Counts are Low, Borderline for Transfusion

Rebekah's counts are low - in particular her Hemoglobin was 7.6 (normal is 11.0-14.0) and her Platelet count was 80 x10'3 (normal is 140-440 x10'3). Also her ANC (the infection fighting white blood cell count) was 230 (normal is 1500-11,000). With the low ANC, we'll pretty much be staying home and keeping away from anyone who is sick. Anything below 500 requires caution and below 200 extreme caution. According to the doc, she was borderline for needing a transfusion today, but not necessary. We need to expect one on Friday, although her counts may be heading back up (in which case we wouldn't likely need the transfusion). Rebekah will continue to get the shots to help her counts rise.

Rebekah continues to not feel real well. I gave her one dose of the "magic mouthwash" this morning, because it seemed that she might have some sores. She did pretty well with spitting it out (and not swallowing it). I'm not sure how well coated we were able to get her mouth, but at least we were able to get some of it coated. When doc looked at her mouth, she thought there might be some sores, but wasn't quite sure. This afternoon she wanted to snuggle in mom's lap for quite a while. She goes back and forth a little between being energetic and having fun to being upset and crying inconsolably. Under normal circumstances I would consider giving her Tylenol to combat the crummy feeling (assuming that some of it is pain), but we are not able to give her any medicine that could mask a fever.

We could really use some help all day Friday - to go to the hospital with us and help take care of the girls (mainly Sarah) if a transfusion is necessary. If you are able and willing to share Friday with us please give us a call.

Please continue to pray for a turnaround on her blood counts and for no need for a transfusion on Friday. Like last time, the doctor's are telling us to expect it but we KNOW prayer can work miracles.