Today: T+13 – unlucky for some?!?!

WELL NOT FOR US!!!!!!!!

Thanks to vivabop uk for this. we LOVE it! So true for ALL the superheros going through; have been through; or will go through BMT

I totally am putting today and yesterday down as AWESOME days. Seth has a LONG and uncertain road ahead of him. By no means is he out of the woods…..

HOWEVER, look at these numbers:

so the initial numbers we look at are the Neutrophils- 0.5 or above consistently means he can go outside (as long as he is well)

Yeah – that’s right – WE HAVE AN IMMUNE SYSTEM – and because the neutrophils are coming up it is most likely to be daddy’s magic and not the old mean and grumpy immune system from the last transplant.

These numbers are still too low for Seth to leave his bubble. But as you can see – they’re getting bigger. Slow is good as if the cells rush in they are more likely to rush about causing inflammation/Graft Versus Host Disease (bull in china shop springs to mind).

Not only do we have some cells but my boy is BACK! He is cheeky, a little obnoxious at times, sharp as you like and determined to be a normal little boy. Yesterday he was walking to and from the toilet and both days we have been playing games and doing rescues with Fireman Sam and Paw Patrol. The last two days Seth’s strength has knocked me sideways.

He still has incredibly painful hands and ulcers in his mouth, he is weak from spending so long in bed. But he is fed up of being in it. So much so that today and yesterday he didn’t want to get back in and fell asleep on his playmat on the floor (don’t worry the playmate is sterile!!!). I also got to have my first proper cuddle in 3 weeks. He is still in RED isolation so no facial touching, but a cuddle is enough. Seth gives THE BEST cuddles.

rocking the ‘new do’ – he loves it 🙈

so fed up of being ill- nap time on the floor 😁

So what now? All sunshine and roses ahead? Unfortunately, no one can say. He has got through the chemo and engraftment, so far, is going well. But the next 5 or 6 weeks will be telling as to whether or not the engraftment is going to cause problems. Our main worry is the return of Graft Versus Host Disease. Having battled GVHD for nearly 4 years I kind of consider it to be part of transplant. The fact that is may not happen has not registered with me. But i am scared of it returning. The treatments for GVHD take there toll on Seth, as well as the GVHD.

So the next weeks consist of watching and waiting day by day. Watching Seth looking for any sign of GVHD which could be problems breathing (GVHD of the lungs), acute diarrhea (GVHD in the stomach) and his skin flashing red initially (skin GVHD).

The risk of infection remains, Seth has a new immune system that is not at the same level as a fully functioning immune system. But at least he has a bit now which will help him and the doctors have a better chance of managing infection.

The next positive stage – being dropped from RED isolation to PURPLE and being allowed to go out for an hour or so each day – a big step for us. A big scary step. Mixed emotions at the moment as I am scared to hope because I don’t want to get complacent and then be totally floored by hiccups or problems. However, 4 months ago I was telling myself I would probably end this year as a mother of 1. Now, I might, just might, end it as a mother of 2.