Our New Addition

3/14/2012: 9:11 AM

Davis was released from the hospital on Friday afternoon. He received platelets and blood before we left. Uncle Randy, who was visiting us that day, drove us home. Annakate had her taekwondo belt ceremony that evening, so Kyle attended that while Davis and I enjoyed home. Yes, Annakate is officially an orange belt now, and she really seems to enjoy taekwondo immensely.

The pre-medication for platelet transfusions makes him sleep.

When we finally reached home, Davis and I were greeted by the newest member of our family: Linus Swindol Coffey. (Yes, all of our pets have middle names.) Davis really wanted a dog for Christmas, and it took us a while to find one. Davis was willing to wait for his Christmas present, and he was finally able to hold his "gift" on Friday night. I think we had all forgotten what having a puppy around is like. We, especially Annakate and Davis, are adjusting to the nips of the razor sharp teeth. Annakate can't understand why Linus chases her every time she tries to get away from him. This puppy is smaller than our cat, and Annakate still cries, "Mom, get him away from me. He's going to get me."

Davis and Linus

Lucy, our 3-year-old Doberman, gets alongs well with Linus. She mothers
him quite a bit. And no, Davis wasn't thinking Charlie Brown when he named his dog.

We spent a couple of days visiting my family down in Tennessee.  It was a nice getaway. With Davis' ANC being so low, we can't really stay in a hotel (germs) and we are avoiding public places, so visiting Grandpa and Grandma Fanello was a great solution to our need to get away.

We will be enjoying what is left of spring break here at home. We couldn't be more pleased with the weather. I have so many projects that I am ready to do; I don't know where to start. Davis will go to SBLHC tomorrow for blood work. The results will determine if his counts are high enough to start his maintenance chemo. His ANC (immune system) has to be 750, and his platelets have to be 75 in order to start. If his counts are there, Davis and I will head down to Children's on Friday for chemo and a spinal.

Please pray for Davis. I fear that although the maintenance phase is easier for most children, it will be harder for Davis. In maintenance, Davis will only have to go to Children's once or twice a month for IV chemo in his port. The rest of the chemo (including steroids) will be taken orally every day. Davis still struggles taking oral medications. Although we have been at this eight months now, he still fights us nearly daily on taking oral medication. Plus, all meds are still crushed or liquid because he can't swallow pills yet. He will be taking medication daily for the next 2 1/2 years and maybe longer. I know it will be quite an adjustment for him here at the beginning, and I pray that over time it becomes second nature for him to down his medications.

We still pray the same prayers we always have. Total healing, Strength for the journey. We thank you for doing the same.

We will keep you posted.