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.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Day 5

Saturday.  Today was full of visitors.  What a blessing that Riley is so loved!! 
Mr. Dozier (Riley's Marine Biology teacher) brought a book signed by Riley's friends and classmates.  He stayed for quite awhile. 

Papa brought a milkshake and his life story for Riley to read.
Ernest, a great friend of Riley's,  stayed for a while.  They played a few games and even went on a walk with Riley around the floor to get his exercise for the day.

Chrissy Beach, a good friend of ours, Riley has babysat for her.
Uncle Don, all the way from St. David (happened to be in town today).
Grandma and Grandpa Gibson, who came into town last night and have been helping with the kids at home. 
Vince brought Preston, Wyatt, Brenna and Bryant after the ward Christmas Party.  Bryant has been here before, but this was the first time for the other kids.  They weren't sure what to think. I walked them out and they checked out the cool lobby of Diamond Childrens Hospital (UMC).

Labs today:
White blood cells:  1.1  (normal 4.5 - 13.5)
Red Blood cells: 7.8  (normal 13.5 - 17.5)
Platelets:  58  (normal 150 - 425)
ANC:  242   ( < 500 = severely neutropenic) (normal 2,000 - 5,000)

Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)