Day 29, Chemo Round 5 :: Hello, ANC!

Soooooo glad to see you, ANC.

Jade's ANC finally came out of hiding today! Never mind that she started a new medicine (nystatin) for a fungal infection in her mouth and had a blood transfusion because her hemoglobin level (oxygen carrying capacity of the blood) dropped too low and her pulse rate was elevated (the body increases the heart rate to move blood -- and the oxygen it's carrying -- faster through the tissue). 

A pint of blood and three hours later, there was no stopping Jade.  Walking, coloring, singing, you name it.  It wasn't until nearly 11pm (gasp) that she declared, "I'm finished," and traded her Color Wonder markers and Tinker Bell coloring book for a splash of milk and momma's kisses.  Good night, sweet baby!

We have our hopes set on a discharge this week, so resolving this mouth situation and an ANC of 250 for at least two days is high on our prayer list. As always, thanks for keeping Jade in your prayers and thoughts.

Today's Counts:
White Blood Cells: 0.36
Hemoglobin: 7.0
Platelets: 21
ANC: 20
Pulse Rate: 140 at rest (Jade's normal rate is 100)