Wednesday, 16 April 2014
The doctors explained the chemotherapy drugs kill the Leukemia cells by literal destroying the walls of each cell. The down side is that this wholesale release of intra-cellular material can dramatically (and dangerously in many cases) alter the normal blood chemistry.
IV fluids are increased as part of the process to dampen the rate of change. In Ella’s case, the combination of additional fluids, (which built up in her lungs) and the reduced number of red blood cells impeded her ability to process oxygen. With Ella, low oxygen saturation numbers are almost as exciting as blood shooting out of her trach tube. Eventually, additional drugs (lasix) were then given to accelerate urine output.
*** Advisory note to Donna – probably not the best time to hold Ella on your lap ***
And so, 48 short hours after the coughing blood began – Ella was stable enough on Holy Thursday that she only needed 3 or 4 LPM of oxygen to keep her O2 saturation numbers in the 90’s.
We start each morning with prayers of thanks to God for another day and for all the people who are praying for Ella.
Thank you for your prayers.