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.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Day 41

Sunday.  Riley is having pain around his stomach.  He feels a deep pain, as though when he is digesting food, it is passing open sores.  That happens with the chemo.  It kills rapidly dividing cells.  Anything from his mouth down the GI tract, to the bottom can be affected.  The pain comes and goes.  Overall he is fine.  More annoying than anything.  He still is in great spirits.  We watched church, he played some video games, talked and hung out with friends and family that came by. 
Riley is low on both platelets and red blood cells today.  They said as long as he feels fine they can wait until tonight to give them (so he will sleep at night rather than the day, because of the Benadryl).  Glad to see the numbers doing what we want. 

Irene, one of our favorite techs, brought valentines to our room today. 

Riley wanted to keep our Christmas tree around.  We took off all of the ornaments after Christmas and just enjoyed the warm glow of the white lights.  We thought it would be fun to decorate it for any season.  Irene is on top of it!!

Labs today:
White blood cells: 0.6 (normal 4.5 - 13.5)
Red Blood cells: 7.6 (normal 13.5 - 17.5)
Platelets: 21 (normal 150 - 425)
ANC: 15 ( < 500 = severely neutropenic)
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2 comments:

  1. LaDawnJanuary 24, 2012 at 12:49 PM

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  2. LaDawnJanuary 24, 2012 at 12:52 PM

    Love the Valentine tree!! This round of Chemo is almost done. Hopefully his stomach will be feeling better soon!! We put his name and your and Vince's name in the temple on Friday.You're amazing Ms. Chrissie, just sayin

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