Still in the hospital

A quick blog update for the day.
Kathie has received some of the test results back. So far, there is no obvious reason for the fever. The CT scan did not show a sinus infection/blockage, the x-ray did not show any lung issues, and the urine analysis was negative, also.
So, for now, they are still on the same path -
Monitoring her and continuing tests (blood test should be read tonight some time).

She received a shot last night in an effort to increase her white blood cell count. This seems to have helped a bit, but the count is still too low. It is up to about 900 (not sure about the units on this number). She needs for it to get above 1000 before they will consider giving her chemo. A 3rd party tells me that 4000-10000 is normal (although I haven't verified those numbers). So, we are hoping that another shot will be enough such that she can continue chemo soon. Unfortunately, the shots do give her some pain in her bones and spine. This is, apparently, a normal side affect for these "white cell booster drugs".

She is also a bit low on her red cell count. It is 8.9 (again, not sure of units). Apparently, below 8 is getting to the point where a person gets a transfsion. So, they are keeping an eye on this as well.

Tonight, she will spend the some more time in the hospital, trying to get healthy. It is a good thing she thinks Bob looks cute in his mask :-)

On another topic, she has started losing her hair already. She thought she noticed that hair was starting to come out over the weekend. Now, however, she is removing "clumps" of hair, and is definitely noticing it thinning. I guess she will soon be able to relate to her husband and son's baldness...

posted by Ed