When Charlotte went in for her treatment and lumbar puncture last Monday, her counts were on the low side. I believe her platelets were 33, hemoglobin was 87, and neutrophils were .67. So not low enough to warrant a transfusion, and while we weren't in a bubble, we were 'careful'. We weren't too surprised just because she had been sick with this stupid flu/cold.
The doctor wanted to give her body a break, so we were to hold off on her daily chemo for a week and do blood work on the 28th. Well, yesterday's numbers were platelets of 13, hemoglobin of 79 and neutrophils of .2! We were pretty surprised since she seemed so well, feeling much better, and just her happy self! So, off to children's hospital we went today for two blood transfusions (platelets and red blood cells. for those who are counting, that makes 18 total transfusions now, 8 platelet and 10 red blood cells)). And, we are back in the bubble.
It's pretty normal for the neutrophils to fluctuate in the early stages of maintenance until they get the chemo dose just right. BUT, the platelets and hemoglobin, not so much, it's pretty rare to need blood transfusions in maintenance. Why did her numbers plummet so much? Not sure, it's likely tied to this horrible cold she has had and that she is super sensitive to her chemo. I asked "as long as it doesn't mean the cancer is back?". No, it's not that! When she does resume her regular chemo, it will probably be at a lower dose.
So, 6.5 hours at the hospital, but Charlotte was amazing, despite being stuck in a room and not being able to go the playroom due to the cold. I was pretty happy to have a day with my girl since Stefan has done the last two hospital visits with her. A little flem induced puke on the way home, and I hear "it's ok, it's just a little puke mommy". What a trooper!
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