Friday, June 25, 2010

Looking Up

Ryan was much more awake and alert today. I talked to him around 8:30 this morning and he was getting his breakfast ordered, so he was awake already. The doctor had already been in at that time. Dr. Devine said that they will most likely allow Ryan to come home on Sunday, but he has tomorrow's chemotherapy and then they need to see how he does tomorrow afternoon and how his labs look afterwards. If he would come home on Sunday, he would have a follow-up appointment here in Columbus on Monday and then blood draws every other day. They are trying to get things worked out so that he can have those draws done in Greenville and sent to them in Columbus. He will then return in 21 days, from the start of this chemo, to have another round of what they're giving him now. Sometime between there, they will do a lumbar puncture.

I have been concerned that they haven't done a lumbar puncture because he's been so tired and fatigued, but I talked with the doctor this afternoon and she (a fellow, not Dr. Devine) explained that Ryan has blasts in his blood right now and they are afraid of introducing something to the spinal fluid if they do a lumbar puncture too soon. It is better to wait another week or so.

Ryan's white blood count went down to 2.8 today. His platelets are down to 12, but they decided to wait until tomorrow to see if they'd come up any on their own before transfusing. His hemoglobin went down a little today, it was 10.3.

Ryan was much more awake today. I feel much better today than I did last night after visiting him.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We're not sure where this plan of action will take us. Ryan has two more days of work to finish by June 30 (Wednesday) and he really wants to finish his extended days for the year, but we'll see how that goes. He was also very prepared for starting to visit the incoming juniors for next year and now things are all up in the air. We are forced to move day by day, and those of you who know me know that I am a planner and like to know how things are going to go. I'm still struggling.

-A

3 comments:

  1. Glad to read some good news. You're in our thoughts and prayers. I'm sorry your Pennsylvania vacation had to be canceled, but we're still hoping to see you in August.

    gretta

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  2. Good to hear that Ryan is feeling better.
    The uncertainty is difficult isn't it, especially when you are a planner. So praying not only for Ryan to continue to make progress away from the cancer but for you all to have/feel less upheaval in your lives. Take care the best you can.
    Carmen Snyder

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  3. April, our church has been praying for Ryan and you for a long time, and we continue to do so. It is a privilege to hold you up in prayer. Thank you for your testimony of patience and love here on the blog. We are praying for strength and healing. - Dave Mohler, Brethren Reformed Church, Brookville.

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