Bennett is the patient

Carter had blood work done at CHOC yesterday, and all of his levels continue to be good. His Prograf (anti-rejection drug) level is still low, so UCLA is having us increase his dosage again. We can usually tell if the level goes too high because it seriously affects Carter’s sleep. Hopefully, this slight increase won’t be a problem. We were hoping to start reducing the Prednisone (steroid) Carter is on, but the doctor said we need to wait until the six month marker from transplant. We'll be so happy for February 7 for so many reasons, and bye-bye to roid rages will be one of them!

We had Carter’s second physical therapy session today. He loves going and hopefully his coordination, strength and wide-gate will improve. He’s more and more active every day, and is now climbing up on beds by himself. He’s a ball of energy and Matt and I are constantly refereeing him and Bennett and trying to get them to settle down. They are boys…I think we have a lifetime full of this! And we’ll take a lifetime full of anything as long as we can have healthy boys!!

Bennett was the patient for a change today. He had some oral surgery done this morning. This was something Bennett was supposed to have done the week after Carter was diagnosed, so we obviously rescheduled it. We had to be at the doctor’s office bright and early, and Bennett had to be put under general anesthesia. Matt and I had been very vague to him about where we were going and what was going to be done. I tried to explain a little bit of it last week and saw the look in his eyes, so I thought it was best to just not say anything more. He did great, but his mouth is sore and he is on liquids all weekend. I think Bennett has a little more respect and understanding for what his little brother has to go through on a daily basis. Of course, he IS four though…so, eventually it comes back to being all about him. Milkshakes all weekend!