Weeks 2 and 3

Collin was able to come home from the hospital after that first week, but would have a very poor immune system and possibilities of bleeding while at home (due to low white blood and platelet counts). The biggest risks to Collin at this point were infections (primarily bacterial and fungal), as well as internal bleeding. No more riding bikes, sledding, or skiing this winter. We began to be super careful in our home with germs. Blankets, toys, clothing and towels were laundered and relaundered. All visitors needed to be healthy and hand sanitizer is now at our front door for all who come to our home. Collin tried to adapt to the changes. He didn't feel well during the second week because he had such a sore throat from the suctioning of fluids during the nose surgery. He didn't eat much and we fought a fever and infection that first week we were home. Several rounds of anitbiotics were given at Primary Children's Medical Center (PCMC) during that week. Just as Collin's throat seemed to start to heal he began to have a sore in his mouth. This sent us back to PCMC' outpatient hematology clinic several times again to monitor what was happening closely. During this time we continued to have regular blood draws twice weekly to monitor his blood levels. Collin had another platelet transfusion, and then a week later had a double transfusion of both red blood and platelets. We also had our other children join us for blood draws to test to see if Collin had a sibling bone marrow match. The good news was that Collin's mouth sore began to heal.