My Babies

Hello to Granton Lee and Kaylynn Sue today! We miss you very much and can't wait for you to see us and your baby brother again. We Love You.

Granton, who came to visit Mary to tell her she was going to have baby Jesus? Did Mary go to Bethlehem in a car and have her baby in a hospital? Kaylynn, Did Jesus have a crib like baby Carver? Where did Mary put baby Jesus when he was born?

Love,
Mom

Baby Talk

Today Carver and I have been interacting more. He gave me his first real grins and some sort of gasping noises. I wouldn't call it a coo but he was definitely trying to say something. He is now grinning at his toys under the jungle gym or play yard...whatever you want to call it. He's quite the mover. Oh, he just made a shrill noise. Most of the time he snorts, breathes fast or grunts like a pig. I mean when he's happy. :0)

Chemo

Carver and I need some sleep. Pray that I can think clearly. We are having trouble adjusting to the chemo schedule. The next three days should have the most interruptions at night. Thank you.

Jenni

Hickman Line In

So Daniel is right. Carver's little leak is not as bad as it sounds. The bleeding is at the site where the Hickman line enters the skin. The surgeon told me he added some powder to help the blood clot and stop the bleeding. That is why the procedure took longer than expected. So, my mind thought the problem was solved and the bleeding had stopped when they were done with him. But, when we arrived at our room I noticed the gauze around the site absorbing very quickly and I immediately called for the nurse to check it. They put pressure on the site and redressed it with some pressure gauze all while reassuring me that this can be taken care of. The doctor later told me that sometimes the fresh stitches can irritate the skin around site causing more bleeding. Also, that the heparin used during surgery helps to open the vein and thins out the blood. This made sense to me as I recalled the heparin filled tubes that lab uses to keep blood draws from clotting. Anyway, all that to say Carver is resting easy with his Giraffe friend and a nice dose of pain medication. If he lays still without crying the site should stop bleeding soon. We are continuing to watch it. The Hickman line itself is usable and draws fine.

Granton was real sweet today. He has been praying for his little brother every morning with the family. His Meme told me that he asked about Carver at lunch. He wanted to know the plan for the Hickman line. She said she would have to call and ask me. He told her to go get her phone. When she called I told her the surgery was scheduled at 4 and to pray that Carver would nap until then. She relayed the message to Granton and he told her he would just stay and watch the clock until 4 then! (He's starting to sound real familiar.) His Daddy said, "He's growing up!"  By the way, Carver did nap well today and has eaten since surgery.

Jenni

Post Hickman Surgery

I just spoke with Jenni and she was calm.  She told me Carver has nursed some after the surgery.  He is bleeding a little more than they anticipated.  It seems like everything is under control and and they have special prepared blood ready should Carver need it.  She did say that they have put a powder on him to help the blood clot and his bleeding seem to be slowing.  His nurse told Jenni that it looks worse than it is.  Anyway, I just wanted to keep everyone in the loop as to how they can pray.  Please pray for him to stop bleeding out of his opening for the Hickman line.  I plan on posting again in the morning with a new report.  We are trusting in the Lord with this and everything else.

Almost Go Time

Carver gets a Hickman line placed at 4 tomorrow. He will stop eating at 11 and only clear liquids until 1.

Transplant Plan

Carver's kidneys and heart look normal. He will receive surgery on Tuesday for the placement of a Hickman line. We pray that the timing will work out so that he is not waiting too long on an empty tummy. Also, that the operation runs smooth. Then, on Thursday he starts his chemotherapy and Friday, Dec.16th is transplant day! We are praying that Carver can remain comfortable through December even after the transplant. Some of the chemotherapy drugs might show side effects like nausea, mouth sores, and rash. The Hickman line should eliminate all the pokes he has endured up to now. Hopefully, this central line will remain infection free. That's all for now. Carver is still showing great weight gain. He's over 11 lbs!

Jenni