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March 6, 2003 -- Interim Maintenance #1 (Day 14) Katie had her Interim Maintenance #1 (IM#1)-Day 14 appointment at the clinic yesterday (3/5). She had to have labs done for a CBC. They did a finger poke again (much faster than accessing the port). Katie's Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) hit an all time low--even lower than lowest at the hospital. Her ANC went from 2720 last week to 474 today. It needs to be over 1000 for her to continue with her meds and for her to have the ability to fight off infection and illness. I was a bit shocked! This phase of meds should be easier on her leaving her with a high ANC. After discussing things with the doctors, they put my mind at ease. Since Consolidation (the last phase) is very intensive and the new protocol for the Interim Maintenance doesn't give patients much of a break either, it's common for the ANC to drop at some point late in the IM#1 phase. Katie's ANC just happened to drop earlier than expected. The doctor pulled her off all meds for a week to see if her ANC goes up. When her ANC is over 1000, she will be back on her meds starting at day 14 of IM#1. Needless to say, Katie is thrilled to not have to take any medicine for a week. Katie reminded me often today that "Dr. Alice said NO MEDICINE until next week!" After just one night off the meds, she said, "My reflux went away. I think my 'Nukemia' is getting better." Katie's been painting, coloring, gluing and doing all kinds of craft projects. We're running out of wall space! Katie's been much more active over the past week. She did very well with the "play lady". She was able to pull herself up onto a stool to sit and crawled up the stairs without help. She still hasn't put any weight on her feet, but she's making progress. We are really trying to make the best of the IM phase because once she hits the Intensive phase (some time in mid-to-late April), she'll feel very sick again and have a major set-back with her PT. Our house is closed to visitors for at least a week, including the PT "play lady", until we get the OK from Katie's doctor. |
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