We all camped out again last night knowing that Payton would be coming home. He did very well…until 6am. “Roni and cheese! Roni and cheese!” Normally mom would be right on the phone ordering it, BUT he was NPO. Then yelling for milk, pops and the door. He wanted the door open to make sure the food cart didn’t miss us – how smart is he?!

We finally fell back asleep around 7:30 and then they came in a little before 8 to take Parker in for his procedure (which is on our floor – not sure if I mentioned that before). Dr. Wall did the spinal and gave him the 3 chemos and then she did the bone marrow aspiration. Things went well – still waiting for the results. Lyz was our nurse today so she did the dressing change, took off some old bandages and I clipped his much needed toenails.

Parker loved getting back in his room to eat his roni and cheese and chicken. He had a good day – we ordered less food then yesterday. Grandma Fine came in tonight so we’ll see if she gets to do the nightly (10pm) wagon ride. He was asleep when we left though so she might luck out. He did go to the playroom and watched Nemo – I was amazed at all the parts/words that he knows and repeated from the movie. He also played with the trains for a little bit.

He seemed a little more tired towards the evening time. Not sure why. Crazy things appeared on Parker today…his left ear turned bright red for awhile; he had patches of red (that seemed itchy) on his hands and feet. All eventually went away. During PT yesterday I noticed the hands thing to. I did take his temp and it was up to 99.2 (the highest it has been in awhile). I just prayed over him.

Parker’s belly has been very distended. We aren’t too sure why. We’ve been told that it is possibly from the steroids but no definite answers. It has been in the range from 52cm – 56cm. His booty has also been hurting him. (sorry Parker) He screams when he goes potty. Please pray that this heals soon. Ugh – and he got lasicks after his platelets today. That boy has been peeing so much on his own – he doesn’t need any assistance. Needless to say, glad I had the shirt I wore yesterday still at the hospital because I needed to change. (Poor OT Kay didn’t have a change of pants the other day though – sorry)

Parker has now been put on blood pressure medicine. He has been running consistently high for the past week. Again, this could be a side effect of the steroids, but not for sure.

He did have a platelet transfusion today. It was direct donated, not sure from whom though. I think that if a unit is split in half they don’t release the name until the second unit is used.

Pray for Marlie. You can read on her site for more detailed information on what has been going on with her today. Pray for Christina to have a great day tomorrow and continue to be fever free. Pray for Jessica that she can go home tomorrow. Pray for the new admit that came in. Continue to pray for Kristen, Gracie, Maleah and Jaiden as they enjoy their time at home.

Pray for Parker. Continue your prayers and belief that he has been healed. Pray that his tumors continue to shrink and that we can head to transplant at the earliest date. Pray for Parker’s pain to be diminished. Pray that Parker continues to be fever and infection free. Pray that we see a rise in his counts quickly. Pray that it will be possible for us to go home and do a majority of the next 6 weeks of chemo outpatient.

Tomorrow is the Benefit Bike Ride/Poker Run. It’s not too late to sign up. All you have to do is show up!! Aaron and I will be at the finish line. Please be in prayer for the riders safety throughout the day. Mamaw and Papaw will be leading the pack! I’m sure we’ll have great pics to post tomorrow.

We all slept here again last night. Not too bad. We ordered mac and cheese at 7:20am!!!

Parker had a blood transfusion today (thanks to our neighbor, Joy Hughes!!!)

Parker had a double visit with the PT and OT. It was great they were here at the same time. Parker walked 10 steps – still with assistance -but he did stand up on his own. He didn’t pee on Kay’s (OT) lap this time – which was a good thing.

Tomorrow morning Parker will have his spinal tap and bone marrow aspiration. During the spinal he will have 3 types of chemo injected (Methotrexate; Hydrocortisone; Cytarabine (Ara-C)). He will have the Vincristine pushed and the Dexamethasone (steriods) stop tonight. Good thing because his belly is getting huge and cheeks are starting to puff. The cravings for mac and cheese are getting a little demanding too (and now we’ve added chicken to it).

His new favorite line is “why, cause”.

Don’t forget to sign the guestbook – you only need to do it once. It was so amazing to see over 100 sign it before noon the day it was set up.

Also, if you aren’t a “biker” you can still come to the after party at Trader Jacks this Saturday. There will be a band, raffles, auctions and much more! Aaron and I are going to try to be there as well. Contact Trish Petty (on flier) for more info.

Pray for God’s healing on Parker. Praise God he has had no infections and pray that they continue to stay at bay (one antibiotic has been stopped – vanco). Pray for Parker to continue eating. Pray for Parker’s procedures tomorrow morning. Pray for steady hands for Dr. Wall and his nurse. Pray that the chemo works quickly. Pray that Parker has no complications – headaches, pain, etc afterwards. Pray that Parker will start walking again on his own.

Last night Paige and I decided to join daddy and Parker in the “suite. Paige’s porta crib fits wonderfully in the room and since Payton wasn’t here and daddy got home late – it was perfect. Of course a lot of mommy calling in the night, but it least it gave daddy a temporary break.

Parker had a good day. Lots of wagon rides but he did show interest in going to the playroom (in the wagon of course). He had PT for about 3 minutes. He stood up on his own from her lap to the edge of the bed where I was sitting. He also walked 3 times with Brittany (PT) slightly balancing him. He’s doing great.

Constantly yelling for macoroni and cheese – at all hours! Good thing they cook it for us anytime.

Marlie is back on our floor – so good to see her cute little smile. Maleah went home – she had her last round of chemo!!! Yeah!!
Continue prayers for Christina and Jessica and all Parker’s Pals.

Of course continue your prayers for Parker’s healing. Pray that infection does not find his body!!