We've mentioned that this is a hard week in the BMT process for most patients. The reason is that the effects of the chemo are setting in on areas of the body we don't want it to. For the BMT to work, Rylie's white blood cells had to be wiped out but the chemo cannot distinguish between blood cells and other fast growing cells in the body, for example, hair cells. Fortunately, hair loss is not painful unless you are the one watching it. The other primary target area is the lining of the GI track starting with the mouth. Sores can form on the mouth, in the esophagus, and on through the rest of the system. This is generally what the older patients say is the most painful. So far, we haven't noticed any sores in Rylie's mouth, and she does not have symptoms that would make us think she has the sores! Thanks for your prayers for Rylie. We are praying that we only get the good from all this, and no ill effects.
Early Day +10 Update
The best news of the morning is that our Rylie has a count of 0.1 white blood cells! Not much, but it's progress. The nurses remind us that we can see this drop again, so we shouldn't be discouraged. But is nice to see some growth! Rylie is still mostly in good spirits. She still has a concerning cough, but her oxygen is good, and it has not moved to her chest.
1 comment:
I am so glad she is not having mouth sores!!!
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