Keep a bag packed...

     Early on in Ethen's treatment, his doctor told us rather bluntly that we should keep a bag packed for the hospital in case Ethen spiked a fever or had some other issue calling for immediate medical attention. Well, today was one of those days. Thankfully we had not gotten around to unpacking from our previous hospital stay.

     We came in to clinic on Monday for our weekly checkup at which time Ethen's counts were within the normal range. As a precaution, they wanted to see him again today to determine if he would need a transfusion. To no one's surprise, he did need blood and platelet transfusions. During the blood transfusion Ethen spiked a fever. Ethen has had elevated temperatures this week so it was no surprise to the doctor that the transfusion pushed him over the cusp into febrile state. Protocol for a neutropenic (i.e., low white blood cell) patient spiking a fever is admission to the hospital for observation and blood culturing. 

     Please pray for Ethen to get rest. Pray that he has no infection and that his white blood cells will rebound quickly.