Dad is doing fine today. His blood counts continue to drop, as expected. For the first time, he's feeling like he has less energy, again, to be expected. His white blood cells today dropped to .6 (normal is 4-11)..so his immune system is pretty well gone. His red blood cells are at 2.6 (normal is 4.3-5.9)... common symptoms are fatigue and possible light headedness. The purpose of the red blood cells is to deliver oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. His hemoglobin today is 8.6 (normal is 13.3-17.3 ...for men) Low hemoglobin = anemia and the signs are fatigue, dizziness, lack of concentration. Hemoglobin is the functional unit of the red blood cells...it's a protein structure inside red blood cells and it helps bind the oxygen. Dad's platelets today are 40 (normal is 150-400). Low platelets means less or no blood clotting.
Given all this, Dad is doing fine, eating well, and he is wanting to go for a walk...probably a bit shorter than the 1 1/2 - 2 miles that we've been doing...but he does want to get some sort of a walk in today to maintain strength.
One thing the nurses here are fanatical about is possible falling...they do not want that to happen, especially due to the low platelets. They harp on this constantly (and it's a good thing). They have said if Dad is ever out walking or even in the room and feels a bit dizzy...to sit down...it's better than falling down. Then all you do is call a nurse on your cell phone and they will be there. So at this point I'm monitoring Dad when he's up and walking at all times...that even means when he goes to the bathroom in the middle of the night...or day...and also when he's in the shower in the morning...I'm right there. Poor guy can't even take a whiz in private!...but there's a reason for that and it's all in his best interest...and he isn't complaining a bit.
Well, I need to wrap this up. Dad is ready to go for an afternoon walk and then we'll watch a movie in our room.
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hang in there, dad. mom, you are doing a great job. i'm sure dad can't imagine doing this without you. thank you for all that you're doing to help each day.
ReplyDeleteLeo....hang tough...strong thoughts..though Linda is there physically right beside you..truly know that their are a WHIOLE bunch of others right there with you.
ReplyDeleteLinda...yes, a halo...you are amazing.!!
It is amazing what the human body can do, and just to think about all the research that went into this sort of treatment. Thank God for all those who study this and figure this stuff out. Keep up the good work gettin better, I am praying for you everyday...Love Lou Ann
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