Saturday

Over a week in the hospital, Riley woke this morning with a sore throat and a slight fever.
He slept unteathered last night. He drinks enough water himself that he didn't have to have the fluid IV. But every time they stop the anti biotic fluids within 12 hours he gets symptoms of a cold. How can we go home?

Riley isn't eating much. I wish the hospital would serve breakfast for dinner. Riley is most energetic in the evening. He likes breakfast food best. His white cell count is 0.3, hemoglobin is 7. 1, platelets are 7 this morning. The nurse put the platelets in at high speed this morning. If they go in fast the body has less opportunity to realize its being invaded and react. The ATG goes in the same way. We started with an eight hour dose, to make sure he didn't have any sever reactions, now Riley gets the same amount in four hours.

I have my days confused. I told my brother I thought everyone was in school, thinking it was Friday. He is coming to visit us. I love all the visitors. They brighten an otherwise boring existance. I am so glad my brother is coming, he and his family light up a room. He couldn't make it to see my dad last summer, and I know he regretted it. This time he brought the whole family to town to see Riley. Riley is loving all the attention.

The platelets went in and Riley is perking up and feeling better. He hastles the nurse, cracking bad jokes. I can't help but be nervous all the time. I used to blow off the children's colds unless they were really feverish or vomiting. A dose of Tylenol and off to school. Now the slightest incling of a runny nose and I jump for the doctor.

The room is done at home. We just have to tidy up the house again. Its amazing how quickly it gets messy.