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Blood Count Education (and an update)

As we expected, Cisplatin came in with a vengeance. We headed back into the hospital yesterday (Friday) afternoon with a fever and low blood counts.


Of course, we are all disappointed and sad as this is our 4th weekend in a row at the hospital, and was not a part of the plan. Jordan's fever reached over 102 degrees which is a sign of possible infection. According to his lab tests from Friday morning, his blood counts are at very low levels, impacting his ability to fight anything without antibiotics and professional care.


For all of those interested in knowing more of the data, his current blood counts are:

- White Blood Count = .50 (average is 5.20 - 9.70)

- Red Blood Count = 3.13 (average is 4.10 - 5.40)

- Hemoglobin = 9.6 (average is 11.8 - 15.8)

- Platelets = 12 (average is 150 - 500)

- ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count) = 10 (average is 2000 - 5800)


Within 24-72 hours following the Cisplatin treatment, he receives a shot of Neulasta, a bone marrow stimulant that helps the body produce white blood cells after receiving chemo. He received this shot on Monday and it should start doing its job any day now. Once that happens, his system starts to recover and he will no longer be so receptive to infection.


His fever broke early this morning and there are no signs of bacteria in his cultures. This is all great news. Now we wait for the Neulasta to kick in and get him back to normal. The care team at Children's hospital is watching his platelet count and are prepared to give him a blood transfusion overnight tonight if they don't see this number increase. All other levels are not of too much concern, at least not low enough for a transfusion for now.


We are hopeful that we will be home Sunday, although there is a chance we will be here through Monday. He needs his ANC level to be at 100 or more to be discharged.



Meanwhile, his leg is healing well. The ortho team took an x-ray last week and he was cleared to start pressing/resting weight through his leg. Jordan is nervous, understandably. Maybe once he gets his energy back, we will try it!


He is starting to see the path to mobility which is motivating. This week, Dan and Jordan visited our friend's lab (Agile Orthopedics) who will most likely be designing Jordan's prosthetic. Thanks for carving out some time for us this week, Eric! We feel so lucky to have your knowledge and support and know you are in our circle. Getting the right fit will help Jordan's long term mobility and having Eric watching out for him give us so much confidence. It just warms my heart :)



As always, thanks for following along this crazy journey of ours. We love you all!

1 Kommentar


aerogers
29. Jan. 2023

Thank you for sharing all if that. You are all in my prayers and thoughts for continued progress towards healing and recovery.

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