Day Plus 216

Today was another day at the clinic. We are there at least once a week at this stage of the game. Simon received his weekly Cidofovir, which means a 4 hour appointment. I was very thankful to be heading to the clinic on this snowy day for two reasons:
1. Going to the clinic means that Simon is not in the hospital.
2. Going to the clinic means that my child has survived his illness and his treatments.
We get tomorrow off, but get to be back at the clinic for his monthly IVig, which usually means about 6 hours in the clinic.

Simon's blood work all looked good. His white count was the lowest it has been in a while, but it was just below normal range, so even that was good. The lower count could be due to the cold he is fighting. His kidneys are doing well. His liver function isn't quite what it should be, but nothing the doctor is concerned about. That is probably related to one of the umpteen million meds he is currently taking.

In addition to the lab work, IV fluids, and IV meds, Simon had the joy of enduring a nasal culture. For that, they squirt saline up his nose, and then stick a really thin tube WAY up and vacuum out some of the snot to send to the lab. They have to do it for both nostrils. It is not a pleasant experience, and I wish I could say it was Simon's first time. Unfortunately, he has to endure this any time he has the slightest sign of a runny nose. Then they have to repeat it until all the cultures come back negative. Poor kid!

Simon is getting stronger, which is great news! He was able to walk all the way from the garage up to the clinic. It was the first time in the last couple of months that he hasn't needed a wheelchair for the trip. When we left, he practically ran across the lobby. (He was trying to catch up to a therapy puppy in training.) It was encouraging to see a glimpse of his former energy.

Beau continues to fight a nasty cold. He headed home with his dad this afternoon. It is just a bit too quiet around here without him. If all goes well over the next couple of day, Simon, Ezri and I will head south on Saturday. Moving home is still a ways off, but it will be nice to be able to spend a few days down there, catching up with friends and enjoying the views.

Allen Browning is the family coordinator here at Brent's Place. Simon was needing some doggy loves, so Allen brought his dogs by. The picture was taken at the end of September, the first time we thought we were going to be able to move home.