Throughout the day, we have made moved both backwards and forwards towards being able to get out of the hospital and get Jake back to his own bed for a little while.
This morning, his phosphorous levels were higher than they needed to be - mainly because the medication is breaking down the leukemia cells so quickly, but his body is still struggling to rid itself of all the toxins. They gave him an antibiotic to help with this and we have seen some good progress.
He has also been experiencing some jaw and throat pain today, so they have been watching him very closely to make sure he is not developing any illnesses. A sore jaw is a side affect of some of the medications that he has been receiving.
One of the biggest concerns with taking him home, is a count that is referred to as his Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC). The ANC is not measured directly. It is derived by multiplying the WBC count times the percent of neutrophils in the differential WBC count. The percent of neutrophils consists of the segmented (fully mature) neutrophils) + the bands (almost mature neutrophils). The normal range for the ANC = 1,500 to 8,000.
When the ANC count is between 500-1000, you are considered Neutropenic. During this stage, the body has a very difficult time fighting off infection and bacteria.
This morning, Jacob's ANC count was at 24
This was expected to drop to this level with the treatment that he is receiving, but because of how low it has gotten, we are nervous about visitors to the hospital as well as about taking him home.
His levels are expected to remain at this level or fall even lower over the next few weeks as his body continues to fight off the leukemia. It is sort of like climbing a steep hill. You slowly lose momentum as you climb, and it gets more and more difficult to maintain your initial pace. However, once you hit that pinnacle, things begin to get a little easier and your pace will start to pick up. This is the same journey we are expecting to see with Jacob.
As of 4pm MT, we are still waiting for a decision on whether he will be able to go home today. his blood counts are looking good, but he has had a little bit of a sore throat and his temperature has been rising slightly. The Dr's wanted to give him some medicine and then follow-up to see if things stabilized.
Hopefully, we will get some confirmation one way or the other pretty soon.
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5 comments:
I'm so thankful for your blog and the ability to keep up with Jacob daily. Please keep in mind that I would be glad to bring Joshua's work by and hang out with him each afternoon after school for a bit if Jacob's low count makes it safer for you to keep both of them at home and away from our germ factory:-)also know as school! Of course we can make arrangements on a day by day basis as well for events such as the field trip and field day so we can try and make as much of the fun happen!
Hugs and Prayers,
Mrs. von K
Dear Tanya,Brian,Jake and Josh,
Our hearts break for you
I was reading down through your blog and when I read of muscle spasms of a 10 on the smiley face scale tears started running down my face.
Excruciating pain is a terrible thing to live with, and knowing how it feels I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, let alone a 7 year.
Jake, I want you to know that I am with you in the pain. You do not walk through that alone.
Brian and Tanya, you know that you can ask anything of us. Just let us know. You are not alone, you walk under a covering of love from us all.
Dear Tanya, Brian, Jake and Josh,
We hope this note comes to you as you are taking Jake home. We wish we were closer so we could be of some help and support but Denny and I will try to do the next best thing and take our baby boys so Mike and Tiff can make a much needed visit. We are thinking of you and praying for you as you live this day to day. Hugs and kisses to all of you. Jake, we want to send a package for you with Mike so be thinking of something you'd like to have to read or a game or two to play with Mom, Dad and Josh, and you'll have it. Our Love, Denny and Clarice
Carlsons, you are constantly on our minds and in our prayers these days. All of us, Ty and Micah too, are lifting Jake up to the Father so many times during the day. While understanding is absent and deep fear and anxiety must be clawing at you, live "abundantly" (John 10:10) even during this time. We're praying that God's mighty presence and unfathomable PEACE would be heavy on you!!! Let unshakable faith and the love of so many friends and family help carry you. Love you guys so much!
Vicki for the Gaschos
Brian, your mom has explained to me what Jake is going through and I can imagine, as a parent, how difficult this is for you and Tanya. I will continue to pray for Jake's return to good health, and for strength for you and Tanya.
My best to you both.
Mary McCrady
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