little while, to ensure there was no reaction, we were free to go home.  She was a little upset that they interrupted her lunch to give it to her.  We had to stop at Ikea to get her a couple of dining room chair cushions as she now finds the chair a little hard due to some of the increased sensitivity of her body.


When we got home we got a phone call from Jo Jo with some news.  She told us that despite how good Karlee was looking and how much energy she had her hemoglobin counts had fallen to a low level.  She had been averaging in the low to mid 70's last week and today her count was 61.


Jo Jo told us that tomorrow morning we would have to bring her back for a blood transfusion.  This really wasn't too unexpected as they have been preparing us for a transfusion since the diagnosis on August 6th.


Thankfully Allison brought us supper tonight and made it much easier to focus on what is happening with Karlee.


We still haven't heard anything from Ryley so we have to assume he is doing good at camp.  Tomorrow night we can call and talk to the counselor and find out how he is doing.


Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes
Love
Ron, Jennifer, Ryley and Karlee