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, February 27, 2012

Day 77

Monday.  Today started out like any other day.  The docs came in for rounds, we talked about Riley's numbers.  His red blood cell count was low and he would need two units today.  As they were leaving I mentioned that Riley's stomach hurt a bit ever since last night, but it was off and on pain.  I figured that's why he didn't mention it himself.  I, on the other hand, like to inform the doctor of anything and everything... that is my job :)  So Riley agreed that it had been hurting, but "it wasn't a big deal".  The pain became a little worse as the morning wore on, still "not too bad" said Riley.  The doctors wanted an x-ray, just to see what was going on.  They figured constipation was the culprit.  As it turns out, they were right.  So we have been doing lots of walking and even ordered prune juice and carrots from the cafeteria.    Early evening time the pain has been significantly worse.  We are waiting on some medication to do its trick. ... nothing yet.

Labs today:
White blood cells:  .6  (normal 4.5 - 13.5)
Red Blood cells: 7.7  (normal 13.5 - 17.5)  (2 units transfused)
Platelets: 29  (normal 150 - 425)
ANC:  6  ( < 500 = severely neutropenic) (normal 2,000 - 5,000)

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