Hoping to Leave Tomorrow

Well, now we are looking at leaving sometime tomorrow. Her counts are up and getting better. There are "sub levels" to her white count that they want to improve (her neutrophils). They are going to keep her on IV and possibly oral antibiotics for about 10 days but we should be able to do that at home. Meanwhile, it looks like we are still on track to start chemo (again) next Friday. Sometimes I'm not sure why we bother to leave the hospital.

In other news, we got word from Humana that they officially denied our first appeal so we are off to write more letters. Actually, my second appeal letter is basically written and we are getting Dr. Khan to write another one on our behalf. Humana keeps looking at this as a "convenience" decision on our part and not factoring in anything like Charlotte's age or the intensity of her treatment. Basically, they see it as our "choice" to keep her at MCV and since we are making that choice, we should just suck it up and pay the out-of-network costs. They think that since they are not outright denying her care, they have done everything they need to do. I'm pretty much resigned that will be the outcome at this point but at least we will fight one more round and say that we fought the good fight.

I had a nice walk outside today while Grandpa visited with Charlotte. I journeyed over to the Capitol grounds where it was just beautiful today. Dogwoods, azaleas, and tulips blooming everywhere!

Grandpa brought Charlotte a belated Easter basket filled with Hershey's Miniatures and Charlotte and I have been "sharing" her chocolates with the hospital staff, offering some to everyone who comes in her room. It is so sweet and a great way for Charlotte to engage socially with others. The hospital staff (of course) get all googily when she offers them a candy!

She also had a fun little playdate with the preschool teacher and two other kids on the unit. They played in the playroom and finger painted. Great fun!

Now she is back to her room and watching a bit of TV. Yo Gabba Gabba for a change!

Roger's dad will be spending the evening here so hopefully Roger and I will get a few minutes together tonight. Hopefully we will not be too exhausted to keep from collapsing into bed without socializing for a bit. That has become a big challenge recently.

Let's hope for a discharge from the hospital tomorrow!

Rachel