Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Neutrophils Needed

Gary has stayed about the same today. His fevers continue to go up and down. His sister BJ stayed the night with him to help him manage the fevers (blankets when chilled and ice when sweating). The fevers really take away his energy.
We have heard preliminary results from the bone marrow biospy. His marrow is pretty much empty- not much going on which was suspected by his low blood counts. Is this good news or bad news? Well it is good to find out that the marrow is not full of active leukemia but we would like to see something going on in there. Due to the infection in Gary's body he needs white blood cells (healthy ones) to help the drugs fight.
Now for a quick Tammy lesson in blood. Blood consists of white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets and plasma. One component of white blood cells are neutrophils. Neutrophils help the body fight infection. Gary's neutrophils or the ANC number that I refer to are too low to measure. His body has nothing in it to help fight the infection which is pretty much in his lungs. How do you get more? Well your body is supposed to make more and that is what we have been waiting in the hospital 19 days to happen. No one really knows when Gary's marrow will start making neutrophils. He is getting neupogen shots to try to kick start the process but no action yet.
Pray for more neutrophils to be made in Gary's body tonight !!!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Okay -- more prayers headed your way!

Lynn

Anonymous said...

We are praying for those neutrophils to fill Gary's marrow. Keep your spirits up and keep moving forward. Keep your sister in line.
K. Wenner

Anonymous said...

I am praying and praying and praying for those neutrophils to start multiplying! You and your family are never far from my thoughts.-Nancy Bain

gail said...

We sure will Tammy...lots more prayers coming....lvu both...gail

Anonymous said...

Gary & Tammy
We are also praying for those neutrophils. Also sending lots of love your way. Keep that beautiful smile you have.

Love Aunt Mary & Uncle Tony

CasaRivera said...

The team got together to put a little special something for you on our new website:

http://www.tierconnect.com/about-us

Everyone is praying for you! We miss you. :-)

CasaRivera said...

http://www.tierconnect.com/about-us

Anonymous said...

Mr. Latham,
I am praying for more neutrophils so you can get well soon. I think about you and your family every day.
Matthew Groark

Anonymous said...

Prayers continue today for strength, for patience, for faith, for healing.

Donna and Bill

kc said...

my prayer are flying to Ann Arbor -- keep your positive attitude -- THINKING OF YOU BOTH OFTEN!

Laura Breen said...

Our prayers for health, strength and endurance are coming your way. I will call to set up some time with the kids. Please let me know if we can do anything.

In God's love,
The Breen Family