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, April 20, 2012

Day 130 -- (Day +22)

Friday.  Amber came by knocking on our door this morning during Riley's mid morning nap... "Riley... you are going to want to get up for this!  Some U of A football players are here!"
Chelsea, our awesome child life specialist pulled some strings!  She's great!  They all chatted for a bit, they talked about positions, they gave Riley a new hat and other fun U of A stuff.  Cool!  Ya, ... that will make his day!

Then Riley did his walk.  He stopped to chat with Irene for awhile.  She's great!  Everyone is so wonderful to Riley!  They have been taking care of him for a long while now.  They are compassionate and care so much for him.  They are like family.  They all say how much they will miss him... but hope he only comes back to "visit"... not to stay! :)
(this is the "really mom... another picture" look :)


Our doctors put in all of our perscriptions to the pharmacy today so we won't have any hold ups on Sunday when we try to leave (since it will be the weekend).  I knew it would be a lot... two grocery bags however, I was not expecting. 





Mom and Dad headed home tonight.  Words cannot express how grateful I am for the support of good parents.  We are lucky to have the incredible support of Vince's mom and dad and siblings as well!  I don't know how people make it through an ordeal like this without the support of extended family.  Vince still had to work, ...most of the time I needed to be with Riley... and then at times we both needed to be here.  How would it be ok for our other children?  First of all, Vince has been amazing!!  He was everywhere.  Working, playing with the kids, shopping, cleaning, at the hospital, at home, tucking in, getting the kids up for school... and the list goes on.  We still needed help.  When family steps in and comforts and keeps life as regular as it can be, kids are blessed!  Good memories were made for my children.  Walks to the park, book reading, scripture reading, U of A baseball games, rides to scouts, birthday parties and activities... Just knowing that a loved one is there is priceless.  For them and for me.  Thank you mom and dad!  What a bleesing you have been to our family.  You have been our hands when we couldn't be.  We love you!

Labs today:
White blood cells:  4.9  (normal 4.5 - 13.5)
Red Blood cells:  11.6  (normal 13.5 - 17.5)
Platelets: 50  (normal 150 - 425)
ANC:  3822  ( < 500 = severely neutropenic) (normal 2,000 - 5,000)

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