I just wanted to give a dad's perspective on what is happening now... There are a few things I wanted to write about. Her white blood cell count, or absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is really dropping now as the chemotherapy starts to do its job. Her count this morning is down to 0.0 which normally should be 800 to 1800. This shows that the bad cells are being killed, but also the good cells (ANC) are being killed as well.
A result of this is her immunity will drop to zero and she will become very susceptible to infection.We want to let you all know that we want you all to be more vigilant when you come to visit. If you are sick, fevered, runny nose, or around someone who is, or are thinking of getting sick, please try to find another time to come visit Rachel. We have also been cautioned to limit visitors to groups of no more than two or three at a time. Please don't let this discourage you from coming up because we all know what a social animal Rachel is and the good that it does to have visitors. I just wanted to make you aware of the added precautions necessary at this time in her treatment.
Some information on her treatment regimen that may be of interest... Rachel will be on chemo for at least five rounds. Each round consists of approximately 28 days. The first 10 days she will be receiving the chemotherapy drugs which are mostly given via her IV. She receives four different drugs at varying times and concentrations through that 10 day period. After the chemo is finished she is given three weeks for her body to rest and recuperate. Her ANC should start to rebound and when it is back up above 500 she can be discharged and go home for a week or ten days until the next round begins, then back to the hospital we go for round two, etc. While her ANC is below 500 she is very susceptible to infection, therefore the concern stated earlier on regarding healthy visitors.
I want to thank all of you for all you have done for Rachel and our family in this difficult time. We have been so blessed by the hands of so many and will be forever indebted to so many. Thank you for your love and prayers!
Frost
Frost, Marie, and Rachel-
ReplyDeleteWe love you so much and we are praying for all of you. I would love to come and visit you and bring you frapee ( i'd whip up a batch right now), we are all healthy , even the kids. BUT (I love my kids) kids are filthy little creatures. And you never know what is hiding on them and therefore what could get on me. So we'll send pictures instead and comment on your blog. Joe ran the 800 and 1500 this weekend. he got 2:53 and 6:29. Not his best but good. He won both his age groups.
Keep up the good work we love you so much and miss you.
Rachel you are a courageous optimist, a true champion on and off the court. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteI found another funny that I thought you might like. I understand you don't like fish, but I enjoyed it...here ya go...
An optimist is someone who goes after Moby Dick in a rowboat and takes the tartar sauce with him.
Have a good night!
Rachel, just so you know, YOU RULE. Even though after two years you're not in Jessie's and my class anymore, we still miss the times when you decide to come and visit with Buttch. We're praying our FACES off for you and we know that prayer works. I know you'll be back to visit our class sooner than later. 'Specially with all this praying and fasting! You KNOW that's good for ya!
ReplyDeleteWe love and miss ya,
Brothah Ty and Sistah Jessie Theoblaster
We love your family. You are in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteRachel,
ReplyDeleteWe are fasting for you tomorrow and praying for you every, single prayer, every, single day! I'm sorry that we haven't run up for a visit, but know that you are in our thoughts constantly! You are such a light and example with such happiness that oozes from you! Keep that light strong within as you fight your fiercest battle yet! We'll be thinking of you all next week at Camp and hopefully come visit (carefully) soon! Stay positive!
Love,
Sister Luque and family
Thanks Frost for the update. I'm interested to know how Rachel's treatments and status will work. I'm glad you guys have survived your first week of this. You're already pros at this whole cancer thing.
ReplyDeleteTake care and love you guys.
Dear Rachel,
ReplyDeleteIt is great to read the blog daily to know how you are doing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you daily. You are becoming a regular name in our prayers. Everyday in fact. When you got sick, I told our family and our little 3 year old (Saini) was very sad. In fact she interrupts whoever is saying prayer, and reminds them to pray for Rachel and Lacee. Someday when you are home, we will bring her to see you. We all care for you and love you. I am not able to visit because Saini too has been sick, but yet she always still remembers you.
I am still trying to get inspiration on my poem for you. I have started over 50 times trying to get the first 2 lines to rhyme. Just wait, when I get those 2 lines down, it will just flow. A tune might even accompany it if you are luck. Get those white blood cells up and come home.
May the Lord's blessing be with you always.
With Love,
Sam Atoa & Family
Dearest Rachel:
ReplyDeleteI am such a doofus at this blogging thing. I can't even remember my password on my account. Hopefully you get this. Hey, I leave you to yourself for a few years and this is what you get up to? Cheez!! I love you, Rach. Please know that my prayers are with you. Cherz is just speechless and you know that has to be a first. Remember those shots you make in volleyball? I need you to make a few of those to win the game? I will be cheering you on and all your family and friends. Thanks for letting me be a part of this important journey that we don't quite understand. We have faith and trust. Here's a fuzzy wuzzy from Cherz. Keep smiling!!
All my love
Cherzzzzz
HI ALL MY NAME IS DAVID VARKEL PLETTENBERG BAY SOUTH AFRICA I AM TRYING TO CONTACT RICHARD H GLASSFORD BORN 02031947 WHO PREVIOUSLY RESIDED IN SOUTH AFRICA MY CONTACT DETAILS ARE SPDCELL@GLOBAL.CO.ZA OR 27445330577
ReplyDeleteMY G-D KEEP YOU STRONG