WBCs Roaring Back!

Photo: This koala bear's numbers skyrocked to 1.8 WBCs and 57 platelets yesterday. We now need her neutrophils, the virus fighting portion of WBCs, to go from its current 0.0 to 0.5 to be discharged. If Sally keeps improving, we COULD have her home by this weekend. Keep your fingers crossed!

Hi all – I have a work function this evening so may not get a chance to send an update later. We received great news this morning, Sally’s White Blood Cells (WBCs) came roaring back, rising from .3 to 1.8, and her platelets from 9 way up to 57! After minimal growth and even some falling numbers over the last week, this was a big and welcomed surprise. What we need now is for Sally’s neutrophils, which are the portion of the WBCs that fight off infections, to raise from 0.0 to 0.5, the minimum threshold for fighting off infection. She has none of these in her body now, but with her marrow starting to crank out WBCs, these can’t be far behind. MSK will not release any pediatric patient until they hit the 0.5 neutrophil benchmark. With yesterday’s growth, we can expect to see theses start showing up today if everything keeps improving.

Today’s mission is to get Sally ready for out-patient care again. They were taking her off the IV morphine and attempting to give her an oral version so Nicole and I would be able to deliver at home. Sally’s mouth/throat sores will take a couple days to heal once the neutrophils form, so she still needs this medicine in order to eat. Without the IV fluids she’s been receiving since we arrived, this will be extremely important as we need to keep her hydrated and well fed or could end up right back in the hospital. They were also going to re-order all of Sally’s home treatment meds, which take time. I think its actually good we have potentially a day or two to prepare so that we’re as comfortable as can be with taking care of her at home with these new challenges. She also has another round of treatment tomorrow morning, so would have had to come back for that anyways.

If everything keeps improving, we could be home by the weekend. Please keep your fingers crossed, avoid walking under ladders, and run from any black cats you see. Please also keep Sally in your thoughts and prayers. If anything else comes up, I’ll try to post to Sally’s Facebook page below.

Matt

https://www.facebook.com/SweetSallySunshine

 

11 Responses

  1. Cynthia Kabel
    Cynthia Kabel July 31, 2013 at 2:02 pm | | Reply

    That’s GREAT news and a good start and hopefully your little girl will be home by the weekend!!! I’m so happy and am here for anything you all need!!

    Love you all so much,
    Aunt Cindy

  2. Liz Corso
    Liz Corso July 31, 2013 at 2:30 pm | | Reply

    Great news! Fingers and toes crossed and lots of prayers!

  3. Deanna
    Deanna July 31, 2013 at 2:51 pm | | Reply

    GREAT NEWS! will keep praying for you guys! Great pic of you both too!

  4. Joyce Blondo
    Joyce Blondo July 31, 2013 at 3:05 pm | | Reply

    So happy to hear the good news, she is constantly in my prayers, I have everyone I know praying for her also! I think the prayers are being heard!!!

  5. Sister Virginia Lake
    Sister Virginia Lake July 31, 2013 at 3:27 pm | | Reply

    Good news is always welcome!!! You go, Sally!
    BTW, Matt – I loved the picture of you squeezed into bed with Sally. It’s good that she doesn’t take up much room.
    Prayers ~

  6. Sharon r. Kabel
    Sharon r. Kabel July 31, 2013 at 3:57 pm | | Reply

    Wow! I think we can sure use this encouraging news! Thank you Lord, I was stressing! Love, Gram K

  7. Marie
    Marie July 31, 2013 at 5:07 pm | | Reply

    Absolutely great news!! Why do these things happen? We don’t know, but God is good and he is walking right beside your precious Sally. Thoughts and prayers.

  8. sara
    sara July 31, 2013 at 5:09 pm | | Reply

    Team Sally Prayer’s! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxxo Hug’s and love! xoxoxo

  9. Stacey
    Stacey July 31, 2013 at 9:43 pm | | Reply

    I am so glad to hear it! You go sally!
    xoxoxoxo
    Stacey

  10. colette
    colette July 31, 2013 at 10:12 pm | | Reply

    KEEP FIGHTING BLACK CATS R GOOD LUCK WE R PRAYING AND THAT’S WHAT COUNTS I M PRAYNGING THAT GOD LISTENS TO OUR PRAYERS MOM N DAD U R GRRRRREAT GOD BLESS U ALL LOVVVV. U ALL

  11. AnnMarie
    AnnMarie August 1, 2013 at 5:50 pm | | Reply

    Great news!! Go Sally! Sending lots of love and hugs!! Xoxo

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