I get a lot of questions about how I'm doing and what I'm doing for treatment so I thought it would be easiest to keep everyone informed by keeping a blog.
I thought it might be helpful to start out by giving you some information about what Leukemia is. I have Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) which is a cancer of the bone marrow, where blood is produced.
What is Leukemia?
This video is an extremely simplified explanation of what Leukemia is. (I am treated at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, not Cincinnati. They just had a good video 🙂)
More information-
Terms to know-
Platelets- helps your blood to clot in response to a wound or cutRed blood cells- carries oxygen and gives your body energy
Hemoglobin- measurement of red blood cells
White blood cells- fights infection and bacteria
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)- the amount of neutrophils (type of white blood cell) in the blood
Blood counts- related to the numbers listed above
The blood counts of an average, healthy person range between-
Platelets: 150-400
ANC: 2,500-6,000
Hemoglobin: 12-16
Today (1/11/19) my blood counts are-
Platelets: 24 (which is actually higher than they have been)
ANC: 0
Hemoglobin: 9.1
Right now I am in the hospital until those blood counts recover on their own. My ANC has to be 200 to leave. Blood counts change super quickly though so we're hopeful I'll be out of here in the next week!
If you have any questions, I'd be happy to try to answer them!
Hi Megan. So generous of you to post all this. I just learned a lot. Praying for you every day. With love and faith. Come on ANCs!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Meg, love your continuing faith, strength, courage, and determination ❤ can't wait till you can come home! Sending lotsa prayers, love, and (((hugs))) your way from all of us, including Cheyenne ��❤
ReplyDeleteWhat a good idea! I'll be following your posts with interest.
ReplyDeleteI have always admired your strength and humility. You have battled with such grace that I can't believe you'd have to fight it ever again. Thank you for making your numbers a teachable moment... Sometimes when patients use numbers they seem to think everyone understands what numbers are good and which ones aren't.
ReplyDeleteIt must be exhausting to repeat all your news to all your family and friends.
I have been and will continue to pray for you. Think about you more than you know. God bless you!
It's so nice to keep connected with you via blogging since we no longer live in Cherry Hill Stake. I love that you're writing about your experiences with Leukemia. I appreciate anyone who documents their life through writing, and I'm happy you're doing this. it's therapeutic for sure, and relaxing at the same time to share what we are feeling as we navigate through life. Whether our trials are big or small it's good to write your heart out. Thank you for sharing yours....xo
ReplyDeleteThis is a really, really well written blog. The prose is punchy and interesting. You anticipated my questions and filled in lots of holes in my understanding. Way to go. I'm looking forward to further additions. All the best Megan, Brother James
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