The Energizer Bunny

As expected, Catherine got her platelet transfusion Friday. Her platelet count was 46,000, but with the long weekend ahead of us and a brother that, to quote Dr. Elisha, "likes to beat up his sister", the transfusion was absolutely necessary. The red blood cell transfusion did not happen. Despite Catherine's hemoglobin dropping down to 7.3, Dr. Elisha didn't think it was necessary given that her energy level remained very high and it appeared that her counts were on their way up (ANC 719!). He was truly on the fence about it given that I had already picked up the blood, but Cindy, our nurse, said that they could send the blood back to the hospital before it expired so that it wouldn't go to waste. We go back Tuesday now for a finger stick just to check her counts.
Her energy has remained high the whole weekend. Especially today - she rode her bike, we went to the playground and she played in the driveway with Alex. Of course, every time she falls or bumps herself, Dave and I cringe and are afraid to look at the bruise that will be left behind. Yesterday, while Catherine, Alex and I were playing, Alex's head accidently hit the bridge of Catherine's nose. Her nose bled for short time (thank God we got those platelets!), but now she has a bruise on her nose. Despite all these bumps and bruises, I always remind myself that these are normal childhood things and I should just be thankful that she has the energy right now to enjoy herself because I know that won't always be the case.
That said, we are scheduled to start Long Term Maintenance on Friday. I can't believe it! Everyone tells me that it'll be so much easier than these for first 6 1/2 months have been. I hope they are right!