A Worrisome But Happy Day

Brody is getting blood again today.   At this point in his chemo regimen,  his hemoglobin should be increasing rather than decreasing.   I was surprised to find out that his hemoglobin had dropped again and that he again needed blood.   Our oncologist was concerned too.   He did not feel that the little bit of bleeding he gets from his stent could be enough to keep dropping his hemoglobin.   It's possible Brody could just be having a more difficult time bouncing back from chemo.   His body has been through a lot.   But,  our oncologist is worried that Brody's cancer may now be present in his bone marrow and this may be the reason that Brody's red blood cells,  hemoglobin,  and hematocrit keep dropping.  He said that it could be Brody's kidney function causing the problem too.   He ordered a lab check of erythropoietin which is a hormone made in the kidney required for the process of making red blood cells (red blood cells are made in bone marrow).  We will not hear the results of the erythropoietin level until sometime this weekend or maybe not until Tuesday.   Hopefully,  the red blood cell issue is related to Brody's recent kidney function problems because cancer in his bone marrow would be seriously bad news.  

Our oncologist let the team at Nationwide Children's Hospital know about his concerns and that he is waiting on erythropoietin lab results.   Brody will be at Nationwide Children's Hospital on Tuesday and Wednesday this next week for scans related to entering the HSV trial.   One of these is a PET CT which should show if there may be active cancer in the bone marrow.   It's possible due to these new concerns that a bone marrow biopsy will be done now too. 

I am trying not to worry too much about this news just yet.   There is nothing I can do to change anything so worrying serves no purpose and it could just be a temporary problem and not cancer in his bone marrow at all.   Not worrying is easier said than done,  of course,  but I am going to concentrate on the positives.   Brody's kidney function labs improved again today and he has been feeling very good.   Kids with cancer in the bone marrow deteriorate very quickly,  are in pain,  and really are not well.   Brody feels wonderful and in fact has felt better than I have seen him feel in a long time.   I am going to remember that and just enjoy these awesome feeling great days. 

Brody and Jaden have been at the hospital all day today but have had a very fun day.   They have been busy with scooter races through the hospital hallways,  playing "bubble ninja"  (blowing bubbles and popping them),  chasing bubbles,  playing Just Dance on the Wii (the nurses enjoyed watching them play this today),  watching movies,  and just goofing around.   Brody has been Mr.  Giggles today.   I LOVE his laugh!!!  No other laugh in the world like his!   There is nothing that makes me happier than watching my kids laugh and have a good time.   Today has been a day of lots of happiness!