3 Down, 2 To Go

Max made it through his third dose of ATG. The hives yesterday had everyone pretty squirrely. I spent the day talking to doctor after doctor about when we saw them, what he had to eat, if anything was different, etc. This included a conversation with a dietician (checking to make sure absolutely no eggs sneak in) and two allergists. The second allergist recommended that if he broke out in hives again during the ATG, they were going to stop giving him equine ATG and move to rabbit ATG. I am not sure if this would mean starting over or not, but I do know that Max's doctor told me rabbit ATG is less effective, so I would really like to see him finish with the equine. I understand his point, though. They do not want to risk a serious allergic reaction. We watched him very carefully today, and he did not seem to react to today's dose of ATG. He had a few hives before they started, but they actually dimished during the 5 hour IV. I was very relieved. They upped his dose of steriods today to further reduce the chance of side effects. This will probably make him even more moody. However, so far his mood is still very good.

He had a lot of fun playing with other people today. The Child Life Specialists came in with finger paints, stickers, sponges, and other projects. Max painted with a student Child Life Specialist for quite a while, which gave me a chance to have lunch. We also got a visit from a scoial worker whom he is very fond of, and not just because she gave him a book. He gave her a hug and kiss before she left and she said it made her day. Max is still charming the pants off everyone. I wish I had his energy and enthusiasm. We also played with a great playdough kit that was sent to him. He made a flamingo and an elephant and then we made a house for them. He still loves his play.

The highlight of Max's day was a visit from Lori the music therapist. She was on another floor but came to see him and brought the piano back. She will come by tomorrow as Tuesday is her regular day. He just loves her.

His platelet count was pretty low today (13) and they will probably have to transfuse again tomorrow. However, he got a full week out of the last transfusion and that was better than expected, so we are happy. His ANC was up significantly from yesterday. Who knows what it will be tomorrow, but is was nice to see a higher number.

Here's to thinking happy Max and no hives in the future.