And now we wait

Hayden's still in the hospital. The blood cultures do not yet indicate that he's fighting an infection. So his fever may be due to the fact that his blood counts (especially those neutrophils) bottomed out. His temp went over 38 degrees last night (37 is normal) so we need to wait and see what happens. If he spikes a fever again, we'll do more blood cultures and wait some more.

Apparently this is normal at the end of the consolidation phase. In fact, it may last several weeks (now they tell us!). They can't start the next treatment phase, called interim maintenance, until his counts are back up.

Some of the old symptoms appear to be starting to return...specifically body aches and mobility issues. However, he got morphine today and is now quite comfortable (Tylenol is a fever suppressant so they won't go there). And he's eating fairly well so as long as we avoid constipation, we can ride this out. The challenge is keeping him hydrated, getting those meds in him, and getting him out of bed. But Terry (she's an awesome nurse) promised him a double-sticker bonus for every lap he does around the nurses' station before her shift ends...and he loves a challenge (good thing!). I'm going to have to stock them with Sponge Bob stickers to keep him motivated.