(Monday, March 15, 2010)
Update from Emily:
Dad's numbers continue to climb (0.50 this morning), and for this increase (however small) we are thankful. Many of have asked what count Dad's white blood cells need to reach in order to leave the hospital. Technically, it is not up to this white blood cell number alone, instead Dad's release from the hospital depends on what is called an ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count). This ANC calculates the number of white blood cells that are actually neutrophils (the key components to fighting infection).
Since many of my Dad's friends enjoy the technical side of things, here is the process of finding the ANC:
Sample calculation of the ANC:
WBC count: 6,000 cells/mm3 of blood
Segs: 30% of the WBCs
Bands: 3% of the WBCs
Neutrophils (segs + bands): 33% of the WBCs
ANC: 33% X 6,000 = 2,000/mm3 ANC of 2,000/mm3, by convention = 2.0 Normal range: 1.5 to 8.0 (1,500 to 8,000/mm3)
Interpretation: Normal
In order to fight infection, Dad's ANC needs to be above 500. I will ask my mom what his current ANC is and will report that back to you.
And, if that meant absolutely nothing to you (as it did to me), then I will leave you with my Bible verse for the day:)
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
------------
And a special extra for Dad.
Dad,
I know that you miss seeing all of your grandchildren, so here are some pictures just for you today:)
We love you,
All your kids and grandkids
Avery and Megan (4 months) at Adam's Birthday party. Megan is staring down Austin's chocolate cupcake!
Andrew after his t-ball game
Jenny with her hands FULL! Holding Avery and Megan
Austin and Emily at the duck pond this weekend
Adam, Sharon, and Avery celebrating Adam's birthday
Update from Emily:
Dad's numbers continue to climb (0.50 this morning), and for this increase (however small) we are thankful. Many of have asked what count Dad's white blood cells need to reach in order to leave the hospital. Technically, it is not up to this white blood cell number alone, instead Dad's release from the hospital depends on what is called an ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count). This ANC calculates the number of white blood cells that are actually neutrophils (the key components to fighting infection).
Since many of my Dad's friends enjoy the technical side of things, here is the process of finding the ANC:
Sample calculation of the ANC:
WBC count: 6,000 cells/mm3 of blood
Segs: 30% of the WBCs
Bands: 3% of the WBCs
Neutrophils (segs + bands): 33% of the WBCs
ANC: 33% X 6,000 = 2,000/mm3 ANC of 2,000/mm3, by convention = 2.0 Normal range: 1.5 to 8.0 (1,500 to 8,000/mm3)
Interpretation: Normal
In order to fight infection, Dad's ANC needs to be above 500. I will ask my mom what his current ANC is and will report that back to you.
And, if that meant absolutely nothing to you (as it did to me), then I will leave you with my Bible verse for the day:)
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
------------
And a special extra for Dad.
Dad,
I know that you miss seeing all of your grandchildren, so here are some pictures just for you today:)
We love you,
All your kids and grandkids
Avery and Megan (4 months) at Adam's Birthday party. Megan is staring down Austin's chocolate cupcake!
Andrew after his t-ball game
Jenny with her hands FULL! Holding Avery and Megan
Austin and Emily at the duck pond this weekend
Adam, Sharon, and Avery celebrating Adam's birthday
Comments
the Vilberts
I am still doing the "neutrophil dance" I don't understand it all either, but little Makenzie is the one that finished her year of chemo and when her counts were down, she always asked us to do the "neutrophil dance" that she made up; so the trend continues. As she had a sister & a brother in school; those counts were really important so she wouldn't get sick. Thanks for sharing the great pictures for sure; that makes all feel better, what cuties!
Ted & Carol W
We know that it takes lots of your time to be so kind.
Bob, keep those wbc's going up. We didn't understand at all the technical explanations. We are simply bottom liners.HA!!
Emily, those verses cetainly apply to Bob. He is a Godly man and truly walks in the way of the Lord.
We continue to pray for the healing process and that it will truly speed up.
Love to all,
Lex and Linda
"In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths" Prov. 3:6"comes to mind at the moment.
Those pictures are so adorable! Praise God from Whom all blessings flow~~~~
I'm sure glad that there are those experts who know what all about those numbers!
In Christ's love as our prayers continue...
Ruthie & Dave Q.
Anita Eldridge
Ted & Carol W