...And This Too Shall Pass

Now, where were we....Dad being home, extreme fatigue, really wiped out from this second treatment cycle. His follow up appointment on Wednesday revealed that his red blood cells were low, so were his white blood cells.  His doctor was concerned that he was experiencing neutropenia and anemia. One type of white blood cells is called neutrophil. When that count is low, it is called neutropenia. Remember it is important to watch for signs of infection when this occurs. And of course anemia occurs when the red blood cells are low.  That is the reason for the 'wiped out' feeling.  His blood pressure was low and his pulse was high. My interpretation: if your blood is low, then your heart has to work harder to move that blood through your body.  

Well, Dad's care team at Karmanos took that seriously.  Especially because of his heart history.  At first they were giving him a choice as to whether he wanted to and when he wanted to come in for a blood infusion (transfusion). But after they saw his total blood work results they strongly suggested that he come back this morning for blood. 
Once here they took Dad's vitals to prepare for the infusion and found that his temperature was above the 100.5 degree mark where they tell you to call your doctor or nurse immediately.  The transfusion has been postponed.  We were admitted into Karmanos this morning. They are giving Dad antibiotics, some fluids (not many), and working very hard to ward off infection while we wait for the Neulasta shot to kick in and rebuild those white blood cells. Primary goal: reduce that high temperature.

And yes, I said we.  I drove back to Detroit this morning around 5:00 a.m.  I was glad to see them (Dad and Mom), and I believe they were glad to see me.  Dad has already ask, "how long are you staying?" I told him he'd do anything to get me back here to stay with him :-)

Dad and His Brothers
Promise Land Festival 2010
Promise Land, TN