It’s finally Day 14 - the average length of stay post-transplant. The transplant team has extended Dennis' stay until early next week; his white blood cells are climbing, but they aren't in a hurry. Due to our distance between Lowell and Karmanos, and also the time of year when illness is making rounds, Dr. Abidi has determined it safest to keep Dennis right where he is until his immune system is strong enough (and stays strong enough), to help his body battle at least a few germs - or, until at least Monday, December 17. Dennis’ WBC count won’t recover to a normal range for some time.
Dennis received a pint of blood through transfusion yesterday. His hemoglobin dipped, and therefore Dennis received blood as a precaution against a further decline. The transfusion will also assist his strength; a person doesn't have much energy when anemic. The platelet number dropped again this morning so the doctor prescribed another transfusion of blood platelets today. If all blood count numbers are within normal range tomorrow morning, the precautionary IV antibiotics will be discontinued. Dennis must be fever-free, without the antibiotics, a minimum of 24-hours before he can go home.
All-in-all, recovery is going very well. We’ll be home for Christmas
(tip-the-hat to Bing Crosby).
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'We'll be home for Christmas'...ahhh...the magic and inspiration in only a few words. So delighted Dennis' progress and recovery is going so well!! (Sure hope they are giving you a 'Michigander blood...wouldn't want to have to overcome a southern drawl or Cali girl accent once you're home! snicker, snicker)
ReplyDeleteHa! Actually, Cindy, this blood transfusion was from a donor in Wisconsin. Still a citizen of the Midwest, though, so no problem with overcoming an accent. I hope Dennis doesn't feel the need to start rooting for the Packers, though!
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