We’re on day 19 of induction 1, 9 days past chemo. I’ll hit the medical highlights right off the top here:
A critical thing we’re looking for now is to see his ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count) start to rise. Neutrophils are white blood cells that heal injuries and fight infection. The ANC has been zero for a number of days now and I am not without anxiety about that. We’re hoping to see that go up soon, but every “body” is different in that recovery.
At the same time, there are at least a few things that are better signs:
Monocytes are another type of white blood cell that typically compose about 5% of white blood cells. A rise in these cells after going to zero can sometimes be a precursor to neutrophils starting to come up. Noah’s monocyte composition has risen by one percent each of the last three days from zero to three percent.
Noah’s energy level is really good. He’s been doing a lot of FaceTiming, Fortniting, and Robloxing. He’s eating and drinking well and maintaining weight. It’s great to see him smiling and active and a bizarre contrast with what we know is happening in his body.
Knock on wood, he’s evaded infection during this time at zero. He does receive some amount of antibiotics regularly and will continue to be closely monitored for fevers.
The hair is starting to come out quickly now and we had planned to shave his head today. He decided to keep it for just one more day as he’s doing a video call with his class tomorrow. I think he’s about ready to get rid of it because the fallen hairs on the bed, couch, shower, etc. are annoying him.
The response and support from family, friends, neighbors, classmates, etc. continues to be immense. We can’t thank you all enough for the love and caring you’ve shown us. From our families showering us with love, to friends making meals, to schoolmates making creative and uplifting cards, to people we don’t even know sending gifts and well-wishes, to our neighbors taking part in the Light The Night walk; the list goes on.
Speaking of neighbors, Steve Williams (whose daughter is in Noah’s grade) has even designed apparel and setup a fundraising webstore with all profits going to Noah at https://midwestshirtco.chipply.com/fornoah
Administrative Notes:
A few people had asked for more information regarding bone marrow transplant donations. NMDP was formerly known as “Be The Match” and the “National Marrow Donor Program”. I guess they’ve now gone for the abbreviation of that original name. At any rate, this is the place to go for more on joining the registry… https://www.nmdp.org/get-involved/join-the-registry
A “reactions” feature has been added to this site. You can now add one or more of the heart, pray, smile, and sad emoticons for any post or comment.
That’s all for now. We love you all and over and out.
