Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Slow and Steady ...



Miss Zoey and I awoke early yesterday and donned our Pablove shirts and headed to CHLA for labs.Wearing our Pablove shirts,as I wrote to a friend last night,felt empowering.I felt carried by the spirit of the beautiful boy Pablo,as well as so many others,gone far too soon.I felt capable of facing whatever we would face.Yesterday,I felt strong.Don't get me wrong,I also felt that familiar pit in my stomach,but as a friend wrote to me,that feeling was just a feeling coming from a mommie taking her baby to clinic.

Zoey's numbers looked alright.Not bad.Her lymphocytes were up a little, which would make sense since she has been nursing that cold for a few weeks now.Nothing to worry too much about.We still would love a bit more ANC.We are only at 1060.Up a bit from 2 months ago.White count at almost 4,which is also up a bit as well.Platelet's are holding at 200,000 and hemoglobin is 17.That is some serious rich red blood coursing through Miss Zoey's little body.17 is well above the upper range of normal but her doctor just shrugged it off.To be sure though, we are making a long over due appointment with her cardiologist.High hemoglobin can sometimes indicate an issue with heart function.I think however,in the end, the consensus is that Zoey is doing this marrow recovery in her usual way ... her way.I was once again reminded that children with Down syndrome do not follow the "book" and when there doesn't appear to be a cut and dry answer,well,we blame it on that extra chromosome.One doctor told me that some of her patient's with Down syndrome take a whole year, to a year and a half to fully recover.Sounds as if Zoey is going by that book instead.We were cut loose for another 2 months and that,that felt amazing.

I had so many emotions hitting me yesterday.Joy,sadness,gratitude,helplessness.A mixed bag as I walked the halls of that hospital.As I drove.As I spoke and wrote to other mom's,my friends who I have come to love dearly,who don't have their little loves with them this Christmas.Hoping, as I walked away or hit send, that my words were adequately conveying what I hold so deep within my heart.And to you my beautiful mommy friends,you know who you are.I love you all.I love your children.Thank you for allowing Zoey and I to be part of your journey.

So today.A new day.A blessing and a gift.Not taken for granted.Embraced and brimming with perspective and hope.Slow and Steady both Zoey and I go.

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas! So happy to hear the terrific news. Princess Zoey is looking rather grown up these days. Love you lots, Christy Pinuelas

Leightongirl said...

So hard to go back to those places. The numbers sound really good, and look at how big Miss Z. is getting ;) Wishing you blessings this holiday season.

Dawson said...

Slow and steady is just perfect!!

Love you guys

Dana Janowicz said...

Awesome.

Kaden Epstein said...

Was so glad you shared about Zoey at school yesterday...and was so glad to hear the good news...blessings to you and yours!

Bea Braun said...

This is the best Christmas present ever!!! Zoey looks amazing.

Devon said...

Hugs. Lots and lots of hugs.

Anonymous said...

Steady as Zoey, Heather, Mark and the rest go. We are all blessed to know you. Merry Christmas wonderful family, Christi Harman

Stephanie said...

I'm so glad to hear that everything went well. You and Zoey have been in my prayers.
Our kids definitely follow their own rulebook, the book called "I'm doing it my way"...
That's ok though, none of my kids are "normal" so what's one more rulebreaker, right?
God Bless you sweetheart.

Anna said...

Dear God,
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
We are so thankful for this gift for Christmas. {hugs}

sheree said...

slow and steady it is!
I am glad there was nothing to be concerned about. Now go ahead and relax and enjoy the holidays.
OH- and please give sweet Zoey a hug and a kiss from me ;)

Tina said...

So happy and so relieved to hear the good news. What a wonderful Christmas present. I love the pictures of Zoey with her hair all up, what a young lady!! Really adorable.

Dria said...

I've been checking your blog all day to hear the results of Zoey's clinic visit. SOOO thrilled to hear that things are slow and steady and nothing too alarming!! Yes, our kiddos do seem to do things in their own way and according to their own pace, don't they? Tons of blessings to you and your family!

Claudia said...

Zoey looks really good in those pics! Very happy, healthy and just great. I am so glad your visit went well.

Love to you all, from overseas,
Claudia.

The VW's said...

Keep doing your Zoey thing, you precious girl! Love and Hugs!!!

Unknown said...

Sounds like great labs to me!! As far as the ANC go. Carly has very rarely been at the 'normal' range. The doc's tell me, "it's just her make up". and "that Ds for ya"!
Zoey sure looks great! Oh, BTW ~ nothing at all wrong with "slow and steady"!

Mama Mason-Mann said...

Slow and steady sounds good to me. Keep up the good work! :)

Melani said...

Slow and Steady is a great way to do things! :)

Tish said...

...And I am so very thankful that you hit that "send button" because you ALWAYS say the right thing, my friend. (After all, you are my Zoey's mommy.) :)

The prayers continue...

I love you!

Stephanie said...

Way to go Zoey!! But I expected good news!!!!! And nothing but good news!
Love ya!

Kelly said...

Yay!! Merry Christmas to the entire Family!!

Peter Olson said...

Zoey is such a beautiful girl.
Thank you for continuing to share your story with us.
If I may be so bold, speaking for all of us readers, We are blessed by you! Thank you!
God Bless!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Danette said...

Slow and steady wins the race. Wishing you continued blessings and a joyous, healthy 2010!! You're always in our thoughts and prayers. We love you -- the Hey's.

Anonymous said...

Yes ..Zoey you will continue to do things in your own time and manner and hurrah for that!

Zoey, the prayers being sent to you from all over the country have been answered.

Enjoy the holidays - entire Needham family!

love & hugs,

Aunt Bluebelle

Kristen's mom said...

We got the bear today! Thank You so much. I'll be posting pics of all the bears soon. We are so excited to drop the bears off at the hospital.

Scrappy quilter said...

It's nice to see the numbers have improved. Hugs