Chugging Along

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but that's always a good thing. Catherine did indeed end up getting a blood transfusion before we left the hospital. She probably didn't need it because by Friday her hemoglobin was a whopping 14.4 and her face was as red as an apple. But, always better to be safe than sorry. Her counts have been right in the range where the docs want them since we left the hospital - ANC 780 the Friday after we left and 892 this past Friday. Catherine got her scheduled monthly dose of Vincristine this past Friday and started her 5 day steroid pulse. Oh how we love the steroid/Vincristine time of the month in our home. As usual, Catherine is raging, especially when she is fighting fatigue, and we have our usual jaw pain.

Unfortunately, we did get some sad news this past week. Three of the four docs in the practice are leaving. Not because of any ill will towards the head of the practice, but because of strong ties to their families. Dr. MJ, the lone female doc and the one who had the pleasure of diagnosing Catherine and dealing with me those first few days, has decided to stay home with her two young kids; Dr. Darryl, who has a knack for anticipating my crazy questions, will be moving back to the South to be closer to his daughters whom his wife misses terribly; and Dr. Elisha, Catherine's favorite, will be moving to Israel to live closer to his family. I have to admit I am teary even writing this because these people have become such a HUGE part of our lives - we see them more than we see most family members. Just think, these people chose to work with children who have cancer - how special is that? And, in being a pediatric oncologist you not only deal with the patient, you deal with their parents who are a tough group. I just have to say that we are blessed to have known them for the past 9 months and although I will miss them terribly, I wish them well. I only hope that the people who replace them are half as good.

By the way, Pop-Pop (Dave's Dad) is turning 60 this week. We had a little celebration here yesterday, and I just have to point out that in keeping with our luck, Catherine is on steroids (she was on them for her b-day and mine, mine and Dave's anniversary, and Alex's b-day). Just the way the cookie crumbles I guess.

Have a great Thanksgiving!!