Transplant + 56

After last week's improvement in numbers, the doctor only needed blood work done today, and would see me then in 2 weeks.  I had seen that as a good sign and hoped that today would bear that out.

Today's numbers slipped back again.  My WBC count fell to 2.1 from 2.7 and neutrophils from 2.1 to 1.7  The white blood cell count is better than two weeks ago but is still a stiff drop.  For the first time since I came home my platelet count went down. It had been moving up slowly and last week was at 37 and today dropped to 26, wiping out 3 weeks gain. When I was discharged on Day 24 my hemoglobin was at 89 and I received 2 units and the next week my number was at 122.  It has been dropping since as expected and I received 2 units of red blood cells and I expected my count to well over 100 but it was only 94. I waited for numbers for kidney and liver function, and eventually it was discovered that it wasn't ordered.  The nurse went to speak to the doctor and he came out and talked to me in the lab.  We would do more blood tests and it is just a day in the up and down of engraftment for me.

I am having a difficult time saying it is all part of up and down slow engraftment.  My numbers are up and down but level, not so much an upward trend.  While I am writing this paragraph my doctor called me at home.  Gave me numbers on liver and kidney function and anti rejection blood levels.  They are statistically the same as last week, so there is no real reason for him to call me at home in the evening.  We discuss engraftment again, time frames, and options and he tells me nothing new, we have to ride it out.  So why would he call me at home?  I start trying to read his mind by his actions, probably not a good idea.  I think he is frustrated too, with the lack of progress.

While waiting for my blood numbers I was able to make a visit to bring a thank you gift and card to the nurses station on 7th by the isolation unit.  Spoke for a few minutes with the unit head and with one of my favourite nurses.  That was very nice and enjoyed by all.

Today is my grandson Matthew's 4th birthday and we were able to celebrate with him and his family this afternoon for a while!  Was able to see newborn Timothy too, and Luke and Rob, and yes their parents too. What a joy for us.

Psalm 138:7,8  ESV
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Prayer Requests
1.  That the Lord may grant us peace in these days of ups and downs and uncertainty where this path is going to take us.
2.  For steady improvement over the next few weeks in engraftment numbers.
3.  Thanks for no signs of GVHD
4.  Thanks for being able to be out and about a bit, to see my children and grandchildren.