Day + 9... We have liftoff!!!

Good news. Sam's ANC (measure of immunity) went from 0 to .16.... This is still dangerously low and it is not considered engraftment until it is at least .5 for three consecutive days, but it's our first good sign that Kaedens white blood cells are making their way through her body and trying to fight to take over. This may be the only "fight" I'm ever thankful for and encouraging between these two:)

Two of her many  iv medications are meant to help limit graft vs. host disease or gvhd. She will remain on these for some time even when we return home but we will administer these thru her g tube at home . Her mucusitis has actually gotten worse causing a lot of vomiting and discomfort. The doctor warned me the weekend could actually be tough because as white cells start to run around her body, they can actually cause more pain, mucus, tenseness as part of the healing process. If the counts continue to rise, we should be on a more comfortable path by Monday and be able to start physical therapy and help get some of her strength back. I'm anxious to get this little girl pain free and moving ASAP!

So although it's not a sure thing yet, we are cautiously optimistic. Come on super kaedens marrow.! Keep fighting and let's get your sister back!

Here are two pics of Sam and I getting comfortable with her new "do." I took the standing shot and showed it to her saying "Sam Sam"... She just kept pointing at it and saying "No ... Baby" meaning she thought it was a picture of a baby, not her:) We haven't picked her up in front of a mirror yet mainly because her medication caddy is too big to make it in the bathroom!:) I'm sure she'll get used to the new look of "Sam Sam". After the initial shock has worn off a bit, we're already better able to embrace it with each passing day!