April 24th update
Bennett started out the day very tired and weak. He slept all the way to St. Louis.
He received another spinal tap and a chemo shot in the spine. It was very trying today. It took the doctor several tries and a long wait for the spinal fluid to fill up the testing tubes.
He also received chemo through an IV accessed by his port.
He has to lay down flat for 30 minutes after the procedure. He usually IS ready to sit up and eat. Today he was not. He laid for an hour and half before he was ready to move. He has to eat and drink a little bit before we can leave. He only ate a couple of chips. Today’s procedure made him very tired. He didn’t feel like stopping to eat so we came straight home as he laid in the back seat.
He felt some better when we got home. He played for a few minutes with Hamilton. He has felt nausea and hasn’t eaten tonight. I have given him anti-nausea medicine earlier but it isn’t working.
His ANC dropped today to 507. An ANC less than 500 means significant risk of developing a serious infection because he cannot fight it off. He must wear a mask and not be around people that are sick. Hand washing is crucial to him and everyone around him.
His hemoglobin is also low at 7.9. If it goes to 7.0, they will need to transfuse RBC. It’s important to look for signs of his hemoglobin dropping even lower; looks pale, lack of energy, short of breath, and headache so we can have his blood counts checked.
I feel we are going down the hill and his body is getting to a low from the chemo treatments. This is expected but difficult to accept.
Your continued prayers are a blessing!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Bennett,
I just read your update and I am so sorry you had such a bad day. Just remember that you have bundles of people praying for you and thinking of you constantly. I hope you get to feeling better very soon.
Dear Bennett,
Hey there! I think you have so much courage and strength to accomplish the things you endure every day. I admire you immensely and I know many others do too. As I was putting pictures that date back to when you were ONE month old, I had the opportunity to reflect on watching you grow from a BEAUTIFUL baby boy to a HANDSOME young man. You still have the same light in your eyes even after all you’ve been through. I love you so much and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Lindsay
Our family prays daily for you and your family. I am amazed at your maturity and patience in a difficult time. Keep your head up. By the way, we now have 2 puppies. ttyl
Bennett and Cindy, I think about you everyday, hoping you are having a good day. I sure hope you are feeling better today. I hate everything you have to go through. I know you feel really bad when you don’t feel like eating out in Fairview. I say you take a rain check!! I am praying for you right now——-love ya
Bennett-
Hey bud,wuz up? How did the kemo shot go? I hope it went fine! Well your in my prayres! My aunt came to your bake sell, she loved it! Well g2g, c-ya!
Desiree’
Hang in there, it is tough to go through everyday watching your child go through this pain. Everytime Sara had a treatment and how she felt for days after the treastment, I wish it had been me. She was so little and fragile, it was really hard to bear, but with God’s help, we got through it and you will, too.
Just thinking about ya kiddo. You all are in my prayers…
Hello Bennett,
Hope you are feeling a little better today. Did you watch the Cardinal game last night?
I heard it was dissapointing for them. When you are feeling better maybe we can take you and your brother out to dinner or lunch. Jeremy mentioned they had two dogs, the second one fell out of the animal control truck. I guess they adopted it!
See ya! Unlce Ron