As expected, Hayden has developed some sores (mucasitus) in his throat.  The pain makes him not want to swallow so he constantly drools, he still has a cough which also makes him cry.  His eating has slowed but no feeding tube yet, the doctors said most likely he will go on them soon.  Another effect is his skin has become more sensitive and he cringes when you touch him at times.  Morphine is given for the pain.

He developed a fever today (106 degrees) so he has been started on a long list of antibiotics.  We have stripped him down to his diaper and cool him with a wet towel.  He is overall uncomfortable and wants to be held nearly all the time.  Yesterday he did have bursts of energy where he jumped in his walker like a mad man, sometimes he closed his eyes and near fell asleep while jumping.  This is probably from the larger doses of steroids he is receiving.

He has lost some weight but not enough to be concerned.  His stomach is holding at the same size.   We started watching this four days ago, a larger stomach could mean a malfunctioning liver.

His platelets are below 20k so he will receive a routine transfusion today.  Red blood cells and hemoglobin are lower but not enough to merit a transfusion.

rb

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