While Wednesday was a tough day, Thursday didn't bring any good news either. Our oncologist called us at home and had initial results from the bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. He classified my marrow as hypocellular, which basically means there are very few blood cells or precursors to blood cells. Quite simply, my bone marrow is dusty - there's not much going on in there.
This is why I have such low blood numbers and a huge dependence on transfusions. The doctor asked us to come in on Friday for a bunch of blood tests to attempt to further determine what's going on in my bone marrow, what's happened, and where do we go from here. When we arrived on Friday, they did a complete blood count right away. My hemoglobin was down to 58 and platelets were less than 10, even though I had had three units of blood and one unit of platelets on Wednesday. My white blood cells dropped as well, to 1.8; neutrophils to 1.2. I am losing a lot of ground blood wise each day So yesterday, I received two more units of red blood cells and another unit of platelets.
I have four days to wait until I go in again. But if I'm feeling tired or peaked, they told me not to hesitate to call Emerg and come in to get more transfusions. I don't want to get below 50 again, it becomes dangerous.
On Thursday, the doctor did say that he did not see any CMML (my original diagnosis) so we are thrilled about that. However, next Tuesday, we hope (need) to find out what's happened. This engraftment was working-albeit slowly-but it has now crashed. We need to determine why, what that means going forward, can we do it again, and try to answer our many questions about going forward. All these questions are unanswered for us at this point.
Prayer Requests
1. Thanks that I was able to receive all the blood products I needed to get through the week.
2. Pray that test results may show what happened and why the engraftment has failed.
3. Pray for wisdom for our oncologist as he works out a plan.
4. Grant rest to our family as we struggle through these days of unknowns.
Romans 8:26-28
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose."
4 comments:
Oh, Richard and Barb, these are difficult things.We are upholding you and your family in prayer. We serve a God who is mighty, and also loving and kind. Praying for a rich measure of His grace and peace to you. "the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you: do not fear nor be dismayed". Deut. 31:8
What difficult news to digest. Just know that you are continuously in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you and Barb
Richard, Barb and family, Sometimes I do not know what to say, and this is one of those times. Appreciate your prayer points and scripture references. Trusting the Holy Spirit is interceding. God is in control, and is working. May God intervene physically, as well as spritually. your cousin in Ottawa, Ron.
Praying for you. Remember, in the midst of your trials stay strong. From what I've heard, you seem too, though. Have a great day! :)
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