The Daily Posting of Dave's Blood Counts

Since part of Dave's progress will be measured by taking blood cell counts, we thought we'd let you know what normal counts are so you'll have some reference. The glossary will define what the different types of cells are and what they do.

For the long-winded version of how things are going, visit Allison's Take on Things.

*His white count has gone down since he's left the hospital, but the ANC percentages (a total percentage that the doctors look at) is good, so they're not concerned.

* He's been receiving growth hormone to stimulate the growth of white blood cells. Last night they didn't give him any, that's why the white count went down. He'll receive more of the hormone before he is discharged, along with a platelet transfusion.

* He received a transfusion mid-morning, then the Hickman catheter was removed.
His platelets needed to be at least 50 for this to take place.

* He received 2 transfusions early afternoon. One of his Hickman catheters (the IV lines)
will be taken out later this afternoon, and his platelet counts need to be high so his blood can clot. The other will stay in for a few months, until he no longer needs transfusions or to have blood drawn.

* He received a transfusion early afternoon.

* He received a transfusion late morning.

* He received a transfusion late morning, and it seems to have helped bring his counts up.
(When his platelets are low, he gets a bloody nose.
When the platelets kick in, the bloody nose stops.)

* Once platelets go below 10, he receives a transfusion because his blood is not able to clot.
He received a transfusion late morning, and it seems to have helped bring his counts up.
They'll do another count this afternoon.

* Once platelets go below 10, he receives a transfusion because his blood is not able to clot.
He also received a transfusion of red blood cells.

He began receiving growth hormones to help stimulate the growth of white cells.