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

Happy Fourth of July...

to all of you. Thank you for your concern in my mom's health. She said she feels like she is getting progressively stronger over the course of the last few days. That is good news. Unfortunately, she said this in a whisper as her voice has temporarily (I am hoping that is the case) left her.

Today we both went on a scavenger hunt for all of the documents that DSHS says are necessary for her to file for long-term Medicaid. She needs this to leave her skilled nursing facility (Ft. Vancouver Convalescent Center) and transition into an Adult Foster Home. An AFH is a house that has six or fewer patients in it and 24 hour nurse presence to dispense medications and take care of any needs the residents may have. It is a better fit for my mom at this point. At least according to Ft. Vancouver CC who have basically said that she is too mobile and essentially too healthy to stay there. I guess that is a good thing, but it means more shuffling around for her.

This is our next step - find a stable place for her to fight her cancer at. We are getting closer, but are a couple weeks away. I will keep everyone posted as this phase continues. She has a Dr. appt on Wednesday. Hopefully we will find out if the chemo is doing it's job. I know my mom would want to wish everyone a happy Fourth of July as do Jenny and I. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. Happy Birthday America.