Monday, April 21, 2008

A Little New Information

Katie's day has improved a bit since this morning, but not a great deal. She doesn't seem to be in as much pain and she is willing to eat. The good news is that her ANC might be starting to climb again. It is her ANC that lets us know how her immune system is doing - the higher the better to a point. Her ANC has been zero for a couple of days now and 500 is usually considered the cutoff point for an effective immune system. Well, as of this afternoon, it is up 4%. I asked what 4% translates into but I haven't gotten an answer yet. I'm going to assume that 4% does not mean 4, but that her ANC is probably a little higher - like maybe 25. Either way, it is good sign. Another good sign is that her intestinal bacteria test showed that Katie still has the necessary bacteria in her system to digest food properly, and they are not accompanied by any bacteria that would make her sick. Conversely, the good signs are accompanied by another bad sign. Her platelets are dropping again for no known reason when they should be recovering.

Earlier, I noted that Amy was pretty frazzled... The hospital staff noticed too. Keeping the parents mentally and emotionally healthy is an essential part of making the patient healthy again, so the hospital is taking steps to help Amy relax a bit. They have arranged for Amy to receive a massage. She LOVES massages. With that kind of treatment, she may not want to come home Tuesday night when I go there to relieve her.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am glad for Amy It has to be a long few days. Katie is a strong little girl sounds like she gets that from her mom and dad.Love you guys you are in our hearts.
Love uncle Kim and Aunt Michelle

Anonymous said...

Rick & Amy, Our thoughts are still with you. It is very hard to be there. But being here and wondering is just as bad. But at least you can get out and see the day Rick.
Happy to hear that the news has a plus in it tonight. Hang in there you two, because those litte ones really need Mom & Dad now. And you are very good parents.
Prayers and Love to you all.
Roxy

Anonymous said...

Kelleys: I just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as you fight this lateat battle.I think about you during every day and hope each time I log on, that the news will be better. You both are so strong , as is Katie. I continue to pray for better news.
love,
Suzanne.