Ryan's white blood count has fallen below 1,000, it is actually 600 today. That is good because it tells us that the chemo is doing its job, but in the opposite way it means that we're going to have to limit the visitors to Ryan's room. He is very susceptible to infection and we don't want to risk him getting anything that might keep in the hospital longer than he needs to be, I want him back home as soon as possible!
Dr. Sabiers was in again today and shared with us that they would be watching for bleeding and infection this week and waiting for his bone marrow to begin producing good white blood cells again. The nurse shared with me last night that once the numbers drop completely down, different people respond differently in how quickly they begin building their counts up again. So over the next week or so, we'll be watching and waiting for Ryan's counts to drop completely off and then begin to building back up.
Ryan is getting two units of blood today to help his body fight any infection that might be present. Since his own counts are falling, he needs a little help with the good stuff for his body.
Ryan is very tired today, he has been in bed most of the afternoon, but he has had a bit of an appetite, eating a few of the snacks that are in the room. He even had a Dr. Pepper with me! He also asked about his supper a few minutes ago, so I believe that is a good sign.
We continually pray that his temperature will drop and stay down and that his blood pressure will come down to a normal range. His cough is still bothering him some, he is coughing more often, but not nearly has hard as he originally was. Pray also that once his counts fall all the way down that he will begin to build them back up quickly.
One week down, and hopefully just two more to go before we're out of this hospital for a little while.
-A
Ryan, April and Aubrey,
ReplyDeleteI know we haven't spent a lot of time together, but we SO enjoyed our visit at Carrie's wedding in Michigan last spring.
We wanted you to know that since we've heard the news, we've been praying for Ryan's speedy and full recovery daily. You've been in our thoughts and prayers so often. We've added you to several prayer chains, so know you are being lifted up often and by many.
We praise God that Ryan's white count is down and the chemo is working positively. We will pray for his protection against infection, for a lowering of his temperature and for his counts to build up quickly once they've fallen completely.
Thanks for the blog. It's a wonderful way to keep up on what is going on, and a great way for us to know what prayers you are needing at each posting.
"Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid! The Lord your god will go ahead of you. He will neither leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8-NIV
Jill Steinbrunner (Wagaman)
Ryan, April, and Aubrey,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your blog. This is an awesome way to keep us updated!!!
You have been in our prayers and will continue to be in our prayers!
Pastors Brian & Jill Patel
Behold I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for me?
ReplyDeleteJeremiah 32:27
No there is not! We pray for all of you daily and think of you often. Thanks for the daily posts for those of us who can't come to see you in the flesh. We love, love, love you!
diana and family
Ryan and family-
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers everyday!! May God give you all strength! He is awesome and he will take care of you!
God Bless-
Jeff and Jodi Beasley (Wagaman) and family