Sunday, March 2, 2008

The Corner

We haven't yet rounded it, but I think we can see it.

Henry had a very bad day yesterday. Everything had worsened. His pain was not well controlled. His rash has expanded to close to half of his body, and he was scratching it uncomfortably often. His mouth is full of sores, and his entire mouth and lips are swollen from them. His drool and mucous had become more bloody again (in line with his dropping platelets.) He has been sleeping so much on his right side that his right arm and face is swollen and his eye almost swollen shut.

I talked to the doctors about being more aggressive with his pain control, and they made some larger changes to his doses. He had a much better night, and is smiling for the first time in a while this morning. (Of course, who wouldn't smile with Aunt Molly entertaining!)

There are some bright spots. He hasn't had a fever for about 24 hours. He seems to be drooling less, and therefore coughing less frequently. His white blood cell count almost doubled to 110, which probably accounts for the improvements.

I don't want to jump the gun, or count our chickens, or any other cute phrase you can think of - but I think we're close to rounding the corner. It can't come soon enough.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great news to hear that hopefully Henry is on the upswing. We can't imagine how difficult it has been for you to see your little guy in such pain. We will all keep praying for better days ahead. Keep those smiles coming Henry!

Julie, Brad, Patrick, Andrew and Samantha

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that things are looking up for Henry. How wonderful to see him smiling this morning. Tell him I am thinking of him.

Shanda

rlbates said...

Keep your eyes lift, looking to that "corner"! Take care.

Anonymous said...

I was counting this morning and realized that it was day 10. I think that is the magical number? So, here's to a good nights sleep and to day 11.

Little H, I am so sorry that you have to go through all this suffering. You are so brave and strong! I know your mommy and daddy are so proud of you.

So sleep well and here's to tomorrow.

ms.t

Anonymous said...

Tara and Bryan,
I try to keep my mom posted on Henry as she is not an e-mail girl. She sends all of you her love and wants you to know you are in her daily prayers. We hope day 11 will be around that corner tomorrow!
Love,
Susan Vallotton and Aunt Reba

Anonymous said...

Bryan and Tara -

Fred and I read and follow your blog about Henry everyday. We think about him and admire not only the courage he shows us with this challenge, but the courage you and your family have in sharing this experience us, your supporters.. your friends. You all are truly, truly AMAZING. Henry, hang in there...you will be home soon!

Lori

Anonymous said...

COME ON CORNER!!!

Hang in there Henry and take that corner with gusto!

Love always!

Cousin Susan H.