28/05/2025
We're having a bit of stress at the moment- Chris is really immunocompromised. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell important in the immune system. We got some blood test results back during his last infusion on Thursday last week showing his neutrophil count was 0.6 (it should be at least 2). He halved his chemotherapy tablet dose and had an immunostimulating injection on Thursday, and got some more blood tests on Monday. We got the results back today and his neutrophils are 0.2. He has had to stop his chemotherapy tablets and begin immunostimulating injections at home. He will have some more blood tests on Friday, and he will begin his chemotherapy tablets again once his neutrophil count is above 1.0.
This is quite stressful, as it is unusual to have such a low count outside of hospital. Last time it was this low was a few days after his stem cell transplant, and there was a team of Nurses at the other end of the call bell, and a crash cart outside his door! Chris has to take his temperature four times a day, and if it goes above 38 he has to go to an Emergency Department.
This is quite challenging to deal with, especially with Emily working in Geelong for the rest of the week. We would really appreciate all thoughts, good wishes, prayers, etc that Chris's immunity would increase really quickly, and he would not have to go to hospital.