Another Day, Another Clinic

Hello there.  We are at clinic today instead of our usual Monday because of the MLK holiday yesterday. Today Fionn has another lumbar puncture (spinal tap) and spinal infusion followed by a quick IV push of Cytarabine.  He also has to have a blood transfusion today because his hemoglobin is low.  His doctor completely anticipated this last week, so we were prepared for a longer day today.  We've got a backpack full of rescue vehicles, a smorgasbord of snacks (once he can eat following his spinal tap), and an I-pad chock full of movies and shows.  Yep, we're more prepared than the average Boy Scout over here, folks.

We also learned today that Fionn's counts are definitely dropping again.  His ANC dropped from 2900 last Wednesday to 450 today.  And it will continue to plummet.  We were told to expect that another admission to the hospital might be in our future if Fionn spikes another fever.  Of course, our boy would be thrilled with this news.  Us?  Not so much.  

Last week was generally a good one.  We had two days in which Fionn felt crummy, spiked a fever, and had to go to the hospital.  However, his counts were so high that we were able to get some antibiotics and hit the road.  Ever since then, he has been full of energy and up to his usual shenanigans.  Fionn especially enjoyed a visitor at his school last week.  The Critter Dude came and brought lots of interesting new friends including a tarantula (ick), a frog, a snake, and this bearded dragon.

Tomorrow is another big day for Fionn.  We have our dreaded radiation simulation appointment with Dr. Kwok at the University of Maryland in Baltimore.  This will be our chance to talk with the doctor and ask any questions about the upcoming treatment.  It will also allow Dr. Kwok an opportunity to simulate the radiation to see how Fionn will handle it.  We are attempting to do the radiation without anesthesia, but this means that Fionn has to hold completely still for 10-15 minutes while the procedure is in progress.  If he is not able to do it without anesthesia, we will have to schedule another simulation appointment with anesthesia.  It would be nice to avoid anesthesia since we have to have 8 total radiation treatments over the course of 2 weeks.  That's a lot of anesthesia in a short period of time.  Cross your fingers that Fionny is able to be still like a statue.  I must say that I have my doubts! 

I'll update after our radiation simulation appointment tomorrow.