Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. In AML, the bone marrow makes many unformed cells called blasts. Blasts normally develop into white blood cells that fight infection. However, the blasts are abnormal in AML. They do not develop and cannot fight infections. The bone marrow may also make abnormal red blood cells and platelets. The number of abnormal cells (or leukemia cells) grows quickly. They crowd out the normal red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets the body needs.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Day 4

Friday.  Today I took Riley on a little tour to the lobby of Diamond Childrens Hospital.  When he was admitted we were in the main UMC part of the hospital and they took us the "back way" to get to the 6th floor of Diamond Childrens.  The lobby is impressive and the doctor told Riley that he better go see it now because very soon he won't be able to leave his unit.  Riley will be living in his own little bubble for a while!  (Not literally, but kinda :)


Riley had a lot of visitors this afternoon.  He enjoyed hanging out with friends and feeling so much support.  This is a picture of his English teacher, Miss Frieden.  She had all her classes sign this big poster for Riley!  Awesome! 
Riley continues to amaze me with his strength!  Really... he is amazing to be around!

Labs today:
White blood cells:  1.4  (normal 4.5 - 13.5)
Red Blood cells: 7.8  (normal 13.5 - 17.5)
Platelets:  63  (normal 150 - 425)
ANC:  294   ( < 500 = severely neutropenic) (normal 2,000 - 5,000)

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