Friday, July 4, 2008

Working on new white blood cells

Steve's neutrophil number was 0.8 this morning, down from 1.0 yesterday. He had blood drawn at Presby Plano's lab. Dr. M consulted by phone and sent us to the ER, where Steve eventually received his first injection to help regenerate white blood cells.

Tomorrow we'll pick up more vials of the neupogen, which he'll inject daily for an undetermined amount of time. (Actually, we're lucky enough to live across the street from a great RN and home health care nurse, and she's going to inject him. Thanks, Tisa!)

The neupogen doesn't replace the cells -- it encourages his body to make more. He'll have more blood drawn Monday to see how the medicine is working.

He's been advised to stay away from large groups of people (no church, no stores, no restaurants), work and anyone sick until his numbers look better. His immune system just isn't working. The ER doctor said he's like a bubble boy.

Steve isn't fond of emergency rooms and is tired of spending major holidays in hospitals -- Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and now July Fourth. We're hoping to spend Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas this year far from needles and tests and uncomfortable lobby chairs and uncomfortable examination tables.

1 comment:

chapman.d said...

Steve, I am praying for renewed strength and some happy time with family. I hope Cooper has a great birthday! Love to all!
Blessings!
Debbie