Adventures in Faith: Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now

This morning's very standard clinic visit took a turn for the "interesting" when we discovered that Samuel's "ANC" (absolute neutrophil count) was dangerously low. The normal range for an ANC is around 2,500-6,000. This morning, Samuel's ANC measured at 390, then 250 within 30 minutes. Needless to say, that put a stop to his receiving Actinomycin for the week - although we were so blessed + excited to learn that Samuel would still get Vincristine (and we'll simply do the Actinomycin at next week's visit). The reason we are so excited despite the seemingly "bad" news is because Samuel's treatment schedule didn't suffer from an entire week's delay - ie. we're still on target to be DONE in 6 more weeks... PRAISE GOD.

Rather than trying to explain all the medical science behind neutropenia + the blood count deal, I'm attaching a couple links that give a decently clear understanding of how it all comes together. Suffice it to say that we are obviously on HIGH ALERT mode with regard to Samuel's exposure to ANYthing that could even remotely cause any kind of infection right now since his immune system tested as being pretty seriously compromised. We have NO DOUBT whatsoever that he is completely covered + protected from any hurt, harm or injury; and we are simply walking out this week in wisdom as his caretakers - making sure his environment is as clean + germ-free as possible. Anyone want to rent a 4 year-old girl? HAHA! :) Trinity is always kept totally abreast of the situations, so she knows that we are all working together this week to make sure that Samuel stays 100% healthy, and his counts improve dramatically by next week.

For those of you kind enough to include us in your prayers, please be in agreement with us that Samuel's blood is healthy, producing all the proper components in good measure; that he is healthy, free of any infection of any kind; and that his treatment will successfully continue as scheduled because his body is manifesting that healing which will then be seen in any lab results.

Some helpful info on "ANC levels", "Neutropenia", etc:

http://www.curesearch.org/for_parents_and_families/intreatment/medical

http://www.chemocare.com/managing/low_blood_counts.asp