Day +34

Rylie's blood counts were high enough that the doctors discontinued the GCSF (aka Growth Factor), the drug that helps push the new blood cells out of the bone marrow and into the blood stream. Her last dose of GCSF was Sunday night. Everyone said her blood counts would drop and, of course, they did. She is down to 4.7 WBC and 3.3 ABC today. We expect them to continue to drop over the next few days until Rylie's body recognizes that it needs to kick the cell production into high gear on its own. If her ANC drops below 1.o, she will get a boost of GCSF.

We've had a few more walks in the hall. Rylie still hasn't taken to riding in a toy car in the hall, but at least she is willing to be paraded around the nurses' station in the wagon. Her strength is returning slowly, but she still struggles to stand on her own. I'm sure she will be running circles around us soon.

The doctors are stopping her 24 hour TPN (nutrition) drip and will begin an 18-hour cycle tomorrow. Hopefully this will encourage Rylie to do some eating more on her own. We hope to schedule the rest of Rylie's meds such that she can have some time untethered. This would be a first since before transplant. Perhaps not being leashed to an IV pole will encourage her to step out and explore more. 

We don't have results yet from the second adenovirus culture. This will tell us if the copies of the virus are increasing or decreasing. It will help the doctors determine the duration of the strong antiviral that Rylie is on. She has tolerated the first two doses okay without increased toxicity. We hope she is able to get off this antiviral medication as soon as possible. 

Thanks for checking in and for your continued prayers for Rylie. 

Lyle