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Ian Uncategorized

The Clerical Error That Rocked Me to My Core

Yesterday afternoon, I received a phone call.

It was from Ian’s nurse.

They get “their own” nurses, oncology kids at Children’s. Did you know that? She’s our point-man, our go-to person, at the clinic. And she’s great at what she does.

She missed a detail yesterday, but, really, it wasn’t her fault. I mean, she wasn’t expecting it, so she wasn’t looking for it.

For some crazy, unknown reason, our local clinic resent Ian’s labs from 4 weeks ago. She naturally thought they were his most recent results.

His white count was 34,000.

That’s not good, not good at all.

Normal range for white blood count is 5,000-10,500, or something like that, depending on the source you read. Over 15,000 is concerning, and evidence of the body fighting an infection.

Over 30,000 indicates a rather significant infection. An infection from which Ian was exhibiting no symptoms. No fevers, no aches, no pains.

A white count of over 30,000 can also indicate Leukemia.

White count numbers in Leukemia can get much, much higher than that, and they often do…

Leukemia is a potential “rare side effect” of radiation and also of some of the chemotherapy agents that Ian has been receiving, which makes it a distinct possibility.

Ian’s nurse rattled off the numbers, and then proceeded to ask me how Ian was feeling, with concern in her voice.

I’ve read what seems like it must be nearly everything there is to read about Ian’s cancer treatment. Even though she didn’t come out and say “There’s a possibility that Ian has developed Leukemia…”, I knew it was a possibility.

I was certain he was not brewing some nasty infection.

What other explanation could there be?

A clerical error.

I asked her to double-check, because we hadn’t been to the lab on Tuesday, the date the print-out listed. At first, it didn’t seem odd, because the results don’t always make it to Children’s the same day… But after a second glance, his nurse noticed that they have sent the results on 8/21, but they had resent the results from his labs on 7/26. Weird. Why? Nobody knows…

But 34,000 is still 34,000. Right?

Not exactly.

Earlier that week in July, Ian’s white count had bottomed out. He had virtually no functioning immune system, and was at a serious risk of infection. He was also scheduled to head to Camp-Mak-A-Dream at the end of the week.

Crowded airports, small planes packed like a can of sardines? Petri dishes, virus & bacteria brewing petri dishes.

So, Ian had received 3 doses of a drug, GCSF, meant to stimulate production of white blood cells. It was the first time he had received it, and in usual Ian fashion, he overreacted to hit. His white count shot way past normal, but it was only temporary.

And it wasn’t an infection.

And it wasn’t Leukemia.

Thank You, Lord!

I admit it, I was worried sick.

I was trying so hard to trust Him, no matter what. And I did. I do.

But I was scared.

And today, I’m just so thankful.

I’ll update when we know what this week’s actual numbers are…

***Ok, so, his actual white count this week is 2,700. Lower than the average Joe, but it is to be expected for someone going through chemo. It’s been much lower at times on this journey, so, to us, 2,700 is pretty good at this point. His platelets are down to 53,000. (Normal for a healthy person is 150,000-400,000) He is at risk for bleeding issues, but it isn’t too scary/serious until it goes uder 20,000. If it goes below 10,000, it’s downright dangerous, and he’d receive an infusion of platelets. He came close to needing a transfusion last time, so we’ll check again next week and see how this cycle goes…

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10 Comments

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Comments

  1. Jessica says

    August 23, 2012 at 12:56 pm

    That must have been terrifying! I’m so glad it was just an error.

    Reply
  2. TrooppetRie says

    August 23, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    I would have been worried sick, I struggle wit turning it over. I keep pulling it back to myself

    Reply
  3. Alicia The Snowflake says

    August 23, 2012 at 3:21 pm

    I can only imagine the panic that must have induced. So glad to know it wasn’t Leukemia. Big (((hugs))) to you my friend!

    Reply
  4. Sarah says

    August 23, 2012 at 5:39 pm

    Oh wow.
    I can’t imagine how tough those few moments must have been! Thankful it’s just an error, but you’re right, somehow, God’s always got us in the palm of His hand!

    Reply
  5. Child of God says

    August 23, 2012 at 6:35 pm

    What a terrifying shock that must have been. I’m so glad to hear all is well.

    Continuing to pray for you Ian. 🙂 Praying for normal numbers.

    Blessings,
    <

    Reply
  6. Mary Siegel says

    August 23, 2012 at 6:38 pm

    While everything about this is so terrifying, you have the wisdom to know everything you can possibly know, which protected you. You are a good daughter first, and your (our) father reached out to you because you have laid faith in him and trusted him to guide you. Your knowledge has not come to you without his help, respect and love for you, Ian and your family. That you have taken and continue to take the time to be be up to date and aware, has given God the opportunity to reach out to you, making sure you knew what questions to ask before you went into panic mode.
    You rock, sister! Keep being who you are, a wife, mother and daughter of God!

    Reply
  7. Christie says

    August 23, 2012 at 7:09 pm

    Oh my. Being on the receiving end of all of those treatments, I don’t know the parent’s perspective. But, being a Mom now…I can only imagine your angst. So thankful and praising Him with you that it was just a clerical error!

    Christie
    http://satisfactionthroughchrist.blogspot.com

    Reply
  8. Barbie says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:06 pm

    Oh my gosh! This must have been so frustrating and scary. But I am thankful to hear it was an error. Oh how God must have surrounded you and given you peace in that moment to stay calm.

    Reply
  9. Pam says

    August 23, 2012 at 10:22 pm

    Oh, how scary!! Praise the Lord that it was an error & there was an explanation. I pray for you guys & follow your journey. God’s Blessings, Pam

    Reply
  10. Sara says

    August 29, 2012 at 10:57 am

    Oh thank goodness it was an error but how scary. I’m praying for Ian and you all. Xx

    Reply

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