Malcolm's ANC is zero. It is expected to stay at zero for at least a week. It must reach 500 in order for him to go home. After his transfusions on Friday, his platelets rose to 60 and hemoglobin to 109. So he may need platelets again but hopefully not red cells. He continues to do well with lots of energy and his appetite has improved somewhat. He has been drinking lots (likely b/c it is so dry in here) which is great (we have to monitor and report how much he drinks every day as he must consume at least 900mLs every day).
Yesterday I donated blood. I have been a regular donor for several years. I would encourage all of my readers to take the time and effort to donate this Christmas season as they are often short of blood this time of year. They are so short of platelets for Malcolm that they often have to give him A positive instead of A negative platelets and give him medication (winrho) to help ensure he doesn't have a reaction. This is somewhat less than ideal so no matter your type, it is worth it to give (we can't all be universal donors!).
I would also like to take the opportunity to urge all of my readers to consider making a donation to the IWK Foundation this Christmas in honour of Malcolm and all that he is going through. Donations to the IWK ensure that many of the programs that have been so beneficial to Malcolm and our entire family can continue to be funded. Every dollar counts. Information on how to make a donation can be found at iwkfoundation.org
Mary Ellen
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