Day 6

Are we really only 6 days past transplant?  It feels like a lifetime ago!  Things have progressively gotten harder for our sweet Cami the last few days and even though her symptoms are all expected, nothing could have prepared us for how difficult it has been on her.  She officially has full-blown mucositis (a painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract) imagine canker sores lining your mouth, throat, and entire digestive tract.  It is VERY painful.  So painful that it makes it difficult for Cami to even swallow her own saliva (she stopped eating well over a week ago, they are feeding her through her IV now and she uses suction so she doesn't have to swallow).  Mucositis also causes nausea and diarrhea.  It is not pleasant.  She also feels like she has been hit by a truck and her little body just aches all day long.  Thankfully, they have put her on a morphine pump and that has helped take the edge off.  It makes me sad though, the pain meds make her loopy, grumpy and emotional.  One moment she wants me holding her, the next she wants me to get away from her.  I am trying to be supportive, but it can be very frustrating when there is really nothing more we can do to help.  I have been missing my bubbily, sweet, energetic Cami girl lately and then I feel guilty because I know it is not her fault.  I know that my Cami girl will be back, but they don't expect things to get better until she engrafts ( 8-20 days) and that feels like FOREVER away.. I'm not sure I can last that long watching her in pain!  We are just praying she engrafts sooner rather than later so she can get some relief.  In the meantime, we are just taking it minute-by-minute.  Please keep Cami in your thoughts and prayers that she may be as comfortable as possible until she engrafts.

Cami with her pain pump and her new bald American Girl doll 

(LOVE that they do that by the way.. awesome company!)

Usually Pat and I take turns sleeping at the hospital with Cami, but lately she has just wanted her mommy and of course we understand.  Sometimes you just need your mommy, but yesterday I was able to go home to be with Caden for awhile.  He was so cute, he tackled me when I walked in the door and kissed every inch of my face.  We have been missing each other like crazy!  We just had a normal night of dinner and bedtime routines, but to me it was wonderful!  I can't wait until we are all home together and we get to have "normal" back again.  I love my bubba boy.. I am so proud of him for being so tough through all of this.  This has not been easy on him one bit!  

Sorry for the low quality pic, but oh, how I love this kid.. 

He makes me smile through the worst of days.

Thank you all for your continued love and support through this.  We know your prayers and positive thoughts are working!  We can feel your love and we have never needed it more.  Thank you, thank you.  We love you all!