Daily Archives: September 18, 2009

Membership Has It’s Priviledges

by

4

Arrrr, Go Vols!

Arrrr, Go Vols!

Just moved again, but fortunately not to the PICU.  We moved next door into a much larger room.  It feels like the penthouse compared to all of the other rooms we have had the pleasure of occupying.  This one actually has an entire wall of windows, unfortunately they face east, but with all of the rain we are having here that shouldn’t be much of an issue. 

Apparently this room is reserved for those that will be here a long time.  Hopefully long time means only a few more weeks until we can get Cutler home for a few days before starting the next round of chemo.  What’s good about this room becoming available is that it means that a little girl got to go home today!  I look forward to the opportunity to pass the room along to the next survivor after Cutler finishes this battle.

By the way, did you know that September is Child Cancer Awareness month?  Irony really stinks sometimes.  On that note, we have been blessed to have such a tremendous network of support on all avenues and we are still getting offers of “let me know what we can do to help”.  What we have recently discovered, is that for the locals, if you make a blood donation in Cutler’s name, we get a credit with the blood bank.  So, from what we have been told if you go to any Carter location and provide them with Cutler’s name and dob (3/14/09) we will receive a credit which will help go a long way at the pace he is going.  Their web site is http://www.carterbloodcare.org/.  For those that don’t live in the local area, donating in his name won’t help us in the same manner, BUT it will help someone else.  So in recognition of Cutler and the Child Cancer Awareness month I would recommend donating blood if you have the time and ability.

I have been touched by cancer a few times in my life and have lost some loved ones very close to me, but it is only now that I am really seeing what cancer is all about.  I had no idea how much blood and platelets come into play and so be prepared for a soap box occasionally about the importance of supporting via donations of both blood and to cancer charities.  I only wish I had been more proactive before now, but I am quite certain we will be heavily involved going forward.   You don’t have to be a Vols fan to be a Volunteer, but it doesn’t hurt…just ask Mason. (Please refrain from any Gator taunting after tomorrow’s game)

Time For Movies…

by

13

Last night was yet another successful night.  In fact, Melanie says that he practically slept through the night despite the intrusions.  I’m not sure if it is Melanie or not, but it seems both boys sleep through the night and late for her, but not for me.  My explanation is that I am so much fun they can’t wait to wake up and start playing.

The doctor came in today and said all the right things.  Cutler is responding well to the chemo and his system is reacting accordingly.  The white cell count is on a steady decline, but more importantly the bad white cells are also rapidly on their way down.  All of the bumps and rash have disappeared and he remains in incredible spirits.  His blood count and platelets are still low, but that’s what blood banks are for and we are making a steady exercise of withdrawal. 

Cutler has lost a bit of weight, but nothing that is causing the doctor concern as he continues to drink from the bottle and has actually increased his appetite a bit.  He is almost back to his prediagnosis eating habits.