Today kicked off early with a 6am blood draw to test levels which left Cristian wide awake and ready to get started. After the nurses left with their sample he asked for his tablet and a toy race car, as well as the movie Cars on TV (naturally). This was how we spent most of the day.
A little before lunch time we had one of the hospital staff who sees him for our “normal” visits pop in to see how we was doing and to drop off a toy. The group here does a very good job of trying to make these interactions less dreadful by always making sure he leaves with a toy or prize. Today he got a big toy track and dinosaur set which he immediately had me open and assemble. He really has fun playing with this and I think we can get him more toys like it.
In the afternoon the Oncologist stopped by to discuss the results of the blood tests and our path forward. They would like to keep Cristian until Sunday for continued monitoring. This extended stay is to allow for further blood tests (cultures) to mature in order to confirm that there are no infections in his system. Additionally the tests show that his neutrophils(the part of your white blood cells that actually fight infection) are very low, which we knew from our normal Tuesday visit, and they would like to see those improve prior to discharge. While we continue to monitor for improvements Cristian is receiving antibiotics as a precautionary measure. As long as his neutrophil count does not drop further between now and Sunday we will be able to go home then.
Following this news we did a parent swap for the evening. This gives us each some time with the other little munchkin as well as an opportunity for a good night sleep (for one of us).
While doing the swap, Maria brought our home thermometer to the hospital so we could check it’s accuracy compared to the hospital thermometers. Since arriving at the ER yesterday Cristian has not had a low temperature, nothing below a 97, which called in to question the quality of our thermometer. The nurse came by to take Cristian’s temp for her normal rounds and she logged a 97.7. We immediately (within 5 seconds) took his temp with our own thermometer and it read 96.7. This means that our thermometer is reporting low by a whole degree. As you recall from yesterday’s post this whole ordeal started with a reading of 95.9 on our thermometer. Now with this new information we know that he really had a 96.9 temp, and this trip was not necessary. UGH!!!
On the flip side we appreciate the precautionary steps that the hospital is taking to make sure that Cristian is healthy. We know that his immune system is extremely weak at the moment and we really can’t be too careful.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out on here or directly to us with a show of support and all the prayers. While this has turned out to be more of an enhanced monitoring visit, the prayers and words of comfort/encouragement help us get through this episode. Thank you!
We look forward to leaving on Sunday and getting Cristian back to all of his other toys.
And in case you were wondering, yes we’ve already ordered a new thermometer.
Team Cristian 
I’m so glad he is doing good at the hospital and I’ll pray that y’all do go home Sunday that way he can be more comfortable playing with all his toys and his sister.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow that sucks but at least it gives you piece of mind that he really doesn’t have a fever and him not eating much is too worry even though doctors said it would happen. I can’t imagine how Cristian feels going thru all this and not eating.☹️Am praying for him every day and for y’all for god to give y’all strength to keep going he is a fighter we love y’all hang in there .
LikeLiked by 1 person