Day 18

Ethan’s ANC jumps from 270 yesterday, to 410 today! The doctor said that it may be conceivable for us to go home early next week. We keep busy today reprogramming his 2 cochlear implants, learning home nursing care, learning about safe living after the hospital, and Ethan’s learning to adjust to his new medicine (doesn’t taste so great!).

Ethan’s great surprise today was that his doctor discontinued 3 of his oral meds, one of which Ethan hated, as it made him throw up every time, he had to retake it right after, and it would make his tummy hurt for at least 1 hour. HIP HIP HOORAY!!! NO MORE VANCO-POLYS!

Tonight he’s feeling a little yucky in general, and we chalk it up to slight morphine withrdrawl. Today he went from .2 mg / hour to .1 mg/hr, which doesn’t seem like a drastic cut, but in reality it’s a 50% decrease. So, while we try to wean slow and gentle, Ethan still feels it.

He’s doing great. Hasn’t need transfusions much at all. He’s holding his own very well.

500, 500, 500…keep thinking 500…