Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Still home to update!

After a whole week (and one day), Beck is still home (knock-on-wood) and is doing as well as can be expected, given the fact that he is still very ill. Since February, Beckham, has not been out of the hospital for more than two weeks. We are sure wanting to break that record. Wouldn't it be great?

Beck and Gwen out for a walk. Do you see him giving one of his rare semi-smiles?

Since being home we have had a great time keeping ourselves busy with lots of appointments for Beck, visits from our families, long walks outside in the beautiful weather, and trying desperately to keep 'Captain Angry' happy and eating. Beckham's steroid rage is in full force, and along with that, his appetite has also kicked into full gear. Beckham now has at least 3-5 8oz bottles of Pediasure a day, along with two during the nights (you can only image how many diapers we go through), and 3-5 meals. When he is not cursing the world, he is screaming for the fridge to be opened, or asking that he can be in his high chair to eat. Truthfully, it's been great to see his appetite back, as opposed to his complete appetite loss when his hemoglobin was so low. His Buddah belly is back, along with his adorable chubby cheeks. We can't help but smile every time we see....even if it is very hard to make him smile in return.

WARNING: The below picture is a little brutal!
Taken during Beckham's first haircut (despite his expression, he was actually really good during it). We needed to get rid of the 'Donald Trump' look (the long, comb-forward hairdo) so we gave him a nice buzz cut. As you can see, he was still bleeding from when he hit his mouth almost two days before. Can you see the color of his blood? Looks like Koolaid right?

Beck's hemoglobin has remained in the 5 range, with the highest being 5.5. His platelets were at 47 last week (I know, don't fall off your chair) and continue to climb. What thrilling news this is for us....now it' his red blood cells turn. His low hemoglobin still makes him quite weak and he prefers to be held much of the time. He also tires very easily (yeah, my heart breaks when I hear him huffing and puffing to climb the stairs) and needs to take frequent breaks. Of course he still finds plenty of time to torment his sister, color on the walls, and climb on the table.

Lot's of meds to add to his list. At this time last year he was down to two meds.

That's it in a nut shell. We will continue to take it day by day, and relish in the fact that we are home and loving it. Thank you for all of those that continue to reach out to our little family. We feel so blessed to have some many wonderful, kind hearted friends and family.

Much love!
-Beckham & Co.

11 comments:

Crystal said...

I really truly did almost fall out of my chair when I read 47. Holy good news batman!!

Now if we can just get his red blood cells to join the club...

Me said...

Holy cow he is so cute! I just want to squeeze those cheeks. You are so amazing and have such an amazing attitude. Keep keeping on

Lainey-Paney said...

47 certainly does sound like a good number!

Yes, that picture breaks my heart, but the haircut is good news.
:) I'm so happy that he was good during the haircut!

cici said...

Such good news. Hopefully, his voracious appetite should boost his hemoglobin soon.
He can snarl at me anytime, he is adorable!!!!! ;)

Holly said...

So glad to hear that things are going (moderately) well!!! Love the photo of Gwen and Beck. Platelet count is AWESOME! I've got a cheering session for his hemoglobin going on inside my head. You can do it Beck! Thanks for the update - I've been watching for it (although Andy beat me to it and told me about it this time!). Sending much love.

Holly & crew

Anonymous said...

So glad to see some good news. He is so adorable. Wish we were closer! This Grammy would help with holding!
My continued prayers and love.
Ginny Campbell

Laken said...

This is actually a great post! I am so happy that you are at least able to take him outside! He and Gwen are too cute!! Let's break that 2 week record!!! Still praying!

Jen said...

Hey Nate and Kim,

It is so good to hear that you guys are still home and that Beck is doing okay. We hope he continues to get better each day. We'll keep you in our prayers.

Love,
the Cheneys

Anonymous said...

Beck and Gwen are so cute in the stroller with their shades!! We are so happy you guys are still at home, we'll pray that you stay there and levels continue to rise. Poor Beckham and his first haircut--it looks like maybe he was going out trick-or-treating! Hopefully all that bleeding will stop soon. We pray for you guys everyday! Stay strong as you have been for the past two years!!!

Heidi, Kevin & Ellie

kdance said...

Hey, we haven't seen an update for a while! What's going on? How's Beck this week? Still home, I hope?!

Kari Ann said...

Kim, Your little family is amazing! I really don't know how you do it. It is inspirational to read your blog. Here is our reunion info: www.mvhs99.blogspot.com