This time, the approach is a bit different; more aggressive. Dr. French wants to do a colonoscopy ASAP to find out more about what's causing the diarrhea--the only trouble is that Maggie's blood counts have been too low and it would pose a major infection risk. They are also stopping Maggie from eating anything (including breastmilk this time)--which will be one of the biggest challenges that we could imagine. It is pretty heartbreaking, actually. Anyways, the plan was to be pretty involved and would probably require no eating for several days until her blood counts would allow the colonoscopy (and Dr. French talked about doing it once her counts got even to a borderline recovered level--he was going to push as much as possible). BUT, we received a very surprising bit of information this evening as Maggie's ANC (a measure of the neutrophils in her blood, the white blood cells that fight infection) has jumped from 100 on Thursday to 2100 today. We didn't expect to have that kind of recovery until Wednesday or Thursday. Dr. French doesn't even know yet, but it would seem to be safe to give her the procedure as soon as tomorrow. Sooner is better, but it is also huge to avoid the infection risk of having the procedure when her ANC would be 200-300. So we are a bit encouraged. Hopefully this will allow them to get more information and start working on a solution very soon.
They did an x-ray of her stomach already and seem to have a lot in store for Maggie in the coming days, but it is all a part of aggressively seeking the cause and a treatment. So this will be good. A lot of the worry and risk seem to be minimized with her counts recovering. Please, please pray for Maggie to sleep well (that would be a real miracle) and to manage the days without food. We can't express enough thanks for your prayers. There will likely be lots of updates in the coming days.
Thanks.
5 comments:
praying right now!!
This is Kristy (BC tennis team, Kristy) :)
I CANNOT imagine. You are surely in my prayers and thoughts. I came across your blog and will continue to follow. Wish you lived closer to me..... I'd love to help! (where are you, anyway? I'm in Cleveland)
I am praising God that her counts jumped up so quickly so that the procedure could be done with less risk factors. Know that we love you and think about/pray for you so, so much.
I'm healthy and have had lots of practice walking and rocking sleepless babies who couldn't nurse, etc. so if you need a break, I'm available and willing. Just call. Meanwhile, I'm praying.
It seems kind of sad to celebrate Mother's Day in the hospital, but remember through it all that you're an AMAZING mother and Maggie is blessed to have you.
Debbie M.
Well, we had all hoped Maggie wouldn't have to go without food and liquids for a while. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Can they give her something so that she sleeps a lot while this is happening?
Her ANC recovery is encouraging, as you say.
And let's hope the procedures find a reason and a cure for her diarrhea.
Yes, do keep us posted.
Love and prayers always.
Great Aunt Phyllis
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