Sunday, October 7, 2007 - The hematologist dropped into the room moments ago and let us know that Mady's ANC is still... zero (not counting the lone cell pictured above). The hematologist said that this is not particularly unusual, but it's what keeping us in the hospital. She needs to have an ANC of 200 to be discharged from MGH. That's still really low, but I guess not life-threatening out in the real world (as long as she wears a mask).
Definition: ANC will often appear on the blood test report of a person receiving chemotherapy. It refers to the percentage of neutrophils (white blood cells that fight infection) and cells that will become neutrophils multiplied by the white blood count (WBC). The significance of the ANC is as follows:
ANC below 2000 is considered to be neutropenia.
ANC between 1000-1500 fairly low risk of infection. Chemotherapy will usually be given in this range, but not below it.
ANC between 500-1000 - moderate risk of infection.
ANC below 500 - severe neutropenia - high risk of infection. Avoid crowded places.
ANC below 200 - stay in Ellison 1816.
Day 28: Why Neutrophils are holding us hostage at MGH
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2 comments:
Hey, I know someone who stays in Ellison 1816! Oh wait...that's you...
Well, I'm sure you'll have a bunch of neutrophils soon and then you can come home!!! *does the neutrophils-please-come-and-help-Mady-get-out-of-MGH-soon dance over and over and over and over again*
Seriously, you guys know so much about medical stuff now. I'm thinking much more than you ever dreamed there could be a reason to know. At least that's the case with me, and I don't even know as much as you do.
~~Stephanie~~
Hey guys - I was wondering if we could share neutrophils. I'm sure you've thought of this - because you're that kind of family.
I wear my Cancer Sucks bracelet proudly.
I'm going to stop by later this week - with sheep in tow -
Thinking about you . . . Jeri
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