We Have ANC!

And, no that's not a rock band from the '80s.

After two days of being at a big fat zero, last night Greg had an ANC of 100! Woo Hoo! Triple digits! Remember, the magic number we're looking for is 1500, so he has a way to go, but its a start. He can't be discharged until he hits that number (a few other things need to be at the right place, too -- like his mouth sores, no fevers, reds & platelets). Over the next few days we'll see how fast he progresses, and get a better idea of when he might get out of here.

Actually the docs are pretty happy with the way he's progressing. Dr. Vij stopped by last night, and said he's pleasantly surprised with how well things are going. So, we're very encouraged. The main problem right now is fluid retention. They're trying to get him off the IV fluid by day, Lassex by night Merry Go Round, but its not easy. If he's holding too much fluid, he'll get Lassex. That screws up his electrolytes, and then he needs those replaced, which come with more IV fluid. Its a vicious circle. As of last night he's gained about 15 pounds, and that's without hardly eating anything all week long (because of the mouth sores). Its all fluid and its mostly on his lower legs and abdomen. But, they want him to drink water, rather than IV, because the IV contains saline, which makes him retain water. However, his lungs are clear as a bell, which is good. I'm trying to get him to walk more, too, as that will help take the fluid off. But, Loyal Readers will recall that the swollen ankle thing is a normal occurrence, and they eventually go away. I have a feeling this time its going to take a while.

On the Mouth Front, he's much improved, although its still a bit of an issue. He had 4 doses of steroids, and he's been doing his "mouth care" religiously. There's two different types of medicated mouthwash & he's supposed to do each one 4 times each day. He hadn't been until the problems started, but has been now & its made a difference. Also, because he's been having a lot of bleeding in his mouth & nose, he's been getting A LOT of platelets. Over the past 4 days I think he's gotten 5 units. He's not holding onto them for long. One day he was at 19 (140 is normal), and they gave him some to get him over 20. 12 hours later he was at 6! They're beginning to think he's developed something that requires his platelets to be "HLA matched." I'm not sure exactly what it means, other than that patelets for him will be harder to get now. Plus, he'll be needing them for a long time, as the patelets are the last thing to recover from the transplant. Sigh.

On a personal front, major kudos to Frances and Cindy, who brought us an authentic, home cooked Chinese meal yesterday! Plus plenty for leftovers! Fried Rice, beans & my personal favorite thing in the whole world -- Shrimp with Apple. Absolutely to die for! A very welcome respite from the hospital fare. A few minutes after they got here, Judy arrived with her trio. It was great timing. Judy and Mark have been corresponding with Frances & Cindy for years, but never actually met. Plus, Judy brought me white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, so all was right with the world. (I really only came here for the food, and I was terribly misinformed!).

Matthew was thrilled to have his cousins. They had a "sleep over" in the family room last night, and my bedtime call was the shortest its been since we got here. It was almost "Mom who?" He couldn't wait to get back to the mayhem.

This is the first weekend we've had with no visitors, so its going to be kinda wierd. Tom & Tammy are on their way home, we think on a direct flight to Milwaukee. Huge thanks to them for holding down the fort.

That's all for now. Hope everyone has a great weekend, and I'll keep you "posted" on that ANC. Thanks to all for everything.

Love,

Greg & Ann