PICC line go away...and go Newts keep it UP (plates too)!

Thankfully the trend up continues - "newts" are at 220 today and platelets are up to 46.

We no longer need to hit and actual neutrophil count (ANC) of 1,000 to get our discharge papers...this is because the bone marrow biopsy proved he can make neutrophils.

Today, I noticed his PICC line site was a tiny bit pink and puffy. The doctors checked it out and agreed it's worth taking it out asap. They will treat with topical antibiotics just in case and watch it and hope it is not actually infected. So prayers for no infection at the PICC line site...that's the big request of the day. That would really not be cool right now (isn't that putting it lightly?) Thank you to Sara and Ed (who've "been there done that" on a far more difficult path treating their little guy Brayden for SCID) and Jason (our pediatric ER friend) who both let me know to keep my eyes on the line. I am sure I wouldn't have been quite as on top of it - I just would have thought the nurses knew what to look for,  however, I should know better - I'm the one who sees him every single day. The nurses change. I'm the constant. So I'm glad for the "tip" about the line - I feel like maybe I caught it in time (goodness I HOPE). Gwen had a PICC line at one point but she was in the CICU where they really did watch her closely so it just wasn't as on my radar this time around - so very glad for good friends to help advise us.

At 1:00 they meet up to look at his bone marrow biopsy and then we will have our final results.

Arthur is a little sleepy today - but no more freak out sessions - it was a simple night. Diaper changes (stinkin rash) and well, being choked by his vitimin they insist on giving him were not fun this morning (the nurse today just shot the whole thing down his throat and he gagged quite a bit... it is always so interesting how different one nurse is from the next in how they do different things.) But he's doing well - eating, filling diapers and gaining weight (oh my, I was warned boys can eat more and grow bigger faster...so far he's following that trend. I'll be getting a good work-out from him, that's for sure!). 

Tomorrow might be when we leave...just gotta see what the ANC is and make sure his PICC line site is in perfect shape. I'm cautiously optimistic... Then, if we leave here tomorrow we'd return for his first clinic visit on Monday.

Hoping and praying for his PICC line site to be healthy and infection free... it all hinges on that!