It has been a whirlwind to say the least. Not just this entire journey but these past 26 days in isolation with Keira as well.
I was hoping to write an update sooner but hadn’t gotten to it solely because I’ve been exhausted. As my Aunt Deb says, you don’t go to the hospital to get good sleep. That’s for sure (at least for the caregiver anyway). With Keira needing to be on so many meds through her central line – specifically these past 10 days – there was always a machine beeping or a nurse coming in and out. Now that she’s starting to feel better the meds are more minimal and my nighttime naps span a little bit longer in length.
Keira is definitely back to her happy self. She’s playing, babbling non-stop and even starting to side step while she is standing on her play mats or in her bed. She’ll be cruising furniture – and walking – in no time!
Love that smiling face! 
Climbing (and standing on) steps: check! 
Thanks for the book Aunt Debbie!
As far as the science behind her recovery goes, here is the latest:
Thus far, she has had 3 blood transfusions, 2 platelet transfusions, her mucositis has subsided (and as such her neutrophils are rising), she is currently off of morphine for pain and is beginning to drink and eat again on her own.
Her hemoglobin levels have stayed on the higher end which is a great sign of engraftment and her Monocytes (a type of white blood cell) are also on the rise, which is another sign her body is processing things as it should. (I think I said all that correctly 😆). So far so good!
Now, we just continue to monitor as levels rise and around 30 days following her gene therapy (the first week of November) she will have a bone marrow aspirate to really look and see how the body has accepted the renewed and healthy stem cells.
It’s amazing we are at this point and we are so grateful to everyone who has helped us get here and get her this treatment. ❤🙏
But one bittersweet thing: this weekend Dave and I will switch out. Meaning my time in “the box” will be over and his will begin for the remainder of her stay. While I will not miss the hospital food or the broken sleep I will be so sad to be away from Keira these next few weeks. Dave needs some good one-on-one time with her though and I am in major need of time with Eva and Livvy (and my parents too)! I miss those girls and can’t wait to have cuddle time with them both!
We will continue to keep everyone updated as we venture forward. Halloween is coming up and we are determined to still make it a fun one (for Eva especially) since they don’t exactly celebrate it here like we do at home. 🎃
The Riley's Road to Italy 
Just love hearing all the great news about Keira and her treatment – one day this will be a memory that we will look back on. Thank you for keeping us updated- love you all and make sure you give all you girls a big kiss and hug for me❤️❤️❤️
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Love the update; especially all the photos! Hope you get some well deserved “consistent rest” and Keira continues on her healing path.
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Kendra I must say that even with lack of sleep and exhaustion you still look great! I love seeing Keira smile! She definitely has gone through all of this like a champ. I bet you are ready to ‘break out’ and spend some time with your other girls. The separation is hard on everyone. I hope Keira is happy with her dad taking care of her. I know they could both use the bonding time! The fact that everything is going so well is AWESOME and truly a blessing! We are truly happy for you all and will continue to pray all goes well. Sending hugs and prayers!
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