Neutropenic

Woody is now considered neutropenic...the above signs are on the outside of his door. Neutropenia is an abnormally low level of neutrophils in the blood. Neutrophils are white blood cells (WBC's) produced in the bone marrow that ingest bacteria. Woody's white count today was .14...normal white counts are 4-10. He feels very lethargic...has slept quite a bit. He did eat a good breakfast and a good lunch...wasn't very hungry when supper time rolled around. His red blood cells are very low too...and today he was given two units of red blood cells. So far he has had four IL-2 infusions...he has had rigors (shakes/quakes) with three of the infusions...but none as strong or as long as he had with the first of these infusions...about 20 min. was the longest duration. He is running a fever of 101.1...so that meant that he had to have blood taken...to test for any type of infection. Due to his platelets dropping, he has had a bit of a problem with bleeding.

Storms brewed up a couple of times today...but we stayed safe and dry in the hospital room! I have just about finished a 500 page book that I borrowed from the library here at the lodge...guess I will be looking for a new one very soon...quite a bit of time to read!

Your continued prayers are much appreciated!