A+++++

Brooke got an A+ today at clinic. So young and yet so smart :) Her hemoglobin was 13.1. WOW, it went up!!! So far this is the longest she has gone with out a transfusion. 24 days!! She is on the anti nausea medicine and is happier and eating better. She still isn't gaining weight, but she isn't losing either. We don't have to go back to clinic for 2 weeks. That is also the longest we've been away from Spectrum. Not that we don't enjoy seeing them.

This is a picture of her Broviac. Not sure everyone had seen it yet.

On another note: we are excited out friends, Gregg and Sarah had a baby girl!! Yeah, someone for the twins to play with. We get to meet her tonight!

Change in plans!

Our fun Saturday was to consist of Wedding showers and High School Musical plays. But Brooke didn't feel good. We had some vomiting on Tuesday and a bulging soft spot on her head. We've talked to the MD and have been watching it, but she started vomiting again Friday night and Saturday am. I called the Spectrum MD and he said to keep watching but when I got off the phone her pediatrician called me and had been thinking about her and checked into somethings and wanted her checked out. So Grandma to the rescue and took the big girls to their play (that I REALLY wanted to go to) and Steve, I, Macy and Brooke to Spectrum ED. They did blood work and CAT scan. All looks ok. They are thinking she is having a reaction to the IVIG she had recently. Her soft spot is still bulging, she's not eating and sleeps alot. If she isn't sleeping she's screaming. They think maybe headaches from the IVIG medicine. We wish she could tell us how she feels or that we could take this pain away from her. She is a tough little girl. We are so blessed with wonderful family and great doctors. What doctor calls on a Saturday that they are not working just cause they are thinking about our Brooke!!! We will keep holding and loving her!! Don't worry Macy gets her share of holding too, if not she screams (only because she is mad :)

Good News!

Good news at the Koemans!! Brooke's hemoglobin stayed up at 12. So it's been 17 days since her last transfusion. Her "record" is 21 days. She had IVIG today, the doctor feels that is what is helping to keep her levels up. We also got to decrease he steroids again and her chemo starts now every other week. SOOOO, we have cut everything in half from where we started: chemo and steroids! PRAISE THE LORD!!!! She was so happy today, smiling and laughing.

The other good news is Steve is done with harvest. It has been a long battle with mud and snow this fall. We have had between 15-16 inches of rain and 14 inches of snow since September 1. The last 110 acres had to be harvested by another combine with tracks on it. Another year of crazy weather, we will be praying for better weather for next years crops.

4 1/2 month physicals

Thursday was another clinic day. Grandma Blueberry came with us. Brooke's hemoglobin was 12.4. It stayed up another week! We weren't able to decrease the steroids but we are able to start doing chemo every other week. Hopefully that will be easier on her tummy and make her feel a little better. The Dr. feels the IVIG is helping to keep her hemoglobin up. So she will get that again next week. It's a 7-8 hour transfusion but worth it. They can only give it every 21 days.

Today the girls had their 4 month physicals. Brooke is 10#, 21 1/2" long. Macy is 15# 6oz and 25 1/2" long. A slight difference :) They are both hitting all their milestones, with the exception of Brooke and eating. The doctor increased her formula again so it's higher calorie. Even though she is not on the growth chart her height and weight are consistent with each other. She is just our little peanut. We also found out she had a really bad ear infection. We aren't sure if she had any symptoms because she always has some fussiness and doesn't eat well. So hopefully that will clear up soon with antibiotics. Thanks for another week of prayers. We realize daily how blessed we are and treasure all our time with all 5 girls.

The Perfect day!!

Brooke's hemoglobin was 13.5!! WOW!! We have only seen that number once before with her. So, obviously, the blood transfusion and IVIG are doing their work. She is also producing more red blood cells again which helps. She ate 12 ounces yesterday and is doing well today. 12 ounces is good for her. Now if that was Macy we would worry! She has hit 10#. So once again, the waiting is on. We pray she starts to gain more weight. If all goes well next week we will get to decrease her steroids again. She is currently on 9mg of steroids a day, chemo weekly, folic acid daily to increase her red blood cells and zantac to help her poor tummy. Thanks for the prayers. They are all cherished!!! We are so blessed!!!

Brooke's way!

We have decided life is Brooke's way or the highway. We checked her hemoglobin this morning and it was 8.1. So, to say the least, she needed blood. I did not plan on this today so that lead to a crazy morning since I was at work. But all worked out. The Lord puts everything and everyone where they need to be and Brooke gets her way! The Dr. said she needs to start producing more Red Blood Cells. Her body gets tired and she makes the "normal" amount. So we wait. The next blood draw is Thursday. I am assuming that should be good since she just got blood. But it's not up to me. God is in control and continues to take care of us.