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Courtney

Courtney
taken 8/4/07

Courtney and her kids

Courtney and her kids
taken 8/4/07

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Day 8

The therapy is doing what it's supposed to. Courtney's WBC's are down to 39,900, from 83,800 yesterday and a high of 102,000 when she was admitted. Within the week these should be down to zero. Essentially we are re-booting Courtney's immune system. It's like hitting Ctrl-Alt-Del on her bone marrow.

Since the bone marrow is also responsible for producing RBC's (red blood cells) and platelets, these will need to be given to her as needed. As such, she received both, blood and platelets today and will need more as the treatment progresses.

The main thing we want to see drop are blasts. The blasts cells are made in the bone marrow and are supposed to mature into different types of WBC's (white blood cells). Leukemia prevents the blasts from maturing, thus making them useless. They are included in her WBC count. Typically you want 0-5% of your WBC's to be blast cells. In Courtney's case they've been more than 95%. So, the good news is that the absolute count of her blasts dropped to 37,900 from 81,300 yesterday. Again, we essentially want 0 blasts.

At the end of seven days, her 'therapy will end and her bone marrow will essentially be allowed to 'power back on'. Then her WBC's will rise back up to their normal levels, with little to no blasts present.

So, all in all, it's expected, but good news. The other good news is that I was able to bring the kids to see Courtney today and spend some time alone with her. Thank you grandma, grandpa, aunt Kelley and Jimmie for taking care of the kids! We had a really nice visit and she's had a really good nap while I've been writing. Other than a headache, sore incision, upset stomach and leukemia, she's feeling OK. I wish she didn't have to go through this.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Courtney -
We are so glad to see a positive reaction to the medication. That is great that you got to see the kids today. I am sure you all enjoyed that. Todd, I agree about the silver lining. Sometimes it takes a huge trial in our lives to realize how truly blessed we really are. I just want to thank you! I am in the process of cleaning out my garage for the sale. I started going through some of my boxes and came across pictures of my family from years ago. I also found a picture from when Roberto and I were dating, 15 years ago. It is always fun to go back in time!! It made me think of you guys and the love that you have for each other. Your love will only become stronger through this trial.
Have a restful evening -
Love,
Emily, Roberto, Kelsi, Jordan and Mareena

Anonymous said...

Dear Todd,

We will be praying for Courtney and you and your family. Let me know what you need. We can come and get your kids, send money, whatever you need. Just say the word and we will be there.

Ron Flynn

Unknown said...

Courtney, - be strong, continue to have faith, and give thanks that you have such an incredible husband who loves you more than words can say! Todd, you so eloquently express your feelings ~ your pain, your hope, and most of all - the love that you have for your wife and your four children. You are an amazing human being. This blog is such a wonderful way to education us and keep us all in touch with Courtney's battle. Thank you both for giving us a glimpse into what you face daily on your road to recovery. Know that we continue to pray for all of you.
Much Love, your cousin - Maureen

Anonymous said...

Hello Courtney & Todd - I am a good friend of Susan's in New Jersey and I just want you to know that the prayers for you and your family come from far and wide. With this and your apparent will, strength and love...you will make it through with grace and many blessings!
Thinking of you all daily...
Marni

Unknown said...

To Michelle Miller,

The COURTNEY’S ANGELS FUND (set up at Bank of America) is such a great way for those of us who are far a way to lend a helping hand. As you are well aware, this is not a sprint. We are all braced to run the marathon with Courtney and her family. And by giving to this fund, we can help extend the immediate outpour of love throughout the weeks ahead of us.

Thanks Michelle for setting it up!

Love,

Molly (Todd’s sister)

Vicki said...

We're so happy that the chemo is working. Aren't kids remarkable? They have a way of making the chaotic normal. I had to laugh about Emma saying that she was poor. Seeing them must be good medicine. Todd, your Dad would be so proud of you and the way you are handling everything. You are an incredibly sensitive, strong and eloquent man and a wonderful husband and father.Courtney, you are an inspiration and are always on our minds. Love, Ron and Vicki

 

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