Fill 'er up

Mom had a blood transfusion (2 units) this past Thursday. Friday she found out from her dr. office that all of her numbers - blood cell counts, platelets, etc...- are all lower than a healthy person's, but above the threshold where they become a problem. Example: her platelet count is at 19; it was 190 a couple months ago. 10-12 is where the doctors talk about platelet transfusion. This is something I am familiar with as my dad had several of these in 1993 as he battled, and eventually succumbed to, leukemia.

It is good to see mom with some energy again. She was pretty exhausted from the chemo wiping out her blood cells. The red carry oxygen to the various parts of the body, the white fight off infection. Both were lowered by the chemo treatment and had their effects on her. She was considerably weaker and more tired post-chemo and wears a surgical mask when she is out and about to prevent any infection from penetrating her weakened immune system. Dr. Smith's PA that we saw this past Wednesday ordered Cipro (which you may remember as a vaccine for Anthrax when that whole brouhaha was going on a few years back). Cipro's main function is that of an antibiotic and will further assist my mom from getting any illnesses.

Her spirits are still good, she has a bit more color and a little more spring in her step since the transfusion. More will be revealed next Wednesday when we meet with Dr. Smith.

Have a great weekend everyone,

Pat