I'm not patient...

... so I called the GI's office at 3:18. :)

They called me back at 3:36.

Claire's total bilirubin went from 5.4 to 2.9. Her direct/conjugated bilirubin (the bad stuff) went from 4.1 to 2.2. These numbers are PHENOMENAL for Claire. This is great news. :)

Her liver enzymes are up (ALT from 195 to 328 and AST from 200 to 310). I asked the nurse if this is cause for concern, as this is the second time they've gone up in a row. She said it's cause to watch but not to be concerned. She said that liver function changes in people quickly - you could draw it in the morning and get a different result than you would that same night. Viral infections/colds/anything have great impact on liver function. Claire does have a slight cold so that may be why her enzymes are up right now.

The nurse is checking to see if Dr. Bhatt wants Claire to get drawn again in two weeks or three, but any which way... I'M EXCITED. Claire is doing wonderfully. :)

Deanna

Wonderful baby girl

Claire had blood drawn today. She did better with this draw than she has on any to date. Maybe it's because this is the longest she's gone between pokes? It's been two weeks to the day. Maybe it's because she's just used to it? I don't know why, but I'm grateful for it. She smiled while they warmed up her arm and hand with the warmer. She smiled when they put the tourniquet on. She only cried right when the needle went in - she stopped crying immediately after it went in. She smiled at the phlebotomist and her helper while they were filling the vials from her arm. She even smiled while they took out the needle. She is such a trooper.

Even though Dr. Bhatt wrote the blood draw series order as "routine", the Midland lab is entering them as "stat". So the results were to have been faxed to Ann Arbor by noon. I'm planning to call the GI office at 4pm to ask about the results. Aren't I waiting so patiently? The Momma Bear in me wanted to call at 12:01pm. :) I'm hoping that even if Dr. Bhatt hasn't read them, the nurse will give me Claire's numbers. Pray for low low low bili levels and lowering enzymes. If all is good, we go for another draw in three weeks. If all isn't so good, we go back in two. I like Kathy (our personal phlebotomist) and all, but I'd like to see her less often.

I'll update as soon as I have news to share.

Deanna

Biopsy pictures

While downloading new photos from my camera, I realized that the ones I took of Claire's biopsy spots were still on there. I thought some of you may like to see them. They're not gross... it's actually cool to see how small the spots are. If you look closely you can see two tiny spots on the side of her belly.

Updated our Relay for Life team page

I updated our photo and have added this cool one.



Tina has a cool button making gadget. She makes and sells these buttons to raise more money for Relay for Life. She can add the appropriate color ribbon to represent any type of cancer or you can decorate the buttons yourself. The kids had a blast coloring and drawing pictures to go on their homemade one-of-a-kind buttons last year. Be sure to pick up one (or a few) if you make it out to Nouvel this year!

I also have to say that I'm really proud of Josh and Meghan. They've each again committed some of their own money for this great cause. :)

Travels

One friend and coworker is in Florida right now (at Disney today and then off on a Disney cruise tomorrow). Another is leaving for Lake Placid, NY, at 8 tomorrow morning. One headed to fun-in-the-sun and one headed to ski/snowboard/visit Olympic Village and sightsee.

Me? Stuck at work, alone on my side of the building on Friday.

But I'm also counting down the day til our own Florida jaunt. 44 days until we leave... :)

Deanna

Birthday party gripe

I know the kids are 9 or 10 years old and in fourth grade. But the parents aren't. It'd sure be nice to get invitations for a Saturday sleepover party sooner than Wednesday of the same week.

I'm just sayin'...

Taxes

Filed.

Yay!