Protein

Protein was the key word for Day 11. It seems bunches of fluid has ventured outside the blood vessels into what is called the "third space". What this means is Drew is unable to take in or keep in enough protein necessary to maintain the delicate fluid balance in his vascular system. Some of this can be blamed on the radiation treatments and some is attributed to the fact his immune system is compromised. So, along with calories - we are counting protein, hoping his body will recognize the additional protein and begin to allow the fluid to drain from the "third space" back into the blood vessels. It is hard to hear your child is malnourished when he is swelling - but that is what is happening. His body is lacking protein. Dirurectics won't work - wrong system - we all sighed when the doctors told us that - thinking it would be an easy fix. No such luck for young Drew.

So Day 11 was much like Day 10 without the tests. Seems the ER was slammed with emergencies so Drew's ultrasound will be done early Sunday instead of Saturday afternoon when it was ordered. First glich in the high quality medical care hospital - we did however consider putting Drew in the car and driving to the ER to get in line but figured they would catch on when they saw the IV pole with nine bags of meds hanging. Oh well - he will wait his turn - day 11 past - day 12 is here - come on stem cells!