Thanksgiving and Thankful (Day +94)

I thought today would be a good day to just talk about all the things I’m thankful for. Being in the hospital doesn’t seem like the ideal way to spend Thanksgiving, but for me and Creed it just seemed like the right thing to do this year. The doctors were trying very hard to get a plan together for us to go home today and then return on Saturday. I made things easy for them by telling them I’d just rather stay here where we are safe. We’ve got a rocky track record for staying at home and I just felt like it wasn’t worth it. I think the doctor was actually relieved to hear me say that. She didn’t hesitate to agree with me when I mentioned staying. So to recap the last part of the week… Creed’s red blood cells are still being destroyed and he is not responding to the steroid treatment. Our next option was to start him on a medication called rituxamab. This is given to him through his central line once a week for four weeks. The short explanation for what this med does is, suppresses the B cells to hopefully stop the destruction of the red blood cells. On average, you see results from this drug within two weeks. He received this on Tuesday night, so we’ll see how it goes. If this doesn’t work, then everyone will sit down and have another meeting of the minds to try and come up with another game plan. They will also be contacting other doctors from other hospitals to get ideas. Our prayer is that this medication does work and we’ll be able to move forward. Overall, Creed is doing fairly well. He’s eating great and has a decent amount of energy. He’s looking forward to his birthday next Friday. He’ll be 6!!! I can not believe it!!! He’s wanting a new bike and so that’s what he’ll be getting. Shhhhh….don’t tell!!!

I wanted to tell all of you how thankful I am to have the love and support from you. Most of my life I didn’t require a need for a lot of outside support, but once Creed entered my life it seems I have. I’m so thankful for the family that was given to me and the friends that have surrounded me, not just through the last 3 months, but through the last 6 years. I’m thankful for the nurses that have touched our lives and the doctors that have never given up. I’m thankful for all the new friends I’ve made throughout our stay here at Egleston and how they have all rallied around us to make us as comfortable as possible. I’m thankful for the ladies that clean our room here and how they have now become part of our daily routine. Even seeing them in the halls and having them smile and ask how Creed’s doing makes a difference in our stay. I’m thankful for Cure and the constant efforts made for all the families that have been put in this situation. I’m thankful for those who bring us meals on Thursday nights. I’m thankful for x-ray and ultrasound techs, who get it right the first time and love on Creed every time we walk through the door. I’m thankful for the clowns that come in our room and how they make Creed howl with laughter. I’m thankful for child life and the visits they make checking in to see if there is anything that Creed needs to make him smile. I’m thankful for music therapy and the smile that Creed has on his face while he sings. I’m thankful for warm blankets that the joy that comes when he sees his nurse walk through the door with one. I’m thankful that Creed’s team of nurses are more than nurses to me…they’re my friends. I’m thankful that this hospital exist and I don’t have to travel further than 30 minutes from home to be here. I’m thankful for the other moms and dads I’ve met while being here and the bond that we have without even speaking. I’m thankful for Emily and Dot and all the wise counsel I’ve gotten through out the years. I’m thankful for Lighthouse and all they do for families like us. I’m thankful for beads of courage and the way they support us by giving us a small reminder of the road we’ve traveled. I’m thankful for volunteer services at both hospitals and the out pouring love they always have for us. I’m thankful for CASPER and the special bond he has with Creed. I’m thankful for “team steph” and their never ending support. I’m thankful for prayers from those of you I do and don’t know. I’m thankful for cards and sweet messages sent our way. I’m thankful for the prayer pager and knowing that every time I hear that beep someone took the time to pray for us. I’m thankful for medicines and the wonderful things that they can do. I’m thankful for my down time and the rest that I can get while I’m home. I’m thankful for Creed’s positive attitude that never ever changes. I’m thankful that a year ago we had no idea what was wrong with Creed, but today he’s 94 days post transplant. I’m thankful for all the journeys I’ve been on the last 6 years and look forward to the next. I’m thankful that through this all, I’m still able to say I’m thankful. I’m thankful that God chose me to be Creed’s mom. I’m thankful for tears that are shed that remind me I’m human and I hurt. I’m thankful for my health and the ability I have to take care of Creed. I’m thankful for life and that even though there are bumps in the road, I’m never ever alone. I’m thankful to have God with me always and when it seems I can’t go on he assures me I can. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Love to you all!!
Stephanie