Hi everybody! My name is Hunter Michael Little. And for t hose of you who don't know me; I'm kind of a "big deal". Only because I'm the first child of my mommy Tiffany (Hauser) Little and my daddy Mike (Schritz) Little.
Let me start with when I was born. The day was Thursday May tenth 2007. Mommy couldn't believe it ... I looked just like daddy. Mom was crying, dad was crying and as soon as I saw them I cried too. Everything was good, I had two wonderful parents, awesome grandparents, a dog, two cats, life is good.
Now I'll jump ahead a little bit to August. I'm like three months old doing three month old stuff, eating, sleeping,and pooping and the unforgetable ear infections. Were talking at least five already, and they are so painful. I was having so many colds and ear infections that one day Daddy brought me to see the Dr. again and I could tell something wasn't right. We were there like 3 hours. Finally Doctor Davis came out and asked daddy to bring me to Childrens Hospital in St. Paul. He's a pretty good driver when he's scared. After four days of tests, needles, x-rays and ultra sounds we came home: still with no answers, but the doctors kept digging. What we did know was my liver enzymes were to high. After all the tests came back, a week or two later, one test revealed the problem. Alpha one anti-trypsin deficiency, a rare genetic disease. This causes my liver to not release a protien that then builds up and causes damage to my liver and doesn't allow it to work the way it should. After visiting with some really good doctors we've learned some stuff about my voyage. Currently there is no cure for it, but there was slight chance I could still grow out of it,about 90% of kids do, but the other 10% do not and many of those need a liver transplant.
Well here we are now into the new year and we've got a plan, the doctors down at the Mayo Clinic decided that a liver transplant would be the best option for me and that I would be a great canidate. It scares mommy and daddy that I will have to have such a big surgery but I will be cured from the disease other than having to take medicine for the rest of my life. I should be on the transplant list as of January 14th and I have the highest score for my age so the doctors don't believe it will take more than three months. The doctors told us to have our bags packed and to be ready to go at a short notice.
Now I know my whole family is scared, and so am I, but we have great support from our friends and families and 'there's a benefit being put together to help with some of the expenses that will come up, already mom and dad have to miss work for my appointments and time at the Mayo Clinic because and they might not get paid for the time away from work for my surgery. The benefit is March 30th at the Coachman in Baldwin, Wisconsin. There will be a silent auction, live music and a all together good time (more details to come). But for right now there is an account at the Westconsin Credit Union (715-425-8113) If you'd like to donate the account is Hunter Little benefit, or just under Hunter Little, they'll help you if you need it. Well until next time, I'm out, god bless and thank you.
Monday, January 14th. Just thought I would let everyone know that Hunter was admitted into the ICU at the Mayo Clinic last night. Right now Hunter is resting and tring to feel better. We've been told that the ammonia levels in his blood are high. Ammonia shows up in the blood when the liver turns the protein into ammonia.Which happens when the liver is not fuctioning properly.One of the many side effects of the Alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficency. Tiffany, Hunter and I are doing ok; but days are long and were all looking forward to him being healthy one day soon. Thank you for visiting his page and if you'd like to contact us or leave a message you can at hunterlittle1@gmail.com Thanks again and god bless. Also I will try to update this site daily while we are here at the Mayo.
Tuesday, January 15th. Hunter was released from the ICU today, but is still here in the hospital. Which was a relief to us. He's still not himself yet, but hopefully they'll start weening him off of the IV fluids on Wednesday. They would like to see him stable for a couple of days before they think about letting us go home. Also on Wednesday they're going to give him a picc line. A picc line is kind of like an IV, but instead of just going in a little bit, it goes in through his arm and up close to his heart. This will make it so he doesn't need to get stuck everytime they need blood and it is also an IV. When we go home it will probably go home with us. They told us it is good for long time and that when he comes in for his surgery they can use it again. Until next time thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Thursday, January 17th. Sorry we didn't get a chance to give everyone an update yesterday, but I know you understand. The doctors are telling us that there is a very real chance that Hunt will be staying in the hospital until he recieves his new liver. His lab results were a little worse today so they re-evaulated his score for the list and he will be getting bumped up. He is one of the highest children but now he will be higher than some adults. They have broadened the requirements for the donor liver so now they will take a liver from a 90-95 lb adult and then cut it to size for Hunt. Today he is recieving plasma to get his blood clotting levels up since the vitamin K is not working for this. Doctors are also trying to work on leveling his blood sugar. Hunter was very happy yesterday but today he is a little crabby, so it is day by day and trying new things to entertain him. There is always a possibility that he could get moved to the PICU again but we will be watching for those symptoms. Thanks for the emails it is great to hear from everybody and to see how his story is getting around to others that we don't always have a chance to speak with.
Friday, January 18th, Welcome back! That's what we heard today. We were brought back to the PICU this afternoon so that Hunter can be monitored better; which isn't a bad thing, because when his transplant happens, we'll have to be here anyways. And they would rather have us here now so we can get settled and comfortable, if that's possible. So other than the move, it was a pretty quite day. Tiffany is going to head home tonight and come back Saturday. I think its good for us to take a little break from all of this now and then, and each other (lol). We've also decided that one of us needs to be working to keep up on finances, so on Monday I'll head back to work and we'll begin to take weekly turns with going to work and we'll have family watching Hunter so some days Tiff can go downtown to work. Her supervisors are being very flexible and allowing her to come to work when she can and work hours that will work for her, also knowing that she may need to leave at a short notice to get back to Hunter, especially the days when all he wants is his mommy. Well, until Saturday I'll update everyone then. And thank you all for the emails, thoughts and prayers and spelling corrections. I've never been good at spelling or computer stuff, but I'm getting taught by Tiff and from all of your help. Thanks for everything!
Saturday, Jannuary 19th, 9:30am. We were just informed that a transplant team has been sent out this morning. This isn't a for sure thing, there's lots of test and studys to do first on the donor liver, but if all is good H1 (Hunter) could get a liver by this evening. We won't know anything until late afternoon, but we will keep everyone posted when we hear something.
At 4:05pm today our prayers were answered. A liver for H1 (Hunter) is here. We just got back to his room to start our wait. They say it will take about 6 to 8 hours for the procedure. Our families are here with us; and we know you're all thinking of us. Thank you all so very much, and as we get updates, I will try to give you all updates too.
It's about 8:55, Hunter has been in surgery for exactly 3 hours now. We been updated now and everything is going good. The new liver is in and is recirculating, which is great. I've just been informed seconds ago that they are closing him up right now. So after a time of monitering him in the O.R. we'll get to be with him again. When we know more I'll let everyone know. Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers and help. God bless everyone.
10:23pm, surgery is over. Everything went great. We've seen him and he looks great! His color is good, his stomach is already smaller, and we're all happy as could be. The next 72 hours are critical, so we'll keep hoping and praying and all will be great! We could never express the thanks we have for all of you. Thanks again and god bless
Sunday, January 20th, 10:20am, Good morning everybody. And yes it is. Hunter is doing great, there is talk already today of taking his breathing tube out. There is a series of things to do, as expected, before they can do this, but we'll just wait and see. Today being Sunday, the day of rest, I think that everyone around us is probably doing the same. Tiffany and I were talking this morning, and just can't beleive Hunty was only on the transplant list for six days before all of this. Alot of people have asked what we know about the donor, and honestly its not much. The only thing we know is that it came from a 24 pound person. Our thoughts are diffinetly with that family too. One day we'll be able to write a letter to the family, and thank them, but it has to go through another place first and remain anoymous. After that if the family wants then we can meet them or they can contact us. I think this is how it works, but Tiffy isn't next to me right now so I may be wrong. Well until later, Thank you and god bless.
10:00pm. The doctors have decided to hold off on taking out Hunter's breathing tube, the explanation we got was that it seemed to be too difficult for him to breathe on his own, so they said that will wait and try again tomorrow. Everything else is going very well, some of the big liver tests that they would do periodically before the transplant or now coming back with next to normal levels. His bilirubin was 7.1 before surgery and now it is 1.6, this was what started to make him yellow. We have to thank the family who gave us this gift because without it, it was possible that we could have lost him. We only wish these medical advancements were available back when my little cousin Ryan needed help with his liver problems. But I know that both Ryan and MaryAnn were and still are watching over Hunter, along with all of his other lost family and friends. If you are not a donor yet, I recommend thinking more about it because you would be giving a gift that can never be forgotten.
Monday, January 21. Not much has changed today. Hunter remains on the ventilator and they may try to take him off of it tomorrow. I sat next to him today and said his name and he turned his head real fast and opened one eye and then was a little restless until they gave him something to relax, but you can tell that he hears and senses either Mike or I. If anyone is interested in helping in some way, both of us are not getting paid right now and we are about to need some financial help, there are few different organizations that we have looked into and one of our banks are helping by pushing payments out, but the mortage still has to get paid. We hate to have to ask but we know that we have many caring friends and family who may be in a position to help us. If you would like to help you can donate to the Hunter Little Benefit account at any Westconsin Credit Union (715) 425-8113. Thank you again for the thoughts and prayers, I hear that Hunter is on numerous prayer lists throughout the country!
Tuesday, January 22. 7:24am Good morning, I just wanted to try to update everyone early today. It sounds like the doctors are going to wait one more day on his ventilator tube. Which is fine, if its for the better. I know Tiffy and I both are starting to have withdrawls from not being able to hold him. He seems so defenseless laying there, and we both just want to grab him and hold him. But in time we'll get that back. I want to thank everyone for the emails and we do read them but we really don't get much of a chance to respond to them. Also the visitors are always welcome, and makes us feel good too, but right now if you think you might be sick, or were recently sick, or even just a cold; please wait till your feeling better. With all the anti-rejection drugs, Hunter could get very sick from somthing very small. Tiff and I have started using a medicine called 'airborne' just to possibly prevent us from becoming ill. Well if anything changes today we'll let you know, until later
Its still Tuesday, and we had alot of excitment today, Tiffs mom stayed over last night cause of the roads being bad; aunty Sharon and grandma Hauser came down and then the Penman family came too! But this was all pretty small compared to what Tiffy and I experienced a few minutes ago, Hunter opened his eyes and looked at us! And they stayed open for a minute, which makes us very happy. They still plan on taking out his tube on Wendsday, so now were even more excited. Well until next time, I know Hunter wants to say thanks to Jenna and Vanessa for the poster, and to Brody for the trophy. And mom and dad want to thank everyone else for there help too. good night and till tomorrow
Thursday, January 24th. 9:ooam Sorry we didn't get a chance to update everyone yesterday. We had a pretty good day though. It started when they removed the ventilator tube at about 8am. And in a matter of no time Tiff was able to hold him. So she was very happy to do that again. Me... it still scares me a little with all the hoses and IVs hooked to him. And if you now me; Im not real smooth or graceful, so I'll hold of a little longer. But seeing Tiff hold him made me happy too. Our day went pretty smooth, after about 7pm it got a little tougher. Hunter had some blood in his stool, which could be a number of things from what were told. Then he vomited a couple times and had us real nervous. Were not doctors and we didn't know that this was sometimes common of a transplant patient. Another reason could be an ulcer. Those show up when the body is under alot of stress, which I'm pretty sure he might have some body stress right now. They told us this morning that if the bleeding in his stomach doesnt slow down that they will probably scope him. A scope would be a tube they send down his throat and look for the cause of the bleeding. Aunty Sharon wanted me to let everyone know that on this Sunday night, their going to have a meeting at The Hammond Hotel at 6pm to talk about Hunters benefit. And if anyones interested in helping out with the benefit, show up there. Allright I'm going to sign off for now, and find some of this ulcer medicine for myself, but we'll try to chat later. thank you all and god bless
Still Thursday, I've got a little time right now so we thought we'd chat some. Hunter did have the scope done today. It revealed that there are some small cuts in his stomach, which had started to heal already, but could have been the cause of the colored stool. They also did the biopsy of his new liver, being he was already under. The first results are telling us that its functioning properly, Which is real good to here. But all the complete results wont be back until Friday afternoon, and we will definatly cross our fingers and say a extra little prayer tonight to make sure all the biopsy results come back good. What there looking for is to make sure the liver is not rejecting, and that its taking to his body. Also he had another ultrasound today that we haven't heard back from yet. But One of his doctors over looked it and said it looked good so far.We'll here more on Friday. Alright until Friday make sure you pray for good results tonight; thank you and god bless
Friday, January 25th. It worked. All of the results of Hunters biopsy came back, and it is doing exactly what they want it to. It shows no signs of rejection. WOW, We were very excited to here that. Today they also took out three of his tubes, two IV and his cathider. I can only imagine how good that felt. Then to top all that,.....he smiled. It was just a little one, but it counts. Its really good to see him starting to be himself again. The doctors said it would be ok to let him sit up now too. So all in all it was a wonderful day. We want to really say thank you to all of Tiffs co-workers for the very generous (Thats spelled wrong, isnt it?) donation today. Also to everyone at my work place for giving up there x-mas party for our family. We both are very grateful for the employers we have and how great they have been through all of this, they have both been amazing. Thank you. I'm to the end of my thoughts to share for the day, but just know that we appreciate everything you all have done for us, and all you may plan to do, if its a thought, a prayer, a phone call, a email, stopped by, donated to our family, or laughed at something one of us said or did (or misspelled) THANK YOU.
Sunday, January 27th. Good morning, well here we are 1 week past transplant. I don't think that any of us really thought that we would be where we are at today, but we wouldn't change it for anything. We have truely been blessed in so many ways. Sometimes Tiffy and I sit here and it still feels unbeleivable, after we had learned that we would probably be here until his transplant, we never expected it would only take a week. We've learned so much from reading diffrent studys done on the liver. I read the other day that "in the United States there are 17,000 people waiting for a liver transplant.." After talking with one of our doctors, they said about 400 are pediactric patients; or under 18 years old. That still is remarkable to us how fast it happened. Anyway, sorry we didn't get a chance to talk yesterday, but H1 had alot of visitors. Everything was good though. Last night he started eating from his bottle again. He started with some clears, and after he wasn't really having it, we gave him some of his own formula and that worked out good for him. Well the weekends are pretty quite here and theres not much going on. Last night after Tiff and I got back to the Ronald Mcdonald House, and started to fall asleep, the carbon monoxide detector went off. Now I know a little bit about these things, being I work in HVAC, so needless to say after they told us "not to worry, they've been having trouble with them," we slept with the window open and the heat off. I think I'll make sure its taken care of before we fall asleep tonight. Allright time to go, we'll chat later, thanks and god bless
Monday, January 28th. You want to here something neat? Theres a possibility that Hunter may be released from the hospital on Tuesday. Thats tomorrow. Yesterday they took out two more tubes, and today they'll take out the second to last one. The only one left will be his picc line, which will stay in for a month or so. That way they can still take blood at his check ups, and not have to poke him. He's showing alot of old signs of himself, laughing, giggling, and grabing anything in reach. But now he decided he likes his nuk, (he hasn't taken a nuk sense he was 2 months) We've informed him that it will be staying here when we leave though. Now if he's released tomorrow, we still have to stay within 20 miles of the hospital for about 2 weeks. Just incase something happens and we need to get here quick. And he'll have check ups every couple days too. But were getting closer to coming home though. Until later; have a good day
Tuesday, January 29th. It still sounds like their going to let Hunter out today. Their getting us comfortable giving him his medicines, and making sure we know the times to give them and all the fun stuff. Hunter will be on about 12 diffrent medicines when we get home. From asprin, pain meds, to the anti-rejection meds. Not all have to be givin at the same time, but the same ones at the same time daily. I'm glad Tiff understands what to do, I'll have it figured out in a day or two myself, with Tiffy's help of coarse. Well once we move to the Ronald Mcdonald House today, I don't know If I have accsess to a computer or not, So I may Have to try to update H1's page here when we come back for his check ups. If theres a computer at the clinic. I'll find a way, one way or another. Well here we are, hopefully the last day in the hospital, we cant say thank you enough for the wonderful support we've gotten from all of you so far, yeah were past the part of not knowing what was going to happen, but everyday will be tough, wondering if the meds are working, if he's comfortable, is he sleeping to much, just the little worries. With the support from everyone, I know we'll get threw it. Thank you all so very much, you really dont know how much all of you mean to us. Every person who reads this or prays for us or thinks of us is always someone we'll keep close to our hearts. Thanks again and we hope to see you either bowling on the 23rd of Feb. or on March 30th, or both.thanks again and again and god bless everyone
Thursday, January 31st. Look what I found. Turns out they have a computer room here at the Ronald Mcdonald house. which is kind of hidin towards the back of the place. Well anyways; Hunter went in for another check up today; and all is still good. Which makes us real happy. The best thing about that is, we may get to go home at the end of next week. That means; no more having to stay in Rochester. Hunter will still have to comeback and forth for check ups every couple weeks... but who cares! He's home! I've got to run we've got another appointment to get to, but i'll update again soon. Thanks again and god bless
Tuesday, Febuary 5th. Welcome back everyone. Sorry its been a few days since we updated you on Hunters voyage, but we've been running around to appointments and making sure hes still doing well. Well, I found some time now. And the reason I have time right now is, Hunters back at Saint Marys again. They have'nt admited him yet, But their is a possibility they will later today. The reason being is he's been running a low grade fever since yesterday, and been extremely fussy, and does'nt seem to like to sleep well. These are all possible signs of rejection of the new liver. Its not to say thats what it is, but it is possible. We knew that there was a 70-80% possibility of this happening, and that in most cases it was curable with another medicine. So far today they have done a biopsy, taken blood, and another ultra-sound. Were still waiting for all the results to come back to know more. When we find out more I'll come back and let you know. thanks for visiting, and have a good day
Sunday, Febuary 10th. Hello again everyone. I have to start by apoligizing for not updating Hunters site as much as we should. Now is a little harder to do that when were not able to have a labtop in our room. But no excuses, we know that everyone is wondering how he's doing and that we should make a better effort to update you. So heres what I (mike) came up with. From now on i'm going to update Hunters site every Sunday. I hope this this is ok with everyone. If not please let me know. Also I know that alot of you have our phone numbers, and can call us anytime you feel like it. And I know that we have received alot of emails from everyone, we do read all of them, but its hard to respond to all of them. They do make the days that are tough alot easier when we can see that were diffinatly not alone. Thank you for those. And now on to the little man, no pun intented. He's doing great. He was released from the hospital last Thursday, and has a little change in his dosage of meds. We did have to go back a couple of times to receive a medicine through his IV, but after today, thats done know too. All he had going on was a little rejection. A mild form were the exact words used by the doctors. And like they said, its to be expected. So to add to his fun times were having, we think he's got another tooth try to cut through. Thats number 3, not bad for a 9 month old. 9 months to the day to be exact. Wow has time flown by. Well we don't have much more to tell you today, and sometimes no news is good news, right? But we do appreiciate everyone whos thought about us, and helped us through this so far. We still have a long road ahead of us to back to where we were, and to keep H1 healthy, so please keep praying and thinking of us, we couldn't have got to where we are today with out everyones prayers and thoughts. Thank you...Until next Sunday, have a great week and we'll talk soon. P.S. If something should change we'll hop back on and let you know. And you can always email us at hunterlittle1@gmail.com thanks again
Sunday, Febuary 17th. Here we are agian. Well lets get started with what we did again this week. First off on Monday we came back to hospital to have some blood drawn in the morning, so they could have the results back by his appointment at 2pm. Well as were waiting for them to take some blood; two of his doctors come in. The blood that was drawn the day before, showed some more signs of rejection. Hunter was once again addmitted to St. Marys. Now their going to change his meds around a little bit again, and try a different rejection medicine. Hunter was released on Friday, after starting his new medicine in the hospital. Now we return to the hospital today and Tuesday for the other two sessions of medicine. The medicines he gets today and Tuesday take 6 hours to give through his IV. On top of this new one, he still receives a diffrent IV med through Tuesday, and thats twice a day. So yeah, we've been doing alot of running back and forth. It's ok though, we know that when this is all done here, Hunter will be a much improved little man. We've been very greatful for the people and families that have made donations to Hunters benefit account at the Westconsin Credit Union. Thank you, but unfortunatly we have no way to know who makes these deposits. But all of you who have helped out, know who you are, so thanks for that. And now onto this week. Hunter has the meds through Tuesday through his IV, the doctors plan on doing some more blood work and keeping an eye on his rejection, then they have a biopsy on Wendsday for him. Hopefully (heres where we start praying real hard agian) if that looks good; we could possibly be home by the weekend. That would be great. Hunters bowling benefit is Saturday, and I know lots of you would like to see him again. It is possible, but if he comes, it would only be for a little while. I know Tiffy and I look forward to seeing everybody again, it feels like we've been here for a real long time. But we also know that if he doesn't get to come home, he's still in a great place. And they'll get his rejection fiqured out. Any who, I'm going to go now, but I hope to see some of you this next weekend, thanks again to everyone and god bless
Sunday, Febuary 24th. Happy Sunday to everyone. We just want to start by saying thank you to everyone who came out to Hunters bowling benefit yesterday. It was a wonderful to see everyone having a good time and enjoying themselves. I have to once again apoligize; I think I may have told you that Hunter was going to be able to make it there yesterday......Well you probably noticed he didn't. Once again this week, he was admited into St. Marys. He's doing great still, but last week when he was getting his IV meds, he had a reaction to the medicine. Its still the same med as before, and given through his IV. It takes 6 hours usually, but they wanted to speed it up a little bit so they tried to do it in 4 hours. Well needless to say, it didn't go so well. He was admited on Tuesday, and will probably be here until this Tuesday or Wendsday. In the mean time they will continue his IV meds, over 6 to eight hours now, and be able to watch him a little bit closer now. Since he's been here now, his rejection levels have come down real well. So we can't be to upset. Before he leaves this week they'll do another biopsy, and hopefully this one will come back all good so we can get out of here. Well anyway, until next week, have a good week, and we'll talk again soon. Thanks for visiting
Sunday, March 2nd. Here we are, together again. I hope everyone had a good week. We had a really good week, Hunters rejection is going down finally, and they think that the meds he's on will take care of the rest of it. That's always good to hear. He had another biopsy on Wendsday, and that too said everything is looking better. And probably the most exciting thing this week........we all came home together. This is one of the happiest days we've had in a long time. So now that we've all been home since Thursday, Tiff and I are not real sure how we feel totally. Yeah its great to have our Hunty home, but yet we know that the doctors and nurses are'nt just down the road. I think were starting to get comfortable with eveything, (meds, blood pressure machines, cleaning his picc line, etc, etc) but then again, Mayo isnt really that far togo if need be. Having him home is enough to help with all the other issues that make us nervous though. Well now our next thing to do, is start getting our life back to our new normal. Hunter has to go in and have blood drawn on Monday, they can do that here in River Falls at the clinic, then we wait to here from his doctors in Rochester. The results and one sample will be shipped to them down there so they can do a couple of the test. So having blood drawn here in RF, some of his check ups may need to be done down there, its just adjusting to what we will have to do now. And as any parent will tell you, You'll do anything for your children. Another thing that I have to do on Monday, I get to go back to work. We've talked about this before, but something always came up, but this time I think i'll be there. Tiffy, she'll be staying home for awhile. She has a leave of absense from her job for six months, after that we will see how H1 is and decide what to do next. Well I have probably taken up enough of your time today, and my liittle man is ready to get up from his nap, thanks again for everything you all have done for us, and I'll talk to you next Sunday. Thanks again and I think I'll end with this line I stole from a tv show, Welcome home Hunter; welcome home
Sunday, March 9th. Hi.....well one week home and and all is still good. It took a couple days to get completely comfortable again, but after that we were fine. Hunters been sleeping alot better now, but he diffinatly knows how to get our attention when he wants it. I've also determined that regardless of what all you men think, I have the best wife in the world. Tiff is probably the 2nd toughest person I know, Hunter being number 1 of coarse, she is always in mommy mode when it comes to her boys (H1 and me) she knows what needs to be done and when. I probably don't give her the credit she needs or deserves, but I try to, as much as I can. I can say I love my wife more than ever...and everyday a little more. with out her, I don't know where i'd be. O.K. back to Hunty, I just wanted to share a thought with you for a minute. We just can't believe how much he has caught up in his development already. He's a totally diffrent kid than just one month ago. He's got me a little worried though. Sometimes when he's playing, he makes these little wrist turns, like he's twisting the throttle of a motorcycle. And those of you who didn't know, His grandpa Al owns Al's custom cycle, A custom Harly shop, and I grew up racing motocross. So I think their might be a little influence on him. Whatever he wants to do is fine with us, as long as he's healthy, were happy. Hunters got this jumper he likes to play in, I think he's trying to tear it apart, or jump it off the ground, he gets going in this thing, and man he cant go fast enough. Its pretty neat to see him playing, and interacting with everyone now. Its still amazing at just how much better he must feel now. We truely have been blessed. Well even though things are good here now, theres always someone out there struggling. In our own lifes, people around us have had a tough last year too, so when your praying for us, pray for our freinds too. until next week, thanks again and god bless, mike
S Sunday March 16th, WOW, I just sat down to update everyone again, and I thought to myself, ya know; I'm gonna read through this whole thing again,....it was pretty tough. I guess when your just doing it, you don't really see how much is really going on. We've had so many people speak so kindly to us and tell us if we need anything to ask, But we just kept pushing forward, with lots of help, and made things work. We've recevied alot of help from everyone, and man does it help. Just knowing and seeing the help make us so gratful to have freinds and family like all of you. God works in mysterous ways, and I think we have to agree. Hunter says da da da da da da mum mum mum mum mum, which means hello. I think. Huntys doing good this week still. He had a check up again this week and that went really well. Doctors said that he doesn't need to come back for another check for a little while now. We think that they will watch his lab work and let us know when to come back. One of the dosages of his main rejection meds was lowered this week too. So their starting to get him off some of the meds. Its a start; and we'll keep pushing forward. But like I said last week, he is one tough son of a gun. Also were getting closer to Hunters benifit on the 30th of this month. From what I hear from everyone helping out, its gonna be good. Next week I'll probably put some of the items on here that are going to be in the silent auction so you can get an idea of whats going to be there. I do know that there is a 42'' flat screen tv that will be raffled off, a digital camera, and half a pig. So if you haven't got raffle tickets yet, you could probably contact grandpa Al at 715-977-0170 and he will help you out. Thanks again to everyone who's helped us out, we could never say thanks enough. god bless
Sunday, March 23rd, Happy Easter. We hope everyone had a wonderful day today. Hunter really enjoyed his first Easter with his family today. Just getting to see alot of his family reacting to how well he's doing was great to see. Parts of his family don't get to see him as much as others, so I know they were happy to see him again too. Hunty had another great week again, his enzyme levels are normal, which is probably the first time in his little life, and doctors are happy with the way things are going. As a matter of fact, instead of having blood draws every week, doctors are pushing his blood work back to every two weeks! This is a a real good thing. Hopefully things like this will continue, cause in two months from now, we could be down to monthly blood draws. Things just keep getting better. Well here we are, one week away from Hunters benefit, I know lots of you are excited to see him, and were almost 95% sure he will be there for a little while, but please, if you've been sick or around some one who has, try to limit any exposer to him. With his little immune system being so supressed, it would be real easy to make him really sick. We do plan to bring some hand sanitizers with and place it where it can be easily used by everyone, and thank you in advance for you cooperation. If anyone is interested in helping out next weekend, I know that they are looking for some baking help. Anyone who is interested in baking somthing should contact Sharon at 715-688-9598. And thank you for your help...again. Also theres been alot of phone calls and emails of people who are just bringing something for the silent auction with them on Sunday, if you could give Nicole Penman a call at 715-523-4313 and let her know what it is, so she can make sure she has the proper paper work ready for it. Thanks again. Is it possible to say thank you to much? I didn't think so either. Well, we look forward to seeing everybody next weekend, and have a great week. Thank you for all you continued support, god bless The Littles
Monday, March 24th. Hi again, Don't worry Hunters still fine. I just forgot to leave directions to the Coachman in Baldwin. If your coming into Wisconsin from I-94 heading east, travel 19 miles to exit number 19. (Baldwin exit) Get off, and at the top of the exit, take a right and then an immediate left. Its right behind the gas station and Rays (resturant) If your coming from the south on weather it be 169 (Yes I'm talking dirrectly to you) or 52 (and you too) when you reach 494, travel east until you reach I-94 east then follow the directions above. If traveling from the north, When you hit 694, travel east until I94 east, then follow dirctions above. If any of you folks attended our wedding reception, it is at the same place. Thanks again, if you have any questions feel free to email me at mlittle598@gmail.com or call me at 715-760-2096 or Hunters email hunterlittle1@gmail.com thanks
Monday, March 31st. Good morning. Well, what a wonderful turnout yesterday. Talking to some diffrent people yesterday who watched over alot of things, they seemed to guess that anywhere from 4 to 5 hundred people passed through Hunters benefit. WOW. Thats way more than we could ever guessed. Hunter, Tffany, and I would like to say thanks to everyone who helped put yesterday together for us, her family, my family, the Penman family, everyone who sold, or bought raffle tickets, all the people and buinesses who donated for the auction, all the people who came out just to help out. Thank you all so very much. And thank you to eveyone who purchased some thing, baked goods, t-shirts, and all the diffrent silent auction items. Hunter had a good day too. I think he was a little over stimulated by the miiddle of the afternoon, but he was still able to make it there, and thats what we all wanted to see anyway. I'm going to make this short today, but we wanted to get on here and make sure we got a chance to say thank you to everyone for all your help, we couldn't have done it with out you. thanks
Sunday April 13th. Hi again, sorry I forgot to update yall last week. We've been trying to get some stuff done here and get caught up on other things we have neglected in the last few months. But Hunters doing real good. He had that stinkin tooth finally pop through last week, and now this week he's drooling alot again, so he may have another one coming in. And....I think its pretty safe to say, that Hunter is finally that little boy that he's supposed to be. Well I don't mean to cut you short, but it's bed time. Always know that you can still email us and we will make time to email you back if you'd like. Thanks again for all your help. The Littles
Sunday May 11th. Hmmm. Looks like I havent updated you in a long time. Sorry about that. Well Hunter turned one yesterday. If you would have told us a year ago what we would do in the last year, I probably would have laughed at you. But here we are, all is good, Hunters on lots of meds, including a new one this week, but were all happy and doing well. Like I was saying, Hunters on a new med this week. The doctors are trying to get his hemagloben (yeah yeah spelled wrong) up. Basically with blood draws every two weeks, its not catching back up. But now with this new med, and blood draws reduced to every month now that should help it. May 29th Hunter goes in for his four month check up. At that time, its a good possibility that they will remove the picc line too. Then he'll be tubeless for the first time in a long time. He has alot of new stuff he's doing; such as crawling, still yaping, not making much for words, but getting close, and of coarse teeth coming in. My all time favorite though. Regardless of what happens during the day, when I walk into the house, say his name and get his attention, and he smiles and crawls over to me....priceless. everytime is like the first time he did it. well until next time, hopefully it won't be a month apart, thanks again for all your help, and Happy birthday little buddy.
Monday may 26th. Hello again peoples. Just wanted to give a little update on Hunter. Oh shoot hang on ,......allright, man that boy can move. Thats pretty much what we do now. Chase him and, Hunter no. Hunter quit, Hunter stop, good boy Hunter. He is so amazing. I got a little tear in my eye today though. I took Hunter to a motocross race today. About half way there, I turned around to see if he was sleeping, he wasn't; but he looked up at me with his big blue eyes, and i'll admit it , I just about lost it. He let out a smile that I will never forget. After i turned around, cause I was driving, I thought to myself, boy....these are the days I've always dreamed of with our little boy. I somtimes have to remind myself what we've been through and what we've seen. But all in all, i wouldn't change a thing. Everything does happen for a reason. This Wendsday Tiffy and Hunty are headed down to Mayo for his four month check up. They"ll do a biopsy on Wendsday and some other test, and then the results will be back Thursday. And hopefully the doctors will remove the picc line from his chest. And of coarse hopefully they will reduce some of the meds too. Well until next time, thanks for all you do
Monday June 16th. Well for those of you who speak with us freqently; you already know what I'm gonna talk about. Last Monday Hunter got pretty sick. Were not sure exactly what he had wrong, but we knew that we needed to go to Rochester. We knew that if we went to River Falls Hospital, that they would just send us to Mayo. So I think we made the right decision. Once they stabilized Hunter, and we finally got to get some sleep, we knew that we gonna be there for a little while. On Tuesday the doctors kind of went through everything we needed to know , and what was going to be done. They also started some anti-biotics to take care of any bugs he may have. 4. Later that day they came back and told us there were 4 different bacteria work inside our little man. But if they took blood from his arm and not the hickman, it ewas less. So...where do you think the bacteria was coming from? Yep, his picc line. (hickman). Now wendsday rolls in, we know his line is coming out, and one doctor thought he was putting one back in. Nope. We decided no for him. With our primary doctors of coarse. Now one to the not so much fun part. As the doctor is removing it,....it breaks. If you know us at all, you can probobly guess my reaction. But then we knew that somthing else had to be done. They told use a hour before the O.R. would be ready for us. This is at 10:30. Well at 3:30 when they got him in (yes that is 5 hours) it was a ten minute surgery. Finally our little man can eat again. The last time he ate was 2am. so he had a right to be pissed. But within a few hours Hunty started to come around and feel better. The doctors started a 5 day anti-biotic, and needed to have negitive results from his blood for a least a couple days before he could come home. Well today he came home. Our little man is picc-line free. Now it feels a little bit different. Our son has no hook ups. We feel even more like he is starting to get to be a little boy. And to add to our last week, Hunt popped two more teeth through. He is one tough kid. Well sorry for not updating as much as we'ed like, But I'm trying. Thanks again to all of you who keep following us, and Happy Fathers Day to all you dads out there.