Bennett’s appt went good today! His Dr. thought he grew inches! Bennett was disappointed to tell her, “Nope, I haven’t even grown a centimeter.”

The Dr. was okay with his liver and kidney levels but she didn’t want to increase his chemo pills because she didn’t want them getting any higher. She also thought his ANC was just a little high (prefers 1,500 and his was 2,100) but she was okay with it being there. I of course like it a little higher because of having more white blood cells to fight off infection but just praying that the chemo is doing it’s job.

He had his breathing treatment today to prevent pneumonia, an iv push of chemo called vincristine, and had an infusion of the antibodies called immune globulin.

We were so happy to find out today that Bennett can get the flu shot! The oncology clinic researched and decided it was more beneficial for the patients to get it And the shot is an inactive influenza so they are not actually giving a “live” vaccine. The nose influenza vaccine is a live virus. The shot will take 2 weeks to actually begin working.

We are so thankful that he will be protected now. We worked thru a few minor details and long story short, was able to get the flu vaccine from the outpatient pharmacy and than have his nurse in the clinic give it.

I was worried because as soon as I found out he could get it, I started calling his pediatrician and clinics in southern Illinois and everyone is out of the flu shot. Several hope and are waiting for vaccine to be delivered later this month.

We pray that Bennett doesn’t get the flu in the next two weeks. And hopefully if he does get it, it will be later and having the shot will help with a milder case.

St Louis’ opinion today was that the type A influenza is the swine flu. the flu shot should help keep the flu to a milder case. The tamiflu prescription is not a cure to the flu, it will only help with the symptoms and possibly help you feel better a little sooner.

Praying for good health for everyone!