Low ANC

Clinic on Friday showed an ANC of 100 for Presley. When you are below 500 you are considered neutropenic (low levels of neutrophils in the blood).  If a fever is to show up when your ANC is that low, you are admitted to the hospital. We knew we were in the danger zone, so when a fever spiked on Tuesday we packed our bags knowing we would be spending the night.  The ER got her port started, blood draw and all the tests going to see what is going on. She had 3 nose swabs (her least favorite procedure, blood cultures, urine tests and lab work. Her ANC was 178! Daddy did the night shift with Presley and got her settled into her room on the 5th floor of Sunrise Children's Hospital. 

All the test results came back negative, leaving all of us to believe that Presley has a virus. Virus just has to run their course. She's had a nasty cough.

It has almost been 10 months since we had to stay at the hospital. It's always a reminder that cancer is still in our lives. Being on Maintenance drugs (oral chemo) has been so nice. Presley has felt great and loves only having to go to clinic once a month. This time of year usually something comes up. We have been to the ER a few times with a fever but her ANC (white blood count) has been high enough for us to go home.

With it being 10 months in-between hospital stays it's easy to forget how hard it is for a family during those days. Crew being passed around from daddy and sitters and Paul and I taking turns at the hospital.  Children under 8 are not allowed on the 5th floor (oncology kids). The kids are missing each other. Crew keeps talking about Dede (sister) and when she’s coming home to play with him and Presley has multiple times told me that she misses Crewee!

I went home last night to be with Crew and I just don't even like to be home. Walking by Presley's room and it being empty leaves a strange feeling in my heart. Its hard to see your children sick and in the hospital. As a mother you just want your children doing what other children are doing. I know it's only for a week or a few days so I remind myself it won't be forever.  Presley is just not the same while here.

The hospital is good here but so hard when we compare to it PCH. In my mind PCH is the best hospital. The doctors, nurses and just the feeling at the hospital are something hard to describe. The food here is horrible. Can't wait to eat normal food again!

Today looks like we might get to go home.  She has been fever free for more than 24 hours. I know the docs would like to see her ANC a little higher but this girl needs a break. She is on a chemo hold and that should help to get her numbers back up. Her red blood cells and platelets are hanging on they haven't dropped too low.

On wed, Build-A-Bear came and let her pick out a bear and an outfit! Her other high light of this trip was when Queen Elsa came to play with her. She loved getting to play princess! A special thanks to the Hansen's who always know just what to do to brighten her day!

This is usually a very good sign that its time to go home. When she does not want to be in there room and wants to be riding bikes in the halls. And I might add it takes special talent to ride a bike with an IV pole!

Thanks to the babysitter, meals delivers and all of you have prayed and check in on us. We know we can't do this battle alone it always takes a small army! Thanks for your continued love and support. We look forward to the day that cancer is a memory and not an everyday life drama.