After Memorial Day transfusions of red blood cells and platelets, Jade got a much needed boost:
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| Jade staying hydrated and keeping the IV fluids at bay. |
Hemoglobin: 9.0
This is up from Sunday's count of 6.6... Low hemoglobin levels typically manifest as fatigue, shortness of breath, etc. The typical range is 10 - 14.
Platelets: 107
This is also up from yesterday's miniscule 6... low platelet levels are an indicator of a diminished capacity to stop bleeding, internal and otherwise. The normal range is 133 - 333.
White Blood Cells: 0.51
ANC: 0
Jade's ANC, absolute neutrophil count, is a measure of her immune system's ability to fight against infections, germs, etc. Her ANC must reach 200 and stay there for at least two days before there is any speak of discharge papers and going home.
(Forgive me if I sound like a broken record, but I wanted to define some terms for those of you just tuning in.)
It's actually kind of bizarre how I can write so flippantly now about transfusions. I was a nervous wreck when Jade her first transfusion five months ago (even though the doctors assured us they did this all the time, I was still operating on my circa 1990s information on the safety of blood transfusions, etc.) While the transfusions have become -- more or less -- a routine part of her treatment, their importance can't be overstated. Carrying oxygen to body cells and helping blood to clot are true examples of heavy-lifting. If you haven't recently, please find a blood drive near you and give blood! www.redcross.org.
As always, thanks for checking in on Jade and continuing to lift her up in your thoughts and prayers.
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