October 30, 2009

Gave Trystan a shot by myself today! She still fights me on it but eventually she gives in! About 10:15 a.m. this morning the school called to let me know that Alyssa wasn't feeling well and I should come pick her up. She came home and went right up to her bed. She layed around up there and then finally took a small nap. She said she felt a little better after her nap. She ate supper and never ran a fever. Not sure why she had such a terrible stomach ache. Perhaps we'll never know. The girls are so excited to dress up for Halloween tomorrow. Hope they are both well enough to go!

October 29, 2009

Before leaving the hospital on Wednesday the nurse practitioner on the floor said that we should probably go and get counts Thursday (today) because Trystan's counts were dropping. He was afraid that she may need blood transfusions before the weekend. So this morning Trystan and I dropped Alyssa off at school and headed for Maryville. As soon as we pulled up she got sick in the parking lot. We went in got her finger stick then came home. I had to give Trystan a shot myself this afternoon. She fought me pretty good today, but I got it done. We left to get Alyssa from school and soon after that we got our call from the clinic. Trystan's hemoglobin, white blood cells, and ANC were a little better today! The only thing that dropped was her platelets. The way they are dropping we will probably need a transfusion early next week. Once home the girls did some homework and soon we were headed back into town for Alyssa's dance. Trystan and I stay in the car while Alyssa is inside dancing. After dance we dropped Trystan off at home to stay with daddy and Alyssa and I went to find a Halloween costume. She finally decided what she wanted to be yesterday! So now we just had to find something at the last minute! Thank goodness we did and were home just before bedtime!!! Whew! What a day!!

October 28, 2009

Trystan was deaccessed and discharged by 9:30 this morning and the tree of us made our way to see the sergeon. As soon as we got there there was an order for her to have a chest x-ray and leg x-ray. After the x-rays were finished we went into the waiting room for the doctor. After a little wait we were called back to the casting room were they cut off Trystan's cast. Her leg has a lot of old dead skin on it that will eventually come off. But the doctor was happy with Trystan's x-rays and said that she could now move to a full leg brace. She was so excited to hear this because now she would be able to take a bath in the tub! She has only been able to have sponge baths since August 7th. After we left the doctor's office we were finally on our way home. On the way home Trystan asked daddy to stop at Wendy's because she wanted to try to eat. We did stop for lunch on the way home. She didn't eat too much but something is better than nothing! Trystan and I couldn't wait to see Alyssa after school. Once home from school, Alyssa did her homework so that the girls could play. They played for a while but soon Trystan wasn't feeling well. She ended up throwing up everything she at for supper. Soon after she was ready to have a bath. She enjoyed her bath, she soaked in the tub for over a half an hour!

Pictured is Trystan getting her cast cut off!! Oh happy day!

October 27 2009

Day five down now just 22 hours of post hydration! Trystan started out doing beautifully today. She did get sick during the first chemo drug but soon after was wanting to eat! This is a great thing since she normally won't eat at all while she's in the hospital. Just before falling asleep tonight she got sick really bad! I think she pretty much lost everything she ate today! Bless her heart. She is so excited to get to go home tomorrow though! Her spirits are so high! Since no one under 18 is allowed to visit in the hospital she can't wait to see her sissy tomorrow after school and niether can I!!!

October 26, 2009

Trystan did pretty well during chemo this morning and throughout the day. She did get sick just before bed after trying to take some oral meds. Day four of the chemo down one more to go, then 22 hours post hydration.

October 25, 2009

We thought today was going to be a good day. The chemo was started right on time at 11:30 a.m. Between the first chemo drug and the second one Trystan got sick pretty bad while being premedicated for the chemo she is allergic to. Her chemo was finished by 2:30 p.m. as she slept off the benedryl they have to give her. At about 8:00 p.m. she got sick pretty bad again and was in screaming pain from her leg. We propt up her leg and gave her more anti-nausea medicine to attempt to help her feel better. We are praying that she will be able to sleep tonight and have an easier time with chemo tomorrow. Chemo is scheduled to begin by 9:30 a.m. tomorrow morning.

October 24, 2009

Well we got through another day of chemo today. It was uneventful, which is what we like! Uneventful meaning no allergic reaction. That is an answer to prayer!

October 23, 2009

This morning we dropped Alyssa off at school and headed to Children's for Trystan's chemo. Arrived a little before 10 a.m. We were a direct admit so we got into a room right away. She was accessed and had fluids going by 11:00 a.m. Chemo wasn't able to be started until about 3:40 p.m. and ended about 6:30 p.m. They are planning on moving the chemo up two hours so it should begin at about 1:30 p.m. tomorrow. Trystan hasn't gotten sick yet but doesn't feel well at all. The only meal she ate today was breakfast before we got to the hospital. Don't expect her to eat anything else until probably Wednesday when we leave.

October 22, 2009

God has answered more prayers! Trystan hasn't gotten anymore hives and she made counts for chemo tomorrow. We finally received our call from the clinic at 3:40 p.m. today. This is a long treatment so she will be there for five nights and six days. We will be coming home sometime next week Wednesday. The girls are so excited that she will not be in the hospital on Halloween! She should be able to go trick-or-treating with her sissy. It is little things like this that can make children happy!!

October 21, 2009

Gave Trystan benedryl through the night and all day today. She has done really well today. The hives have not returned! We are to go for counts again tomorrow. If her counts are good she will be going in for chemo on Friday.

October 20, 2009

Today was an interesting day. Trystan continues to keep us on our toes and constantly at prayers. We went to the clinic at Children's for Trystan to receive platelets. She got her premedications of tylenol and benedryl. All was going well until just after the transfusion was finished. Tracy notice a few spots on Trystan's head. We told the nurse and the hives quickly spread throughout her entire head, down her neck, to her chest and back, then arms and legs. Her lips and eyes also swelled. Thank goodness her airway never became constricted. They gave her hydrocortizone but it didn't do anything for her. The doctors then ordered a sterroid. After the sterroid was finished going through the iv, the hives began to fade. Since the hives were going away we were allowed to leave. We were told that she should continue with oral benedryl every six hours for the next 24 hours. The nurse said that it was very important to wake her through the night to administer the benedryl. Bloodwork was done on Trystan to be sure that she is never matched with the same donor again as well. So far the hives have not returned. Thank the Lord!

Pictured is Trystan with hives from the platelet transfusion received October 20, 2009.

October 19, 2009T

This morning we did our normal Monday morning routine, dropped Alyssa off at school and headed for Maryville Quest for bloodwork. We were in and out pretty quickly this morning. By 2:15 p.m. we got our phone call with the results of her counts. White blood cells, hemoglobin, and ANC were good. But, her platelets were too low. We are to report to the clinic at Children's tomorrow morning for a transfusion.

October 18, 2009

This morning we woke up and Alyssa and I headed into town to the First Christian Church. The Feet of Grace group was to perform at both services at FCC. Trystan again stayed home with daddy. When Alyssa and I got back, she and Trystan played the entire day together. Only had to break up a few spats. Trystan still isn't eating the best, but she's eating.

October 17, 2009

Trystan did much better today and had a little bit more energy. We spent the day inside by the fireplace and the girls also played the Wii together. This evening I took Alyssa in town to dance with Feet of Grace at the evening service at the FCC. The girls did such a great job! Tracy stayed home with Trystan. She was unable to go because of her low counts. I think she enjoys the one on one time with daddy. I know I enjoy the one on one time with Alyssa.

Happy Birthday Carrie!!!

October 16, 2009

This morning we dropped off Alyssa at school and headed to Children's for Trystan's transfusion. We arrived a little after 9 a.m. Her port was accessed and blood drawn by 9:45 a.m. Tracy stepped out for a conference call and came back and the blood still hadn't arrived yet! Finally, the blood arrived at 11:45 a.m. I left for the cafeteria for lunch, returned and then it was Tracy's turn. Trystan did get sick a couple of times while we were there but we think it was from her nerves and also not eating today. She got through the entire treatment without fever! Praise God!! She was deaccessed and we were soon on our way home. Unfortunately we knew we were not going to make it back to Greenville in time for Alyssa when she got out of school. Mrs. Hick offered for Alyssa to stay in the room with her until we could get back. I finally made it to Alyssa just in time to get her to dance practice at 3:30 p.m. Whew! What a day!!

Happy Birthday Tracy!! The girls and I love you bunches!!!!!

October 15, 2009

This morning Alyssa was feeling much better and went to school. After dropping her off Trystan and I headed to Maryville for bloodwork. She cried halfway there because she knew they were going to draw from her arm. After we were finished there we headed home. Once home we worked on some of her schoolwork and ate lunch. Just before we had to leave to pick up Alyssa from school we received a call from the clinic on Trystan's counts. They are all low. We were told that we have to come to the clinic tomorrow at Children's for a blood transfusion. She also has to continue the shots. As long as she doesn't get a fever before, during or after the transfusion she will not have to be admitted.

October 14, 2009

Alyssa and Trystan both slept through the night. Alyssa didn't get sick but as soon as she woke up she began complaining that her stomach hurt. I gave her the option to stay home from school but she decided she wanted to try to go. I made sure before she left that she didn't have a fever. Trystan and I did some schoolwork during the day and then went and picked up Alyssa. As soon as Alyssa saw me she began to cry saying that her stomach still hurt and was hurting all day at school. After dinner Alyssa seemed to be feeling maybe a little better.

October 13, 2009

Today I had to give Tyrstan a shot by myself while Tracy was at work. After a little fight she let me go ahead and give her the shot. We later went and picked up Alyssa from school and she began to complain that had a stomach ache. She did eat dinner but soon complained that it was worse. I am hoping that she isn't getting the flu.

October 12, 2009

Alyssa didn't have school today so she went with me to take Trystan to get her bloodwork done. We finally got the call at about 4:20 p.m. Trystan's hemoglobin and platelets were still in the "o.k." zone. However her white blood cells were extremely low as well as her anc. We were told again to watch for any signs of fever or infection. If she gets any type of fever we are to report directly to the hospital and she will be admitted. Please pray that her counts will come up and that Thursday her counts will be better. Thanks again for all of your continued support and prayers.

October 11, 2009

This morning Alyssa and I went to church. Trystan and daddy stayed home together since she wasn't feeling the best. By the time Alyssa and I got back from church Trystan seemed to be feeling much better. She ate a good lunch and supper. She also didn't complain quite as much about her jaw and leg pain. I am hoping that we are on the decline of the feeling ill and pains. Tomorrow we are going for counts.

October 10, 2009

This morning instead of Trystan being the first one up this morning she was the last! This is very unusual for her. She came downstairs and went straight to the couch. She was still so extremely tired. We debated on calling down to Children's but thought we would just wait to see how breakfast went. The girls wanted me to make a hot breakfast for them. I put the plate in front of Trystan and she was only able to eat a little of it. After breakfast she went down to watch a movie. Trystan came back upstairs and Alyssa and I got her to draw and color with us. Once we got her going, it seemed her energy increased. I made lunch and the four of us sat down to eat lunch. Trystan ended up getting sick at the table. Once she calmed down she said she felt better and was able to eat her lunch. Off and on for the rest of the day she continued to get spurts of energy. She has also been complaining of leg and jaw pain which is a result of one of the chemo drugs she received. Not that today was completely bad but, hope tomorrow is a better day.

October 9, 2009

There wasn't any school today so Alyssa and I went to the doctor's office to get our flu shots. After the shots we ran some errands in town and then headed home. When we got home I found out that Trystan hadn't wanted to eat breakfast. We were kind of expecting that this was coming. She did eat some lunch. Once she was finished with lunch she didn't want to play much. She began to get extremely lethargic and eventually fell asleep on the floor. She slept for about three and a half hours! Alyssa and I talked about what I should make for dinner. I went ahead and began to make supper. Trystan woke up shortly before I was finished with supper and said she wanted to eat. She did eat a little supper but had a hard time trying to stay awake to do it. The one good thing is she was able to keep down what she did eat. I gave her a sponge bath and she went to bed.

October 8, 2009

Trystan did very well today. She woke up hungry! Breakfast, lunch, a snack, and dinner!! Praise God! Another thing to be praising is the fact that she hasn't gotten sick at all with this treatment. It normally does come the second day after chemo ends. Maybe she won't at all this time. The only thing she has complained of is jaw pain and a little bit of leg pain. This started right before bed. These pains are a side effect of chemo she had this week.

October 7, 2009

Trystan didn't get sick last night or today. This is great news! She received her chemo right at 3:00 p.m. Shortly after her chemo was finished, they went aheand and gave her her flu shot. Tracy decided to walk over to Barnes today and get his flu shot there. We were strongly advised by the clinic to get flu shots for the entire family including Trystan. Alyssa and I will be going for our flu shots on friday here in Greenville.
After Trystan was deaccessed we were heading home. Before we could come home we picked up Alyssa. Once home Tracy, Alyssa and myself were pretty hungry for supper. While supper was cooking Trystan smelled the food and decided she wanted to try to eat as well. She ate a good supper and even a snack later. After a bath she felt good enough to work on some homework. I guess I must have worn her out with that because as soon as she took her medicines and 9:00 hit she was asleep on the couch.
It's been a good day. I pray that the night is as good as today was!

October 6, 2009

We dropped Alyssa off at school this morning then headed to Children's for the third round of chemo. Little did we know that instead of taking a little over an hour to get there it was going to take us a little more than two hours! We finally arrived about 10:15 but should have been here by 10:00. They had our room waiting for us. Today Trystan wanted to try to stand on her left leg to be weighed and measured. I was so proud of her to be able to do that. I think it made her feel proud of herself as well. She hydrated a little quicker than normal today as well. She finished with chemo by 3:30 p.m. today. She hasn't eaten or drank anything since this morning, but again that isn't any surprise to us. No vomitting yet. Hopefully she will not be quite as sick this time. Normally she either gets sick in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning.

October 5, 2009

This morning we went for bloodwork to see if Trystan made counts for chemo tomorrow. When we got the call I was a little surprised to find out that her anc, white blood cells, and hemoglobin all dropped! Her platelets did rise. The doctor has decied to go ahead with chemo tomorrow though. Thank goodness it is only a one night stay. However, this treatment is harder on her than the long one. Once we get through this one we only have three more to go! Praise the Lord!!!

October 4, 2009

This morning we all went to church together. After church Alyssa went to a birthday party, while Tracy, Trystan and I went into Highland for lunch. The three of us ate lunch at Farmers. After lunch we went to Grandma and Grandpa Watson's for a visit. Grandpa has been in quite a bit of pain. Please pray for him as well. When we finished visiting we went back to Alhambra to pick up Alyssa from her party. We all came home and have relaxed for the rest of the afternoon. We have had another wonderful day.

October 3, 2009

This morning Alyssa and I went into town to work at the Fusion Dance Centers booth at the Apple Days in Greenville. Some of the girls did face painting and had a pretty good time doing that. While a few of us adults sold chocolate dunked rice crispie squares on a stick. Man were they good! Trystan stayed home with daddy, since it was pretty chilly outside. It was another good day.

Pictured is Cadence. Alyssa did her fancy facepainting on Cade's face. Great job!!

October 2, 2009

Today was another good day! Praise the Lord!! After school Alyssa had dance practice and then she was off to the Cardinal game with Grandma Rieke. Cold night for a ballgame!

October 1, 2009

This morning Trystan and I dropped Alyssa off at school and went to get bloodwork done. We finally got our call at about 3:00 p.m. on the results. Her platelets and hemoglobing are beginning to climb. Her white blood cells and anc were o.k. She made counts with everything but her platelets they were 69 and have to be at least 75. The plan is to stop shots and go in on Monday morning for counts. As long as she makes counts she will be admitted on Tuesday. This stay will be for one night and two days. Trystan was so excited to find out that the shots are going to be stopped!

September 30, 2009

Although we are all still tired from Monday, it was a good day. I think that it will take a few days to catch up. We are so greatful for the good days. God is so good.