Atticus is now transplant day + 5!

The current big goal is to get to day + 100! (He will need a caregiver with him 24/7 until then at least).  

His white cell count (absolute neutrophil count specifically) is still dropping, courtesy of that total body radiation from last week.  It’s near zero now. They expect it to get to zero and stay there for a few days before those stem cells become his new immune system and that number to start to rise again. 

He has to get back to 500 before he’s able to go home, but normal counts start somewhere over 2000-3000. 

This is a really. hard week for how he is feeling.  He feels like he’s starving, but any food in his mouth feels and tastes terrible.   The nurses make him ice cream shakes with a protein shake mixed in a few times a day and he tries to sip on those throughout the day.  His joints, feet, stomach, gums… everything hurts.   He’s losing weight.  It’s rough.  But so far, they say this is expected and they are honestly pleased with how he’s doing. 

I’m headed in now to go see him.  I’m stopping for a softer bristle toothbrush – since his gums are hurting so much.  We are just counting down the days until he turns the corner and starts feeling better!

Thank you to EVERYONE who is following his journey and cares about him (and our family) so much.  We love you all!  ~ Emily