Cutler had his transplant 19 days ago and as you can see from the video, he’s is doing wonderfully!  Before the transplant the doctors told us we would be in the hospital for 30-60 days, so we still have a way to go.  Once Cutler’s white blood cell count increases, we’ll have to get him off of the TPN and interested in eating again.  He has to be able to eat and take medicine orally before he can go home.  Since he has the tendancy to hit every milestone without a problem, we anticipate he conquers food and meds!

Can’t remember if we’ve mentioned being assigned PICU (pediatric ICU) nurses at night.  Well, we’ve been assigned a few and let’s just say, we haven’t had the best experiences.  Although these nurses are qualified, no doubt, there’s just something missing when they come to the Bone Marrow Unit.  A few nights ago I had an issue because the nurse didn’t seem to know how to operate the IV pumps without needing another nurse to come into the room for assistance.  Needless to say, that did not invoke much confidence!  I spoke to the Unit Supervisor and kindly requested that we NOT be assigned a PICU nurse when they are short-staffed.  He committed to doing his best.  Wellllll, 3 nights later, last night, Aaron had a PICU nurse.  He gave her the benefit of the doubt once the charge nurse introduced them and gave the ground rules.  An alarm went off at 3 a.m. (no big deal, happens throughout the night) but when Aaron checked on Cutler, he was “swimming in his own urine”!  Aaron had the charge nurse come in and they had to change the little guy’s clothes.  The PICU nurse said she changed it at 2 a.m., which seems impossible that he would be so wet just an hour later.  Anyhow, she apologized and was taken off Cutler’s assignment for the remainder of the night.  Tonight, I have Miriam, who was the charge nurse last night.  We’re hopefully that that was our last PICU nurse as they just don’t seem to click with us!  And I would say my hubby is home in bed catching up from last night, but he is at the Mavs game.  A well-deserved night off.

I had a great birthday yesterday, as great as turning 30 can be 🙂  Aaron and I had a yummy sushi lunch then a little shopping.  My mom took me, Mason, Ellen, Austin and Rick to dinner at Patrizio’s.  Another wonderful meal.  Yes, I need to get back to the gym after all this eating!

As I mentioned above, Cutler is doing great.  His energy level increases so much every day.  We played on his mat with toys for a good 2 hours, before I finally got him to sleep by rocking him in my arms…can you say heaven?!  I pray he continues to improve despite the reduction of pain meds and steroids – no setbacks, please.  Each day the doctor tells us basically the same thing – they are very pleased with Cutler!  I’ll take the status quo any day.