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Low Counts & Chemo Hold

I brought Caleb to clinic last Thursday because he had more bruising than normal and was out of breath at his tball practice the night before after running around. I hate not knowing his counts after knowing them weekly like I used to. This phase is all new to us and not knowing counts is part of it. So, just as I expected, his counts tanked. I'm thankful that I trusted my "mother's intuition" yet again and questioned it. I knew the bruising was happening far to easily and him gasping after a run around the bases wasn't normal. All of his counts are at the extreme LOW ends of the scale and almost at transfusion levels for both red blood cells and platelets. Dr Levy put Caleb on an ORAL CHEMO hold and SOCIAL ISOLATION. I guess after 52 days of chemo in a row it's taken a toll on his little body and counts. Since everything is so low his risk of infection is extremely high as he is neutropenic. So, we are having fun just hanging at home - watching movies, playing video games & board games, making fresh OJ and just being silly! You'd never tell he had such low counts by his actions, still full of energy.... but his labs say otherwise :(

So we will return on Thursday for his IV Chemo & to start his steroid pulse. If his counts have recovered he will resume his oral chemo as well. His ANC was 200 and it needs to be over 750 to restart it. So, we will see then. Let's all pray his bone marrow recovers quickly and he doesn't have too long of a hold.

Other than our clinic visit last week, it's been pretty quiet around here. He is loving playing baseball. He's making lots of new friends and having a blast. Sadly, with his counts so low this week he missed the Jamboree for Opening Day and his first two games. Hopefully, he recovers so he can play on Friday with his team. He's been asking everyday about going back to baseball. In the meantime, I hope to get him a tball stand so he can practice we me during the days.

Back in October, Caleb was filmed for a film for Arnold Palmer for the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Please watch the video, you can see Caleb in it with me at his clinic visit & see other kids from the floor and his wonderful doctors and nurses!



Also, we are participating the the Make a Wish, Cure Search and Arnold Palmer Walks in the next month.They are all organizations that focus on the KIDS and support research for Childhood Cancer. Please consider walking with us OR being a virtual walker. If you can make a monetary donation to our team "Team Caleb Blaise" that would be great, as your money is going to a great cause for the kids! THANK YOU!

April 13, 2013

March 14, 2013

I am also in the process to making "Team Caleb - Kickin it with Caleb" T Shirts available. I will have them in Kids - Adult Sizes. They will be available to order ONLINE or various locations to reduce shipping costs!
Thank You for your continued support, love and prayers! It is so appreciated!

Love,
Caleb's Mama

Caleb can't wait till it's warm enough to swim again!
 In clinic waiting for Dr Levy
 Making fresh OJ with Mama
 Dr Levy can always make Caleb laugh
 Finger painting a masterpiece on Valentines Day
 Brian McKnight
Win

 



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