Beware. If a nurse ever uses the word “funky” to describe the results of a blood test, and they want to retest, it means something is wrong. This is the second time this has happened to Bill. The first was in the emergency room on the first day of his illness when his white cell count was over 100,000 and they wanted to draw another sample. This time it was the liver enzyme test and they wanted to redraw the blood. Both times the nurse described the blood work as “funky” and both times the outcome was not good. Therefore, my conclusion is, you don’t want to hear a nurse call a blood test “funky.”
Yes, his liver enzymes were over the top. Today he is doing better. Who would have thought? The numbers are already coming down, still in the high 200’s, but they are not getting worse. That is very good news.
The CT scan showed the catheter was still in place and no Leukemic masses around the liver, everything looked good. The doctor’s only conclusion for the high count is the newly formed white cells are working overtime to kill infection. These white cells must filter through the liver, and that is why there was a sudden rise in the enzyme counts.
All chemotherapy has been stopped until his liver recovers. The blasts have increased to 43% of his blood as of Friday. Without chemo, they will continue to multiply rapidly. The drug, Hydrea, will be given to Bill again. It controls the Leukemia blasts, but doesn’t eliminate it. It also is a little better for the liver and not hard on Bill.
Bill is not out of danger yet, but in much better shape then the doctors thought he would be. Preparation for the next step towards transplant has been delayed for a few days, but is still an option. We begin this new week a lot more optimistic then we finished last week.Our roller coaster ride continues
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6 comments:
Bill has experience with roller coasters - he grew up with a yearly visit to the Roller Coaster Capital of the World! The experience must be helping him on this ride too!
The body is an amazing thing - we somehow have to accept its process, in spite of it being "funky"! What a wonderful medical term - nice to know that the medical profession uses some pretty unique phrases too!
Here's to no more trips to "Funkytown"!!!
Love, prayers, and good health,
Gail
If they use the word to describe dinner...get up and dance. Get it?
FUNKY CHICKEN? Love you, Ann and Jim Reego
Maybe the "Funky" comment was for the next round of drugs, "Funky Cold Medina", by Tone Loc. Love potion might do the trick!
We love you Bill,
Shannon, Shawni and Noah Eaker
Shall we name this new roller coaster that Bill is taking us on "Funky".
We will PUSH for a smoother ride this week.
Take care,
With lots of love and prayers,
Paula and Jim
Bill, you are amazing! Every time you hit a low, you manage to climb back to a plateau on your way to hitting a high. Is it from all the PUSHing? :)
Thank you Nancy posting your updates so quickly!
There once was a man named Bill,
Who had to climb a steep hill,
When push came to shove,
He got help from Above,
And thus he is with us, still.
Nancy, you can tell Bill that he is now inspiring bad poetry! Every day is a gift and brings him a little closer to the transplant. Keep up the fight!
Love,
Janet and John
Hi Bill and Nancy,
We are thrilled to hear Bill has been accepted for the transplant. A bit of hope is always present when there is faith and trust in the Lord. Miracles still happen and as scripture says, "The people were amazed!" Keep the faith. We will be amazed. I still prayer for your double rest.
Love to both,
Carol and Jack E
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