#GabeStrong: Day 11-15

Day 11: Jan 9^th, 2017

On Monday’s we get to see Dr. Karol, who is Gabe’s main doctor.  He has been so thorough and patient with us as we have lots of questions that we throw his way.  I have never seen a doctor sit and talk with a patient and their families like he does.  Gabe has Dr. Karol, a nurse practitioner, nurse, and a couple other people that are on his team; so we see familiar faces throughout the week.  They all take such wonderful care of us, and Gabe.  St. Jude’s has been so wonderful, and we are very thankful for the team of doctors and nurses that are on his case.

Our outpatient appointment consist of lab work as soon as we get there, and then we wait for the results to make sure that he does not require any transfusions.  Then we meet with Ashley, his nurse practitioner, or Dr. Karol.  Sometimes we meet with our social worker, and our child life specialist, and on chemo days, we go to the med room.  Today, however, he did not have to receive chemo.

 

Day 12 & 13 : Jan 10^th -11^th 2017

We did not have to go anywhere on Tuesday and Wednesday, and since we are still on isolation, we spent all day in the room: playing with Gabe, catching up on paperwork, and doing laundry.  These types of days are nice since we do not have to get up super early, and Gabe can rest.

The doctor wanted Gabe to try a liquid form of an antibiotic, instead of using his picc line.  He didn’t hold any hope that Gabe would like taking it, (most kids don’t) but we tried it.  Gabe took one dose and then the next time, spit it out everywhere and cried, “No bubble gum kind!”  It was supposed to taste like bubble gum, but I have a feeling that Gabe will never like bubble gum now.  LOL!

Day 14: Jan 12^th, 2017

We headed back to outpatient today to do blood work before his procedure that is scheduled for Friday morning.  His hemoglobin and his platelets have to be a certain level before they can do the procedure.  We also met with his social worker today, and his child life specialist.

I spent the afternoon crocheting a couple hats for my store.  I’ve been practicing with knitting as well, but I can tell you that I already prefer my hooks! 😉

Gabe face timed Bella and Daniel tonight, and it was super cute to watch them interact and make silly faces with each other.  He kept saying, “hey bubby, watch this!” and then proceeded to lean in close to the phone and wiggle his eyebrows.  They are planning on coming down this weekend, so Jacob and I are looking forward to seeing them in person!

 

Day 15: Jan 13th, 2017

Gabe’s spinal tap and bone marrow test was this morning, so we had to be at the hospital early.  Poor little guy couldn’t have anything to eat or drink prior to his procedure, which at this point in treatment is hard because he’s hungry ALL day long.  He woke up this morning asking for cheese!

We did more blood work to check levels, and then went back for the procedures. They are so wonderful and allow us to hold Gabe as they put him to sleep.  It helps ease my mind knowing he isn’t scared going back.

After he woke up in recovery, we had to go over to the med room for chemo.  He was groggy, so he slept off and on (after eating, finally!) and then we headed back to the room to rest.  Allie came up to spend the day with us.  We went out for a few items that we needed a Wal-Mart, and on our way back they called with Gabe’s results from his test and we received wonderful news.

At this point, there is NO Leukemia cells left!! I can’t even tell you the feeling of relief when they told me this!  Dr. Karol said that if they stopped treatment at this point, it would still come back, so we will continue treatment for the rest of the induction period, but that Gabe is right on track, and right where they like them to be at this point! God is so good!! I know that we still have a long road to go, but with this news I can breathe a little bit better.

I am amazed at everything that God is doing through Gabe and in him, and I know that He will continue to move.  Please keep praying! We love and appreciate you all!

#GabeStrong