Posted October 12th, 2009 by Julie
Yesterday afternoon, John took Alyson’s temperature and it had popped above the magical 101F. A phone call, a drive and an admittance. To sum up, her ANC is less than 20 which makes her body run a “just in case” fever. It makes sense, really. If you can’t fight off an infection, then why not turn up the heat as a preventative measure. So, here we sit and wait for the numbers to come back up.
She received platelets & blood overnight (hemoglobin = 6.0). She’s in awesome spirits and is LOVING playing with the early-twenties (?) volunteer in the playroom. Kristin is an attentive playdate and totally follows Alyson’s lead. It’s the best day she’s ever had here.
Alyson doesn’t have any other symptoms, so we just need the fevers to knock it off and that ANC to start recovering. I’m guessing that we’ll only be here a few days, knock on wood.
Posted October 10th, 2009 by Julie
And a week of Vincristine complete. Alyson’s ANC is about 40, which may as well be zero. We’re watching carefully for fevers and I’ve been pressing on her acupuncture points for immune system stimulation. I have no idea if it works but at least I feel like I’m doing something.
I’ve been all freaked out about H1N1, as mentioned earlier. Here’s what I posted to my Facebook account yesterday afternoon:
Our local Health Department has NO CLUE as to the subset of individuals needing H1N1 priority. I’ve been on the phone with them & state level for many hours so far. Today, I contacted our local newspaper who is writing up a story. I am determined to make certain that everyone in the CDC’s high priority subset be first in line where the vaccine is limited (everywhere).
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Posted September 27th, 2009 by Julie
Image Courtesy of "observing life" on Flickr
It’s been a busy week here at the homestead. Our three new chickens have been growing from chicks to pullets. In a few more months, we’ll have eggs similar to the ones in the picture. Alyson has been LOVING the chicks. The white one is hers, Ms. Raccoon belongs to Bradyn and the “other one” belongs to John and me.
Alyson's Chick with the "other one"
Ms. Raccoon
Alyson had at-home chemo this week. It all went very well. I’d say more but it was such a non-event for her. The chicks are much, much more fun!
