Thirty Days and Waiting

It’s been a good two days at home. Otto’s been busy and has been enjoying hanging out. We went to Clinic today. His counts are rising and his ANC is right about where it needs to be to begin Round 3. So, he will be going in on Friday for his biopsy, lumbar puncture and then inpatient to start of Round 3 of chemo. Sending you all so much love and gratitude! Mark, Leigh, Otto, Tess and Lulu

We were thrilled this morning to learn that Otto was going to be discharged. Otto could not be happier walking out of the lobby and into the car to go home.  His counts were up and his ANC was 300.  With no fevers since being placed on antibiotics along with no growth on blood cultures, we were free to go.  After getting home, we were able to get outside and cross some things off the to do list.  Otto went right for the golf clubs and ran out into the yard.  Afterwards, we were able to head over to see friends and gather for a great feast!  Sunday dinner with people you care about... just can't top that feeling.  So now we are home getting ready for our check up on Tuesday and bone marrow/lumbar puncture procedure on Friday.  If counts look good and results are still positive, we could be heading back into the hospital as early as next week for Round 3. Round 3 is a 5 day chemo period.  The cycle (chemo days included) continues to be ap...

Today was a Good News day!  Otto's ANC is finally moving.  His number was up to 100 today.  So, this a great sign that things are on their way up.  Hopefully tomorrow or Monday will be our discharge day.  Unfortunately, these numbers can move up and down at times or even stay still for a period.  We are praying they continue to move up! He's also getting some red blood cells today due to his hemoglobin being below the threshold.  Our guy has been a little tired the last two days, and this will perk him right up! There's not too much going on today.  We are just going to be passing our time with card games, conversation, and such.  Thank you so much for the support and prayers.  We are ever so grateful! Mark, Leigh, Otto, Tess and Lulu

Sorry for the late post.  Today went well.  Otto continues to have no fever and nothing has grown on his blood cultures.  He is officially thought not to have a bacterial infection.  In other words, it could have been viral or my thermometer could have been totally off.  His ANC continues to be at zero and we are waiting for that number to go beyond 200 in order to be discharged.  We still are in the books for a bone marrow biopsy in one week with a soon to be follow up of Round 3.  The day overall was a funny one.  We walked around the 7th floor for while.  Otto and his friend decided to take a detour into the playroom so that they could do an art project with Brian from Hole in the Wall.  Our wonderful friend from Child Life, Teresa, made sheriffs badges and a wanted poster for Otto's Western Day.  It was our theme, however, due to the small size of the room we are in, we decided to postpone this one with friends until next Frid...

Yesterday afternoon was an interesting one.  I was taking Otto's temperature, and low and behold... a small fever.  So after a discussion with the doc, we headed to Yale.  Otto was admitted and is now on antibiotics.  He has been fever free since being there, so that is a great sign.  We are also waiting on blood cultures and hoping there will be no growth in 48 hours (which would bring us to Friday afternoon).  With his ANC being at zero along with his admittance to the hospital, he will not be allowed to go home until his ANC levels are above 200.  So, needless to say, we will be there for a few days.  As we have asked before in the past, please continue to say your prayers.  Even though things are running smoothly and it is a little bump in the road, it's still an emotional dip.  We all are trying to view our journey as a marathon, the greatest run of our lives.  Otto's just at a rest stop right now.  He's getting his carb...

Good morning!   We've had a good last three days.  Everyone in the family has been really busy, whether it has been talking to friends, going to the lake, or going on a playdate.  As for now, life is good!   Otto had his Clinic visit yesterday.  His numbers came back and he's in a good range for now.  His ANC is zero, but the other numbers are right where they need to be.  Friday is our next visit.  This one may be a longer one if numbers are too low and transfusions are needed.  Towards the end of next week, Otto will be going in for another bone marrow biopsy.  We are praying the results will be exactly the same as before - zero cancer cells.  Once there for that procedure, he will also get a form of chemo directly into his spinal fluid.  This has always been the case before starting another round of chemo.  As far as Round 3 goes, that will begin once his numbers are above a certain number.  This does not mean ...

Today has been a nice day for all family members.  Lulu was able to get out on a playdate for the day, while Tess was able to go to the lake with good friends.  Otto was able to get outside and hit some golfballs and was loving the fresh air.  He even lost a baby tooth that has still been around.  Thankful for platelets, for there was no major blood issues with that one.  :) We continue to be so grateful for all the generous donations that have been coming our way.  We are so incredibly thankful for family, dear friends and an amazing community that stretches even beyond Southbury.  So many people care, and all that love and support are constantly being felt by this family! We are still thinking we will be back at Clinic on Tuesday for a check on counts and a possible hemoglobin transfusion.  Otto seems to be in good shape, but any signs of fatigue or headache would suggest a boost in that area. We have been really enjoying our time at home....