LOVE THE HEMOGLOBIN

Yesterday we went to Renown for a transfusion and more chemo.. The lab results from earlier in the week showed that Kristin's hemoglobin was at 7.3. (these are the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body) /when her levels are at 7, she needs a transfusion. Since we already had an appointment on Thursday for chemo, we decided to do the transfusion then also. By thursday, she was very low, weak, and extremely pale. Being this anemic also makes your nails, lips, and gums appear whitish. Getting a transfusion is like giving a wilted flower water. While we were there we visited with Charlie. She is and adorable eighteen month old and was diagnosed with A.L.L. on Thanksgiving day. We see her often on our clinic visits. There was another girl there who was about 10 or so who was not a cancer patient but had a blood disorder of some kind. Kristin was soundly asleep when she came in. They proceeded to draw her blood when she started kicking and screaming. It was absolutely horrible! She continued to throw a tantrum for about 20 minutes. I have to hand it to the nurse as she was very patient. Later, someone brought up a lunch for their child and the smell immediately made Kristin sick. I gathered her up and we went to another room where she ended up vomiting. Certain smells really get to her! We do not cook eggs, broccoli, garlic, and chicken nuggets. The latter is hard for the boys as that is their favorite snack!

Our hypnosis adventure has been pretty much successful except for when unsavory smells come up. She gained back two pounds and has been able to keep down every meal. Yea! We had another appointment this morning and worked on hospital anxiety and unpleasant situations. While she was under she ran and felt warm. She also laid down in a field of clover......there was much more, but she recalled these events. I need to do more reading because I find hypnosis intriguing and would like to learn more. It has benefited her greatly.

We go back to Oakland on the 25th for just a bone marrow biopsy so this will be a quick trip. In April we go every two weeks for five days at a time. We are trying to think nice thoughts!

Everyone else in the family is doing well. Cody and Wyatt have been gearing up for baseball, Eric's goggle tan is getting quite distinct, and Darren and I are celebrating being married for 21 years! Holy cow!

Love to you all and LIVE HAPPY!
Leslie



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