At the Park

Last weekend we took the boys to the park :)

Kai Anderson

http://www.hopeforkai.com/

Visit this site to learn more about Kai, a 4 year old boy who has been diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. He is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant.

Please visit their site and visit my previous blog post.

Bone Marrow Registry

Dan and I joined last the National Marrow Donor Program last year. It's really very simple. They will send you a package. You swab the inside of your cheek and send it back. Then, you're in the registry.

Q: What is the donation process like?
A: Adult donors may be asked to donate in one of two ways:

1. Peripheral blood cell (PBSC) donation involves removing a donor's blood through a sterile needle in one arm. The blood is passed through a machine that separates out the cells used in transplants. The remaining blood is returned through the other arm

2. Bone marrow donation is a surgical procedure in which liquid marrow is withdrawn from the back of the donor's pelvic bones using special, hollow needles. General or regional anesthesia is always used for this procedure, so donors feel no needle injections and no pain during marrow donation. Most donors feel some pain in their lower back for a few days afterwards.


Q: What is my commitment if I join?
A: When you join the Be The Match Registry, you make a commitment to:

Be listed on the registry until your 61st birthday, unless you ask to be removed
Consider donating to any searching patient who matches you
Keep us updated if your address changes, you have significant health changes or you change your mind about being a donor
Respond quickly if you are contacted as a potential match for a patient
You have the right to change your mind about being a donor at any time. Donating is always voluntary.
If you decide you do not want to donate, let us know right away. That way we can continue the search for another donor without dangerous delays for the patient

Click the image above to be taken to their site to learn more about it. It usually costs $100 to add someone to the registry but from now until June 22nd (as long as funding remains) you can join for free.
http://www.marrow.org

Lately

A Little Uncle Darby Resemblance? Maybe?

In this picture, Aidan totally reminds me of his Uncle Darby (as a baby).

A Virus

Poor Ian has been suffering. He tested positve for adenovirus. He has a respiratory infection/viral pneumonia to go with it. All of his bacterial cultures came back clean but Dr T said he could still develop a secondary bacterial infection. He has been acting more playful but his behavior is erratic and he's still not wanting to eat. I even have to give him fluids by dropper because he refuses them most of the time.

Poor kid.

We are on day 8 of this.

A Quick Escape

I got this survey from my friend Tiffany. I thought it would be fun and right now, a much needed escape for just a few minutes.


If you ended up in jail, who would be most likely to end up in there with you?
Dan

If you met your all time favorite celebrity what would probably happen?
I'd be disappointed.

Who was the last person you talked to before you went to bed last night?
Ian

What was the last thing to irritate you?
Sacred Heart Hospital

Are you one of those people who are always cold?
No way.

Has anybody ever told you that you have pretty eyes?
Yes.

Honestly, what's on your mind?
Ian. I hate that he's had a 104+ (sometimes 105+) fever for the last 5 days. We are trying to patiently wait for the culture results. If they're negative, he gets a diagnoses of viral pneumonia.

Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
Only Dan

Were you single on your last birthday?
No

Is there someone you can talk to about anything?
Dan and my sister, Tanya.

When was the last time you cried?
Last night

Who was the last person you took a picture with?
Aidan. Ian has a digital camera and takes pictures all the time.

Are you in a good mood right now?
For the most part.

What's on your schedule for tomorrow?
Call the doctor's office, call Children's Hospital in Seattle, wait for results before doing anything else.

Does anything hurt on your body?
my heart. it aches when my children are sick

What would I find if I looked under your bed?
Nothing

What will you do after the survey?
Check on Ian, take his temp.

What time will you go to bed tonight?
I'll sleep here and there.

Is there anyone who doesn't like you?
Yes. I am sure there are people who read this blog that don't like me. It hurts when that happens. Life is too short.

Do you laugh a lot?
Dan and I went delirious in the hospital room this weekend. We laughed uncontrollably.

What are the bad things you've heard people say about you?
I've heard one person say I'm a know it all. It was hurtful.

How was your last night and why?
Horrible. Ian is so sick.

Do you believe in karma?
Definitely

Did you have a good birthday this year?
My birthday is next Tuesday. It's always great.

Were you happy when you woke up this morning?
No.

What did you and the last person you talked on the phone talk about?
I talked to my mom about Ian.

How many kids do you want to have?
Three