Chasing White Blood Cells

We've been doing well the past couple weeks. But, Linda's white blood cell counts were down last Thursday so she couldn't get her Navelbine (chemo IV). They did bump her Xeloda (oral chemo) back up to four per day that Monday but it seems that the Navelbine hits her counts the hardest. So, we went home after only having the IV of Zometa (bone strengthener) and no IV chemo last week (still on the Xeloda, though). We focused on getting her more rest over the past week (even though she is always feeling pretty good and doesn't really show signs of fatigue) and then went in today for her chemo. Her counts were up from the previous week, but still down and not enough for a full dose. So, she only received a half dose.

Chasing White Blood Cell counts can be tricky. When Linda was on her every-other-week chemo the timing was such that she got a booster shot (called Neulasta) after chemo that helped her counts stay up. With the daily/weekly regimen, they can't use this. There is no magic recipe for increasing white blood cells but they say rest helps and diet/exercise certainly don't hurt either. Linda has been walking a lot with Ava almost everyday and eating well, and even tried to nap a few times. So, we'll hope for higher counts next week and try to get Linda to take more naps (ha ha). Until then, due to the low counts we continue to be ever-vigilant for colds/flu or infections. Here is a recent photo of Linda and her newfound doo:

Ava has been doing great and was up to 12 pounds 5 ounces this week. Her weight gains have slowed a bit as she is much more active now. For her adjusted age, she is right on track for her weight and length. She is progressing very well and the home health nurse is very pleased with her overall progress given everything she has gone through. Her feeding issues are thankfully gone now which we are very happy about. She goes 4-5 hours at least once per night between feedings and even hit 6 hours once last week. This is nice as we can actually get more sleep ourselves! Her personality continues to come out with her sweet smiles and looks she gives us. Last weekend, we met some friends in Eugene and made a quick visit to the NICU to see some of Ava's nurses which was fun too. We'll be happy when cold/flu season is over so we can get out a bit more!

Mason-Ryder: Ava's sweet little cousin Mason (fellow NICU graduate if you recall) is back in the hospital so we're sending some positive energy and prayers his way. It sounds like he has a great team of doctors on his side so I'm sure he'll be doing better soon.

Here are some recent photos of Ava:

Rob.