First Outpatient Trip

Photo: Just spoke to Nicole, Sally's blood counts all look good. Well enough that they are going to condense her next two appointments into one on Thursday, however she will likely need a blood transfusion on Thursday or Monday. She's heading into anesthesia now to have chemo delivered into her spine and a bone marrow biopsy, then can go home. Overall, a good trip to Sloan Kettering.

Hi all,

Today Nicole and our friend Tina took Sally in for her first outpatient visit to Sloan Kettering after being formally diagnosed with Leukemia. I was at work receiving text updates from Tina (note to whoever goes to appointments with Nicole, expect to send me several texts and deal with my questions) as Sally made her way through the process. It took longer than expected and due to some of Sally’s procedures, she went several hours without eating, however was her usual happy self despite this.

Sally’s counts all looked good, her white blood cell counts are at a minimum so she is what’s called neutropenic. Remember that word, as we’ll probably be using it a lot. This means that her ability to fight infections is very low so she is at risk for infection, even more so than when she left the hospital. This is intentional, as the chemo is essentially killing off all the white blood cells, good and bad. We have to continue to watch Sally for fevers, which we’re now told anything over 100.2 warrants a hospital trip. The blood test also revealed that Sally will likely need a blood transfusion this week or next. I’m waiting for the blood bank to get back to us about setting up a schedule for donations, will let you know when that is finalized.

Finally, Sally received an injection of chemo into her spine, as well as a bone marrow biopsy. Both were done while under anesthesia, so she felt no pain. I’m sure the biopsy will give us some information at her next visit. Since Sally’s numbers were where doctors wanted them, they are combining Wednesday and Friday’s appointments into one on Thursday. We’re told not to get used to 2 or 3 day a week appointments, its going to vary throughout depending on Sally’s progress.

So Sally’s numbers are where they should be, they got the tests done, and she got to come home. Any time she gets to come home is a success in my book. The nurses and staff also quizzed Nicole on the medications we’ve been giving Sally at home, and she passed with flying colors. Good job honey.

Please keep our Sweet Sally Sunshine in your thoughts and prayers.

Us

6 Responses

  1. Grandma Sally
    Grandma Sally July 22, 2013 at 9:31 pm | | Reply

    Thanks for the early update.

  2. kristylauriat@aol.com
    kristylauriat@aol.com July 22, 2013 at 9:46 pm | | Reply

    Your strength and love are inspiring. We’ve never met. And I probably haven’t seen nicole in 15 years, but your family is in our thoughts and prayers every day. While no words can comfort you, please know that you are thought of every day and we pray for Sally and your family. May God watch over you all!

  3. Daisy
    Daisy July 23, 2013 at 12:09 am | | Reply

    Sweet Sally Sunshine your smile just melted my heart. Storming the heavens for you in prayers. Glad you got to go home again. You have an awesome daddy and mommy and two great brothers who love you more than words could ever say. sweet dreams Sally get plenty of rest.

  4. Bob and Karen Hoppe
    Bob and Karen Hoppe July 23, 2013 at 8:02 am | | Reply

    Matt, Nicole and Family,

    We are so thankful for your updates and look forward to them with great anticipation. Know that you and your beautiful family are in our daily prayers. Please keep the updates coming and remember….one day at a time…one day at a time….

  5. Margaret Martin
    Margaret Martin July 24, 2013 at 1:03 am | | Reply

    Sally is a trooper! And yes, any day she can come home to you all is indeed a successful day! With prayers and hope, Margaret

  6. Sister Virginia Lake
    Sister Virginia Lake July 24, 2013 at 10:04 am | | Reply

    Glad it was a good day. Love and prayers!!!

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