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, February 3, 2012

Day 53

Friday.  Happy 16th Birthday Riley!! 
Yesterday Chelsea, the child-life specialist, came in to warn Riley that the doctors were planning something for his birthday.  She gave him a few cans of silly string to defend himself!  :)  So this morning, Riley was prepared!!  Hilarious!!






We are so thankful for the very fun doctors and nurses that made Riley's morning  -- one to remember--!!  Riley enjoyed talking to his seminary class and hearing all of the well wishes on his day!  Then throughtout the day, friends sent pictures to Riley of the new "Rally for Riley" shirts that some wonderful friends had made. What an awesome surprise!  (They later told us that they sold out of 50 shirts in five minutes that morning!!)  Amazing!  

Kyle, Kayla, Bryce and Ethan came later this afternoon to wish Riley a Happy Birthday.  A couple of them were able to gets shirts. 



Chelsea decorated for Riley's party in the "classroom".  She brought us over to check it out.  Look at that awesome cake!!  A great organization, "Icing           "  makes cakes for kids in the hospital and Chelsea set Riley's up a few weeks ago!  She nailed it with the Eagles theme for sure!!  We were completely shocked!  Chelsea said she would handle the cake... but I had no idea!!  Wow!





Bryant was so excited to get Riley a "massager".  He picked it out for Riley all by himself!!  He couldn't wait to give him a "massage!"  We enjoyed the time visiting together.  Loved the cake.  Riley continued to have guests throughout the evening.  He is very loved!! 


What a wondeful day we all had with Riley.  It is great to be around him and his positive spirit.  He is happy and kind and funny.  Smart and helpful and incredibly brave.  We love him very much!  Vince and I feel very blessed to be his mom and dad! 

After the busy day, when all the guests went home, Riley took his shower and got ready for the night.  The nurses changed his bedding as usual and put on a happy birthday pillow.  We chatted for awhile and just soaked in the time together.  Blessed.
(Riley's Birthday wish came true... 2, count them ... 2 neutrophils!! :)
Labs today:
White blood cells: 0.7 (normal 4.5 - 13.5)
Red Blood cells: 10.1 (normal 13.5 - 17.5)
Platelets: 29  (normal 150 - 425) 
ANC:  14 ( < 500 = severely neutropenic)
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