Treatment Update: Not enough little soldiers
February 9th, 2008 | by Emily | See all Treatment Update entries |
This morning, I “put tubey in” and drew Maddie’s blood. Since Brad was out of town at a horse logging extravaganza, we asked Abby and Margaret (thanks!) to hang out with us during the procedure. Maddie did great. We headed off to the hospital, and Maddie marched in and handed her blood tubes to our friends in the lab. On the way out, she procured a collection of stickers both from the lab and the registration desk. I promptly found my jeans covered with images of Dora, Diego, and other assorted cartoon characters. A couple hours later, we got a call from the clinic saying that Maddie’s scheduled lumbar puncture and chemotherapy treatment for Monday would have to be pushed back, as some of her blood counts were too low to proceed with further treatment. It seems that the cold and cough that she has been battling has dropped her white blood cell values, and it’s amazing how quickly it can happen. On Monday, when we were at the clinic, her white blood cell count was 3.5, which was the highest it had been since her diagnosis, and her absolute neutrophil count (ANC - the true measure of a person’s infection finghting ability) was 3050, which was the highest value since her diagnosis. Well, today her WBC was 1.6; it hasn’t been this low since late November. Her ANC was 416. In order to proceed with treatment, her ANC must be over 750. Cyndi, one of the nurses at the clinic, compares the ANC to the “little soldiers” that actually fight off the infection; Maddie must have used up most of her “little soldiers” fighting off that cough and cold. Now, we play a bit of a waiting game. We’ll redraw blood on Tuesday or Wednesday and see if the number of “little soldiers” has increased. I was struck today by how smoothly I felt we were cruising along and how quickly roadblocks can appear. The next few days concern me as I know she is so susceptible to illness, has little ability to fight things off, and any infection would lead to a hospitalization. So, we’ll remain vigilant and optimistic that those “little soldiers” will respond.
February 9th, 2008 at 9:57 am (#)
Emily and Maddie,
Hi, I am one of Bobbie’s friends from her childhood. I have been following Maddie’s journey since November and she and your whole family have been in our prayers. Maddie is the same age as our granddaughter, so it is difficult to even think about how she must be dealing with her trial. You and Brad are being such strong parents and you will get through this!
February 9th, 2008 at 10:07 am (#)
Hi Emily & Maddie
I saw your story on the news last night, Maddie is such a beautiful TV star!
Emily you are a wonderful nurse and a joy to work with but I must say it takes a back seat to your mothering:)
GOD bless you all and don’t forget to ask if you need anything, we are all here for you.
February 9th, 2008 at 8:05 pm (#)
Hi Emily & Maddie:
I heard about your story from the Maine Track Club. My thoughts are with you and hope that you will have many little soldiers fighting for you.
I’m looking forward to running and supporting your efforts in April.
February 9th, 2008 at 8:48 pm (#)
Hi Emily & Maddie,
I am Carrie Sawyer’s mom (Carrie from Miles ER). She told us about both of you. You are both very courageous and you are in our prayers. Stay strong and be blessed .
Oh, we saw you on television - what beautiful tv stars !
Mary & Bruce Libby
February 10th, 2008 at 11:00 pm (#)
Hey Emily!
I hope Maddie’s doing better! She’s a tough kid. She’ll build up the troops in no time. I’m hoping to give her a call sometime this week, something we can both look forward to. Send my love to Brad, Abby, and Margaret!
Love,
Angela
February 13th, 2008 at 1:37 pm (#)
Your story inspires me. Your daughter is absoutely precious. When I first started reading your entries I felt overwhelmed with happiness. Your a great Mother. Keep up the good work!!