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.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Day 49

Monday.  Riley has had a few hard days.  He is a little sick and tired of people (including me) talking about food.  He is  tired of the same ol' menu at the hospital.  He is eating, but his weight still is going in the wrong direction.  Tough.  The routine of it all is getting to be a bit much.  He doesn't get time to himself... ever.  He has mentioned that the only time he is alone is in the shower.  He is constantly monitored.  How much did you drink Riley?... all the way to...How much did you pee Riley?  He doesn't feel well.  He has been at the bottom for quite some time now.  It is hard to be happy when you don't feel well.   I totally get it.  This is hard!!  I am amazed that he has had such an amazing attitude this whole time... 49 days!!!  That is a long time!!  No one expects him to be cheerful about it... yet he has been.  The nurses constantly talk about how incredible he is, what an amazing attitude he has!!  AND he does.  ...  Riley, take a break from being so tough!  It is fair to be upset!!  This is hard.  Not what you were expecting to be dealing with as a teenager.  This would be incredibly hard for anyone to deal with.  Really!!...

But know a couple things, my brave boy...

Dad and I love you.  You are a cherished son!

So many love you and want the best for you!  You have an enormous cheering section!!

You have a strong spirit and a strong body to fight this thing!!

So many we have met on the 6th floor are struggling too.  Is there something we can do for someone else?  Sometimes your own problems seem smaller in comparison to someone elses.  (It is good to serve.)

When you can endure and make it through those tough minutes, hours, days, weeks... you are strengthened every time.  You will be able to make it through the next tough time.  (This is life.)

You have a Father in Heaven who knows you Riley.  He loves you and has a plan for you.

Remember the gift of the Holy Ghost will bring peace and comfort to you.  Continue to live worthy of that gift (one of the greatest gifts Father in Heaven can give you).

You are a fighter Riley.  Keep fighting!!

Love, Mom


Labs today:
White blood cells: .4  (normal 4.5 - 13.5)
Red Blood cells: 7.8  (normal 13.5 - 17.5)  --2 units transfused
Platelets:  12  (normal 150 - 425)    --1 unit transfused
ANC:  4  ( < 500 = severely neutropenic) (normal 2,000 - 5,000)
Posted by at

1 comment:

  1. AngieFebruary 15, 2012 at 9:50 PM

    Beautiful Chris. Riley is lucky to have such a great (& wise) mom.

    Gooooooooooooo Riley!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)