January 31, 2010

This morning Alyssa, Trystan and myself went to church. We had to leave Tracy at home because he is still in quite a bit of pain.

Tomorrow is a big day. We will be spending the entire day at Children's Hospital. Trystan will have her first post chemo bone scan, ct scan, x-ray, bloodwork, and dr appointment. Please pray that she will be extremely still for the scans and cooperative as well. Also, pray for good results. God has been so good and continued to answer many prayers. Thank you all for your continued support you've given us throughout our entire journey thus far.

January 30, 2010

Had a good relaxing day at home today with the family. Tracy is still in a little bit of pain from having his wisdom tooth pulled yesterday. He says the pain isn't near as bad as it was before it was pulled. Trystan is doing well after her transfusion yesterday. Thank you God for another peaceful, uneventful day.

January 29, 2010

The Watson's have had a pretty eventfilled day! This morning I drove Alyssa into school, then I headed back home to pick up Trystan and Tracy. The three of us then headed to Maryville for Trystan's Friday bloodwork. Once finished there we went to Edwardsville to take Tracy to have his wisdom tooth pulled. Trystan and I dropped him off and then went for something to eat. We then went back and sat in the car and watched a movie while waiting for Tracy to finish with the oral surgeon. Once Tracy was finished we were headed home. We made it from Edwardsville to Pierron when the clinic called with Trystan's counts. All seemed to be trying to climb except for her platelets. They of course had fallen low enough to need a transfusion. So I till had to take Tracy home to drop him off and leave him while he was in a lot of pain. Then turn around and drive all the way to St. Louis for Trystan to receive a platelet transfusion. I premedicated her with benedryl and zyrtek so once we got there she only needed to receive the hydrocortozone, pepcid and tylenol before getting the platelets. Thankfully Trystan again didn't react to the platelets. While we were driving down to Children's I had to find someone to go and pick up Alyssa from the school at 5:00. My sister was able to take care of that for us. Thank goodness! We finally made it home from the hospital at almost 6 p.m. Trystan slept all the way home from all of the benedryl but once home she was up and ready to eat. She ate a really lunch and dinner today. We are so happy that her appetite is returning! Praying that Trystan's counts rise and Tracy's mouth pain subsides.

January 28, 2010

Trystan signed in through Skype for a short time this morning, but then again this afternoon. There was a small problem with the connection for part of the time this afternoon but the rest of the time went well. Will buy a paper today to see the article in the Greenville Advocate about Trystan attending class through Skype. Nothing too out of the ordinary happened today. As I always say, "We love boring, uneventful days in the Watson house!"

January 27, 2010

This morning Trystan and I dropped Alyssa off at school and headed for Maryville. When they stuck her finger she bled really bad. Had a hard time getting the finger stick to stop gushing blood. We got out to the car and went to leave to leave and she had already bled out of both bandaids. Put pressure on her finger and it took ten minutes to get it to stop gushing blood again! Came home and called into the school so Trystan could attend class through Skype. The clinic then called to inform us of Trystan's counts. Her platelets and hemoglobin have dropped, but neither are low enough for a transfusion. Her white blood cells and anc have come up a little. So with a little bad news came some good news too! We are to continue her daily shots and go for bloodwork again on Friday.

January 26, 2010

Received an email from the Greenville Advocate late last night regarding Trystan and Skype. They'll have an article about it sometime in the near future. Right now it looks as if she'll be attending class through Skype: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in the afternoon and Tuesday and Thursday in the morning. She'll aslo still have her tutor during the week as well. The tutor does assessments (testing) and also some reading and other things with her.

January 25, 2010

This morning Trystan and I dropped off Alyssa at school and headed to Maryville for bloodwork. Trystan attended school again this afternoon through Skype. This seems to be going well. Got our call from the clinic about 2:45 p.m. Trystan's hemoglobin is continuing to fall slowly. It still isn't low enough for a transfusion. This is the reason she continues to tire very easily. Her other counts are trying to come up. They are all only up a little tiny bit but they're a little higher than last Friday. We'll take it! Another positive note is Trystan is eating and drinking well. We are so thankful to God for answering so many prayers!

January 24, 2010

This morning Alyssa, her friend, and I went to church. Tracy stayed home with Trystan. She is unable to go to public places since her counts are so low. Once Alyssa and I got home, she and Trystan played together. A dull uneventful day! The kind we love!!

January 23, 2010

This morning we all slept in a little. I think we all needed it! Trystan had a lunchable and chips for a late breakfast! Oh well! At least she's eating and it's staying down. She and Alyssa played well all day together. She continued to eat well for both lunch and supper! Praise the Lord!

January 22, 2010

This morning Tracy took Alyssa to school and I took Trystan for bloodwork. I wanted to get there earlier so we could get the results early. When they did the finger stick she bled really bad. Her blood was very thin as well. On the way home Trystan got sick. Came home after getting bloodwork done and Trystan sat down to attend class through skype. In the middle of that the phone rang and it was the clinic. They called to tell us that Trystan's white blood cells, platelets and anc are extremely low and the hemoglobin is continuing to drop. They told us to leave right away because she had to receive a platelet transfusion. They also told us we are to continue to give her a shot everyday and get counts done again on Monday.

January 21, 2010

Dropped Alyssa off at school and came home. Trystan and I did some reading and schoolwork throughout the day today. Doing the littlest things like reading and/or schoolwork wears her out! She has been extremely tired today and the last couple of days. Not sure why. Her hemoglobin was good yesterday. Maybe it's because her anc is dropping? When she tried to eat lunch today she did get sick and didn't eat again until dinnertime this evening. Tomorrow we are going to get bloodwork again. Praying for good counts. Going to try to get them done early in the morning in case we are needing to make the trip to Children's tomorrow afternoon for a transfusion.

January 20, 2010

This morning after dropping Alyssa off at school Trystan and I headed to Maryville for bloodwork. We came home after bloodwork and I set up the table as Trystan's desk so she could attend class this afternoon through Skype. She got to interact with her class and do reading and math. She could hear when they would read and they could hear her when it was her turn to read. Just after finishing with her class we got our call from the clinic with Trystan's counts. Her ANC and platelets have continued to drop as expected. Her hemoglobin is still pretty good from her transfusion on Sunday. The platelets are not quite low enough for a transfusion yet. We are to continue to give her shots everyday and report for bloodwork again on Friday. I can tell that Trystan isn't used to having to sit and do alot of classwork and homework. She wears out very easily! We were hoping to be able to let Trystan go on a field trip with her class to Bradford Bank, but with as low as her ANC is, it isn't safe for her to be in public places. But we aren't going to let low counts get us down, she's still had a good day!

January 19, 2010

This morning it was back to school for Alyssa after she had a busy three day weekend! It was back to the grind for Trystan as well. She played catch up on her schoolwork from last week. Otherwise, Trystan is doing well. No pukes!


Tomorrow Trystan will be attending class through skype! I'm pretty excited about it!! This way she can interact with the class. It'll be almost like she's there. Almost. Also, tomorrow we are going for counts. Long treatments normally do a real number on her platelets and hemoglobin. Since she received a hemoglobin transfusion on Sunday. Not expecting low hemoglobin just yet if at all!

January 18, 2910

Early this morning about 3 a.m. Trystan woke up with pain in her bad leg. Tracy and I think that it is caused by the brace she is having to wear again keeping her leg straightened and in place. We finally got her back to sleep until about 7 a.m. The rest of the day was uneventful! The kind we really enjoy here in the Watson house! Trystan had a little better appetite today and had no pukes!

Trystan will be going in for a CT Scan, Bone Scan, EKG, x-ray, bloodwork, and doctor appointment on February 1st. These are the scans and tests she will endure every three months for the next five years.

January 17, 2010

Got word this morning that Trystan's hemoglobin is low and they wanted to do a blood transfusion before we left. They took blood for a type and screen at 10:00 a.m. and finally at just about 12:30 p.m. the blood arrived! The transfusion went smoothly. Just after they de-accessed her she vomitted. She also got sick again when we stopped in Collinsville to get something to eat. She did eat after getting sick. We were on our way again when she lost all of the lunch she had just eaten. So we stopped on an exit ramp to clean out her bucket again! We finally made it home about 4:15 p.m. For the rest of the evening she did very well. She was able to eat supper and keep it down. Praise the Lord!

January 16, 2010

Trystan woke up spunky and in a great mood again this morning. She did get sick durning the first drug as it was being given, but soon went to sleep from the benedryl and continued to sleep through the end of the second drug. Trystan has officially finished her final day of chemo successfully and is currently doing her post-hydration! We will continue to have to go for counts three days a week and get shots until her counts are up and stable. We should find out tomorrow upon discharge when we are to come in for scans. Scans will continue every three months for the first five years. Please continue to pray for Trystan's leg, clear scans, and our family. It isn't over, just the next chapter is beginning. Thank you all so much for your continued support and prayers.

January 15, 2010

Trystan did not get sick anymore through the night and woke up in a great mood! It was a busy day in Trystan's hospital room today. At 10:00 a.m. the Child Life Specialist came bearing gifts and balloons from all the staff on 9w. She also brought crafts for her to do as well while she is here. Shortly after she left the Gateway Grizzlies and Izzy came by to visit and gave her an autographed pennant. They told us that they were going to post the picture of Trystan on their Facebook page and they really did! That was awesome!

Chemo started a little late today but that was o.k. She slept through the entire treatment today and did very well! Shortly after the chemo finished she woke up and said, "Tear down that two and make it a one!" One more day of chemo and then one day post-hydration! I believe chemo will be scheduled around 1:00 p.m. tomorrow.

God is so good! Awesome is His power and might!!!

January 14, 2010

Trystan has done extremely well the past few days. Her appetite has been pretty good considering she normally refuses to eat while staying at the hospital. I'm wondering if she eating knowing that this is her last treatment? At about noon the nurse came in to tell us that the vent hood in the pharmacy where they prepare the chemo was broke and didn't know when it would be fixed. So we knew right then that she would for sure not have chemo beginning at 1:00 p.m. and didn't even know if she would receive a treatment at all today!

Child Life is planning to throw Trystan a "I'm finished with chemo" party tomorrow on the floor. She is so excited! Hoping she is feeling well enough to attend her own party! We scheduled it for 1:00 p.m. but will now have to reschedule it because she will start her premeds at then and will be too grauggy from the benedryl. Hopefully, Child Life will be able to maybe do it in the morning or even late morning.

A little before 3:00 p.m. the nurse came in with Trystan's premeds! Which meant that the vent had been fixed! The chemo was on the floor and ready to go! At least it was only a couple of hours late. Chemo began about 3:45 p.m. and finished about 6:00 p.m. Trystan stayed awake for the entire treatment and did well. Two more treatments then one day post-hydration!

A little before 10:00 p.m. the chemo finally caught up with Trystan. She did get sick. Poor baby! Hopefully, she'll get a good night's sleep. (That is between having to get up to go to the bathroom every few hours!)

January 13, 2010

This morning we had an appointment with the orthepedic sergeon. Once we got there x-rays were done. Then we went back to the office for the actual appointment. The doctor came in to and showed us the x-rays and told us that her leg is beginning to bow and the top screw in her leg looks to be coming loose. This is the cause of the bowing in the leg. She is now back to no walking and has to start wearing her leg brace again. He is hoping that the brace will help to straighten the leg back out. If this is unsuccessful, he will have to go back in and straighten the leg. He will not be able to do this until there is more bone growth on that part of the leg. There did seem to be a little new bone growth. This was good news. We are to go back again in six weeks.

Premeds started a little after 2 p.m. and chemo started about 3:10 p.m. and finished around 5:15 p.m. Trystan slept through the entire treatment again today. Three more days of chemo then one day post-hydration! She has been able to eat as well. Ate lunch both yesterday and today! Also yesterday evening and tonight she wanted popcorn. No pukes! No pukes! No pukes!

January 12, 2010

This morning we dropped Alyssa off and headed to Children's Hospital for Trystan's last chemo admission. It was a good thing we left a little early because there was an accident and it took us about a half an hour longer to get to the hospital. We were to be at the hospital at 10:00 a.m. and arrived only ten minutes late. They accessed her within the hour and fluids started. She was ready for chemo by 2:00 p.m. but the pharmacy still didn't have her chemo finished and to the floor until 4:00 p.m. So at about 4:00 p.m. the nurse started her premedications and by about 5:00 p.m. the chemo started. Trystan finished her chemo treatment today about 7:00 p.m. She did very well and slept through the entire treatment. Day one is finished. Tomorrow she has an appointment with the sergeon at 9:45 a.m. and chemo is due to start at 3:00 p.m. Thank you all for your continued prayers!

January 11, 2010

This morning after dropping Alyssa off at school Trystan and I went to Maryville for her blood draw. When she was finished, she wanted to go by Old Navy to spend a little of her shopping money she's gotten. She was able to find a new pair of boots, leggins, skirt, and a shirt. Once we were done at Old Navy it was time for her to eat lunch. Went thru Captain D's drive thru and ate in the parking lot. On the way home we got our call with Trystan's counts. Her counts were good enough to make it for chemo! We are all so excited!! This is her last treatment. Praise the Lord! God is sooo good, another prayer answered!

January 10, 2010

We went to church as a family today. The rest of the day was uneventful and boring, the type of day that is enjoyed at the Watson house!

January 9, 2010

I had to be in town by 7:00 a.m. to pick Alyssa up from her Cheerleading Clinic Sleepover. Brought her home and we played the Wii for quite some time, then ate lunch. After lunch we sat down to watch some television together. Alyssa ended up falling asleep in the chair while watching the t.v. While she slept Trystan went up to take a bath. Soon after she finished Alyssa came up and wanted to soak in the tub because she hurt all over from the night before. We then went to dinner at Popeye's in St. Rose with Tim, Lori, and Cade. We like to be able to go out to dinner when Trystan's counts are up. It is a real treat when they're high enough to do so. Tim and Lori invited us over after dinner to chat and so the girls could play together. What a great day we had! Loving the good days!

January 8, 2010

This morning we made a family trip, the four of us, to Children's Hospital. We left just a little after 8 a.m. and got to the clinic right at 9:30 a.m. The roads were still slick in spots so it took a little longer to get there today. They called us back in about 15 minutes. The nurse did her finger stick and sent it to the lab right away for counts. While we were waiting we gave Trystan her shot. Christina, our nurse, came back about 11 a.m. with the results of her bloodwork. Her hemoglobin remained the same and her platelets jumed up quite a bit. So great news! She didn't need any transfusions today!! The nurse did tell us she would call later with the rest of the results since they weren't back yet. We were now on our way home. Stopped for something to eat on the way home, then waited for the call from the clinic. Christina called us about 2:30 p.m. with the rest of the counts. Her white blood cells and ANC were through the roof! More good news, Trystan would not need shots the rest of the weekend! She was so excited, as were we!

This evening Alyssa went to an all night cheerleading clinic sleepover. She was nervous at first, afraid none of her friends would be there. But, was soon surprised that many of her friends were there! All and all today was a very exciting day filled with many great surprises and good news. Praise God for many many prayers answered!!!!

Monday we are to report to Quest for an arm stick. Praying that her counts would stay up and she would make it for her LAST chemo treatment Tuesday.

January 7, 2010

It's a snow day! The girls have played together all day!!

Trystan did get sick right before lunch. Thinking it's from all of the drainage and phlem. Soon after she did eat lunch and was fine.

The plan for tomorrow is to take Trystan to the clinic for bloodwork and if she needs any transfusions she'll already be there for it. Since there isn't school tomorrow, we'll have to bring Alyssa along with us. Hoping they let us take her up to the clinic with us.

Praying for a safe trip and good counts!

January 6, 2010

This morning Trystan and I dropped Alyssa off at school then headed to Maryville Quest for bloodwork. We arrived right at 9:00 a.m. and didn't get called back until almost 10:oo a.m. Of course her normal people that draw her labs weren't there and we had to use the fill-in. Normally when this happens something goes wrong. Praying that that isn't the case today. By the time we got out of there and were on our way home, Trystan wanted to eat lunch. Stopped at McD's a little before 11 a.m. to get her some lunch. We ate in the car in the parking lot, only for Trystan to get sick halfway through eating. Thinking that may have something to do with her not having bm's properly since this last chemo. A side effect of one of the drugs is constipation. We have been giving her medicine for that but it isn't working as fast as normal and she is now having abdominal pain. The clinic told us today to up the times per day to give her the medication. Hoping that gets her to go.

This afternoon the nurse from the clinic called to give us her counts. Unfortunately they weren't what we were hoping for. Platelets are borderline transfusion, hemoglobin has dropped but not low enough to transfuse, and her anc has dropped. She is still fighting stomach pains, coughing and runny/stuffy nose. With her white blood cell and anc so low now it is next to impossible for her little body to fight infection. Friday we are to report to the clinic at 9:30 a.m. and they are going to do the finger stick. If her counts are low and a transfusion is needed we will be there to get it. If her counts have begun to rebound then we just had a field trip to the clinic. Either way I think it is the best thing to do. I hope the roads aren't too bad if we get all of the snow tonight and tomorrow like they are calling for.

January 5, 2010

Today was Alyssa's first day back to school after the Christmas break. She was not at all excited about having to get up "early" to go to school today. I think she had gotten a little used to sleeping in. Trystan is still fighting a runny/stuffy nose and coughing. We are a little concerned because she basically has no white blood cells to fight infection. Praying that this doesn't settle in her chest and go into pnuemonia or anything else. Will probably call the doctor tomorrow about that.

After I picked up Alyssa and came home from school, I noticed that the furnace was not kicking on like it should be. We called a few places and left messages, trying to find someone to come out this evening. It is way too cold out to not have heat especially with a child that is sick like Trystan. Finally got a call from a place in Vandalia and they came out right away. Luckily it was an "easy fix", but a costly one because it was after business hours.

January 4, 2010

This morning Alyssa and I took Trystan for bloodwork at Quest. Afterwards, I took the girls to Target. They had some spending money that was burning a hole in their pockets! But I was glad to be able to take them to the store and watch them pick out whatever they wanted. We then went to Wendy's drive-thru for lunch. This is a treat for us since we don't have one in Greenville. The girls played their last day together of Christmas break before Alyssa goes back to school. The clinic called finally about 4:30 p.m. with Trystan's counts. Her hemoglobin and platelets have dropped and are low but not low enough for a transfusion. Her white blood cells and ANC are extremely low. We are to continue her shots and get counts again on Wednesday.

January 3, 2010

No vomitting today! That's one answered prayer. Trystan is coughing pretty bad today and has the sniffles as well. Hoping that doesn't get any worse. She didn't eat very well for lunch but did much better for supper. Tomorrow we will go for bloodwork to see how her counts are doing.

January 2, 2010

Had another rough night. Not quite as bad as the night before, but still rough. At 5 a.m. she woke up in alot of pain, so I gave her her pain medication. First thing this morning we called the doctor's office here in town because we believed she has a sinus infection. Unfortunately, we came home without an antibiotic! She ate a good lunch only to throw it all up later. She needed another dose of pain medication after lunch. Trystan was able to eat dinner and it stayed down! Praise God!! Still is fighting jaw pain, congestion, and coughing. If the congestions and coughing don't seem to get better or worsens, we are planning on contacting the clinic on Monday.

January 1, 2010

Trystan had a pretty rough night last night. She's been fighting jaw and body pain as well as nausea. She tried to eat lunch but it hurt too badly to chew from the jaw pain. This afternoon Alyssa and I went to my brother's house for Christian's birthday. Afterwards Alyssa went to my sister's to play with Kortnie. Of course they talked Aunt Carrie into letting her stay the night! This evening Trystan tried to eat some mashed potatoes and corn only to throw it up later. She's been fighting a low grade fever on and off this evening but by the time she fell asleep it seemed to be down on its own. Praying that tonight and tomorrow will be better for her.