October 11, 2010 - Monday
Posted by Ann Shortes on Monday, October 11, 2010
ANC: 1530
Platelets - 280
Hemoglobin - 11.7
Sorry for the delay in updates, Oliver's count check two weeks ago revealed an ANC of 2600. Oliver received vincristine through his port and an IVIG transfusion. His IGG counts crept up to within a normal range, so there is a possibility of no more IVIG transfusions! We will know in a month. Much like eager toddlers reaching for and focusing on one goal at a time in Oliver's treatment, we have yet to fully comprehend the underlying complexity of the process. Today, we learned while a low ANC presents its own set of difficulties such as neutropenic isolation/immunity issues, an ANC count that is too high also brings a whole new set of rules to the table. A "high" ANC count implies the immune system is working too well and in fact should be somewhat suppressed during treatment to effectively rebuild/prevent cancer cells from forming. Anyone with any medical training may have veins bulging out of their foreheads and flushed angry cheeks while reading this, I apologize, this is merely my "toddler" medical mind trying to relate this in the simplest way possible. So, long and short of it, Oliver's chemo dosage was ramped up today to bring his ANC down in pursuit of the goal anywhere between 1,000 -1,500. He continues to enjoy school, looks forward to Halloween and is often found on the couch with a crooked neck playing with the newest application on the iphone. I have lost possession of my phone, but it has certainly come in handy when waiting just about anywhere. We have a count check scheduled in two weeks and will be sure to update everyone on progress then.
Platelets - 280
Hemoglobin - 11.7
Sorry for the delay in updates, Oliver's count check two weeks ago revealed an ANC of 2600. Oliver received vincristine through his port and an IVIG transfusion. His IGG counts crept up to within a normal range, so there is a possibility of no more IVIG transfusions! We will know in a month. Much like eager toddlers reaching for and focusing on one goal at a time in Oliver's treatment, we have yet to fully comprehend the underlying complexity of the process. Today, we learned while a low ANC presents its own set of difficulties such as neutropenic isolation/immunity issues, an ANC count that is too high also brings a whole new set of rules to the table. A "high" ANC count implies the immune system is working too well and in fact should be somewhat suppressed during treatment to effectively rebuild/prevent cancer cells from forming. Anyone with any medical training may have veins bulging out of their foreheads and flushed angry cheeks while reading this, I apologize, this is merely my "toddler" medical mind trying to relate this in the simplest way possible. So, long and short of it, Oliver's chemo dosage was ramped up today to bring his ANC down in pursuit of the goal anywhere between 1,000 -1,500. He continues to enjoy school, looks forward to Halloween and is often found on the couch with a crooked neck playing with the newest application on the iphone. I have lost possession of my phone, but it has certainly come in handy when waiting just about anywhere. We have a count check scheduled in two weeks and will be sure to update everyone on progress then.
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I started this blog as a way to keep everyone updated on Oliver's status and am so thankful for the outpouring from our friends, family and beyond. Thank you all for the support!
