Day 151 - Clinic and more blood

So, one of the side effects of the chemo is that Ryan's body isn't producing enough blood cells.  Blood cells only last so long, and your body is constantly regenerating them.  In Ryan's case, right now, he's not regenerating them as fast as a normal person would.  As a result, he needs to be 'tanked up' to keep enough blood in his system.

His hematocrit was down to 19.1 this morning, so the doctors decided today was a good day for some blood.  Ahhh, my little vampire... He was a bit cranky this morning, but felt better once he got his blood.

In addition, he's gaining weight.  Normally, kids on chemo are not eating enough, so they lose weight.  In Ryan's case, because we are giving him IV nutrition (his TPN), and we've increased his nutrition to counter any losses from nausea or his lack of appetite, he is actually gaining weight.  He's also gaining height (another centimeter since last week).  It could be a growth spurt and it could be the added nutrition.  Either way, the doctors are thrilled that he's thriving.  They may actually decrease some of his nutrition if he gains too much weight...

So, all is going great.  They have labs scheduled for Thursday, just to keep an eye on those blood numbers.  And, Patrick promised him that they could go to the Ninjago movie on Friday, if his numbers are good enough.  Keeping our fingers crossed!

Thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts!!

Comments

  1. Lois HillSeptember 18, 2017 at 8:57 PM

    That is fantastic that he is gaining weight and height--like you said, only Ryan :) The doctors aren't the only one that are thrilled he is thriving, prayers answered again--prayed for him in Belt this morning. So he needs blood, that is okay, he is where he can get it. LUV U all

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