03 Sep Yeah!
Good news! I just heard from the transplant coordinator on Keegan’s labs from this morning. Kudos to the new phlebotomist at CMC Legacy for getting the blood on the first try! Poor Bug is bruised everywhere already – hands, feet, elbows. All his numbers from the labs were either in the right range or are getting there, including his WBC and kidney function. Also, the rest of the tests from Infectious Disease came back. We were waiting on one for a virus that really only affects people with compromised immune systems, and it came back negative. He was positive, however, for rhino virus, which causes (drum roll) the common cold & RSV. So, Keegan likely had a bad cold and ear infection that just hit him extra, extra hard becaue he’s immune-suppressed. It’s good to know that it was just a cold. Still, we were hoping we would avoid having to be hospitalized for things like “just a cold”, but I guess not. We knew that was the most likely outcome for illnesses even like this, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Our pediatrician today called this “treating his labs.” Clinically, he presented with a cold/ear infection, but his labs threw everyone into a panic. Of course, as we said before, we’d much rather be safe than sorry when it comes to Keegan.
We also saw our pediatrician today for a follow-up. She gave his ears the green light, and she said he will likely have a runny nose for up to another week (usually a 10+ day symptom in healthy kids, so it will take Keegan longer to shake). He’s had no fever since we came home from the hospital. His tongue is still discolored, but our pediatrician today said she’s convinced it’s an antibiotic side effect that she’s seen in other kids. She said it would go away with proper teeth/tongue brushing in the morning and evening. Evidently, there’s a home remedy to make it go away involving Lawry’s seasoning salt (who knew?), but Keegan wouldn’t be able to rinse afterward. Oh well. Keegan also still has a rash on his arms and forehead. It’s likely a reaction from the fever and will go away on its own also. On another good note, Keegan weighed 17.09 lbs at her office today! Way to go, Bug! Maybe he can gain a little bit more before the big 1 year mark.
We posted a few new pictures and a new video, so be sure to check them out. I apologize for the delay in posting them and the shortage of photos. I guess when we started staying in during the miserable Texas heat, the camera didn’t get a lot of use. Also, Keegan figured out that he should stop whatever he’s doing (that is adorable and which I am trying to capture on film) and smile a big cheesy grin for the camera. It’s funny, but it hinders getting those “kodak moments” on film. I promise to do a better job of getting more pictures to you!
In COTA fundraising news, we got a little behind in planning the fishing tournament with Keegan being sick, planning for his birthday, and a few other family issues that came up. We are now looking at a date in the spring that should be better suited to fishing, planning, and less holidays/school events. Thank you so much for your interest, and we will get more info to you as soon as possible. If you are interested in volunteering/planning, please make sure you are on Keegan’s email distribution list by clicking the “email list” tab above!
Can you believe Keegan will be ONE YEAR OLD next Friday?! And his ONE YEAR TRANSPLANT ANNIVERSARY is only 16 days away?! We’ll be updating on these blessed milestones soon. Thank you as always for your continued support and prayers, and thank you to all of those who went out of their way to help us while Keegan was in the hospital. We are so very blessed to have friends and family that love us all so dearly. We hope you are each doing well. To all of our UA/JCP friends, we’re looking forward to seeing you at the 10 year reunion this weekend! Thanks again.