Day 16

Although I've been posting every other day, it looks like the next few will be fairly eventful.  Today, Nick's ANC jumped to 550 which means he is officially "engrafted".  The mucositis is still very painful for him, but as these numbers climb in the next couple of days, he's supposed to get some relief in that area. He hasn't eaten for about a week now, so once he can eat soft foods, they will discharge us (to stay close by).  Right now this looks like Tuesday.  For now, we pray that the blood stem cells received from the donor continue to engraft and any GVHD (graft vs host) is minimal.  Please keep praying my dear friends.  Please keep praying.  Acute GVHD usually happens in the first three months.  It can affect the skin, intestines, and liver and can be mild to severe.  Pray for the mild, please.

Tonight he was disconnected from the "pole" with all of the IV fluids/meds.  He does still have the chest catheter which will stay with him even after we're discharged, but he's trying to take all meds orally now.  Swallowing is very difficult, but somehow he's doing it.  I honestly remain amazed at his tolerance for the pain and his strength to push on.  It brings to mind a card we received from Dolores & Mike Smith.  It read, "Tough Cookie - noun.  1.  Someone with just the right mix of sweetness and strength.  2.  One who doesn't crumble under pressure.  3.  A fighter who's too busy kicking butt to sit down and cry, but knows it's OK to do both.  4.  A person who doesn't always ask for support, but has lots of friends who would do anything to help."  Boy, if that doesn't sum up Nick...what does?

He did his walking laps just prior to watching the SuperBowl with Jon and Brittany by his side.  I see these two and think, what incredible kids.  I'm sure they could have gone anywhere to watch the game, probably even joined friends, but they came to the hospital to watch the game with Dad tonight.  How beautiful.  I feel blessed by their presence and I know Nick feels the same.