Briefly, we want WBC and ANC to be above, and stay above 0.5. We went over this on Day +3, but I think it is worth reviewing now that we are seeing ANC counts. Today Nadia had WBC = 0.8 and ANC = 0.37.
In order to monitor how things are going and determine when the new immune system is functioning (and the new stem cells are engrafted), blood is taken daily and different types of blood cells are counted. We have been updating Nadia’s daily blood counts on our twitter account (@nadiasquest), and here is what they mean.
WBC = White blood cell count. A healthy person has about 7000 of these per microlitre of blood. These cells help fight off infection. In our terms this is ’7′. Today Nadia’s WBC was 0.8. We are cheering for these numbers to continue to increase, because they bring ANC along with them.
ANC = absolute neutrophil count. Neutrophils are a common white blood cell that play an important role in fighting infection. We need these to leave isolation and eventually return to the real world. Healthy people have more than 2500 per microlitre of blood. We shorten this to 2.5. When Nadia’s ANC is greater than 0.5 for two consecutive days, she will be able to leave isolation, and hopefully soon after the hospital. Today Nadia’s ANC was 0.2. We are cheering for these to increase, as they are an important number that will finally allow us to go home.
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IVy has been reduced in size. Only 1 brain!
Snuggles with mom
Painting with Aunty Neena
Strike a pose ladies!
Nadia painting with Mommy and Aunty Neena
Nadia jumping up and down before blood transfusion.
After Nadia’s blood transfusion Mommy teaches her how to do squats.
