Lexi, a big vein, and increased retic count

We drove all the way to Falkland, BC to pick up the newest member of our family, Lexi (short for Celexa, an anti depressant medication). A female purebread bichon frise puppy. She was welcomed with open arms to all of us, except of course ZAZU (he has been banned from overnights since he pooped on Kourtney's bed . . . YUCK). The lady that sold Lexi to us had her sleeping in a kennel and going potty outside before we got there. So far so good . . . she has pooped and peed outside. She lets us know by giving us a little dance. She slept quietly in her kennel last night . . . not a peep or poop out of her. The anticipation and arrival of this puppy has been the best anti depressant for all of us so . . . thus the name.

Kourtney and I had to leave Lexi on Wednesday to go to the hospital for more appointments and another iron infusion. Good news . . . her skin is getting better so much now that there was a nice big vein on her arm to start the IV in. They got it started on the first try and the iron infused over the next 4 hours. Her hemoglobin is low again. What I have learned is that iron is actually stored in the skin so when there is chronic skin loss, the iron stores are also lost, therefore creating a low hemoglobin (her skin was really bad before our trip to Florida). The good news is her Red Blood Cells (her retic count) is higher than they have been which means she is capable of making these Red Blood Cells, they just need more iron. The hematologist is now considering starting Kourtney on EPO which will help with RBC production. (EPO is what athletes use when they "blood dope").

Kourtney's skin continues to improve. We have finally have found a combo of dressings that not only protect the skin but help with healing. We call it the horizonal-vertical method. If you are interested I will explain (I am talking about dressings, for you with the overactive imaginations).

So far our summer has been full with lots of pool parties, a fun visit with cousins from Edmonton and the Jonas Brothers concert. Although we will not be going anywhere far we have lots of fun plans this summer.

Thanks to all my friends and family for all the birthday well wishes. Todd and the girls brought in a birthday cake for me into work today, and I have received many wonderful cards and gifts . . . thank-you everyone. Tomorrow, Todd and I are taking off to Harrison for the night. Mona and Bev will be taking care of the 3 girls (Lexi included). We are now on day 4 with the puppy and it is going very well. She sleeps in her kennel at night and is very quiet. She loves playing with the girls and will take her rest time sitting with Kourtney. Very cute.