So far, we have had a mellow week with not a lot of activity until yesterday. Autumn has to have her blood drawn each week to make sure that all of her various blood (hemoglobin and a variety of different white blood cells) are all high enough not to have any concern. This week she had her blood drawn on Wednesday and as it turned out, she had lower than acceptable hemoglobin levels. The accepted range begins at a level 7 and she was at a 6.4, my heart sank. It feels terrible when it seems as though everything is going as well as it can given the current circumstance. News like this, although not catastrophic, has a way of creating mental images and thoughts that can be a parent's worst nightmare!

It had been about 6 days since her 4 day dose of chemo, the lowest level of any measured blood levels is usually found by day 10. This means that the 6.4 could potentially become a 5 or 4 or even lower. This depressed level may cause too much fatigue as well as other issues if not swiftly dealt with. Therefore, Autumn had to return to the hospital on Thursday for a blood transfusion (about a 5 hour process in the hospital). It all seemed to go well and in fact she seemed to have more energy afterwards, a general rule after a transfusion. More hemoglobin equals more energy, good for her!

We will have to go to the clinic in Santa Barbara on Tuesday to see what her counts are at that point. If they are high enough, then she begins the second four day dose of chemo followed by a 2 week break. At that point, we only have to go in once a week for about 5 weeks, then again the 4 consecutive day process.

Some of you have asked if we would like some company on the days we head to SB for just one day. We would LOVE it, if you or perhaps you and a little one would like to join us. It usually takes about 4-5 hours from the time we leave home to the time we return and we usually go on Tuesdays. Let me know anytime, the company would be well received!

We love you all!
Autumn and family