Bumps and Bruises

If you read my last post you will see that Austin was feeling great-- no pain, counts high, feeling good.  Well, that brief respite lasted only 24 hours.  Austin was in our backyard when he slipped in some mud and landed on his back.  He had the wind knocked out of him and really bruised his back.  I also had to pull about 20 splinters out of his hands.  He stayed home Monday morning from school because of his back pain and some pretty nasty nausea and vomiting that I think was a combination of the 6mp and the Oxycodone I gave him for pain.  Then two days later at school, Austin tripped and fell, banging up his knee and elbow.  Poor kid just can't catch a break.  I decided I need to put out applications for new guardian angels, since the ones he has seem to be on vacation.

Thankfully, this weeks injuries were minor and were healed after some band aids and some TLC.  Thursday found us once again on the road to Salt Lake City.  We all hate the long drive and can't wait for a break.  The kids do well in the car with the help of movies and various electronic devices.  A nap or two doesn't hurt either!

Stopping for lunch in Beaver.  I have no idea why there
 is a huge rocking chair in front of the gas station, but of course the kids had to climb on it.

Sometimes it's hard to find a comfy spot to take a nap!

We were back up at Primary's bright and early Friday morning.  It was a fairly smooth visit.  After weighing and measuring vitals, Austin had his port accessed, labs drawn, and we went to the Rapid Treatment Unit for his Lumbar Puncture.  Lindsey, the Child Life Specialist found us and hooked Austin up with the Ipad to pass the time.  

Checking Oxygen Saturations

Austin's least favorite thing, checking his blood pressure

checking into the clinic

Getting weighed--he was the same as last week

Getting checked by the Oncologist

Ready or not, he will soon be sleeping!

Accessing his port, drawing labs

Playing the Ipad to pass the time

So the visit went well.  It will be the last LP in this phase.  He now has a week off before starting the next phase of treatment, Interim Maintenance.  The best news of the day was that we don't have to be back up to Primary's until day 31 of this phase which should be some time in December.  In the mean time, we should be able to do Austin's chemo at Dixie.  Hooray for a break from weekly drives up north!  Austin's counts were lower this time, so I am holding my breath while he is a school this week.  Stay away germs!!!