Two patterns are broken, finally. Rafi had a good night sleep with Jackie in the hospital last night and today was a very fun day for the little one. No longer is a good day followed by a terrible day. I am knocking on the fake wood right now as I type this. This morning Rafi walked, and even trotted, all over the hallways on the fifth floor. Then later in the afternoon, she rode a tricycle for the first time in her life. She loved it. Every nurse on the floor was telling me that now I have to get one for her.
Today was the first day without G-CSF and her numbers really dropped. It was an expected consequence and there is nothing to worry about, but it is amazing how well that drug works. Yesterday she had a WBC of 8.6 and an ANC of 6.5. Today she had a WBC of 4.3 and an ANC of 2.4. I am sure Rafi’s numbers will be lower tomorrow as well.
Rafi did eat a lot of food today. Early this afternoon she had a little peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a little macaroni and cheese and a decent amount of chicken soup. Then this evening she got to have her favorite, baked beans. She shoved them in her mouth so fast, it was like she was afraid we were going to take them away from her at any second. We are told that it is a great sign that she is eating so we will let her eat her little heart out.
Rafi has done really well through her stem cell transplant but it’s important to remember that this procedure is very serious and very dangerous. Earlier this morning our next door neighbor passed away. We are told he left this world very peacefully and didn’t feel any pain. We didn’t know him, and we only knew his mother from passing her in the hallways. No formal introductions ever happened, but you don’t need them on this floor. I saw Jackie’s face as she was talking to his Mom and I knew. We wish there was something we could do for them. I felt their pain, but I felt lucky at the same time. It’s the first time I have felt lucky regarding Rafi’s medical condition. I just wish it wasn’t at their expense. Zach, may you rest in peace and may your parents find peace and some comfort in the near future.
Until tomorrow………………