Getting Physical

Day +32 (D 170)

Today we got the preliminary results of Ann's day +30 bone marrow biopsy. The preliminary results are just a differential count of the various cell types found in a sample or smear. Which by the way look all normal across the board. Specifically out of 400 cells counted only 2% are immature blast cells, which is perfectly normal. What is also encouraging is that the sample was not hypocelluar. That indicates that the new stem cells have really taken to there new home and are occupying lots of volume in Ann's bones. However, we still have to wait a bit more for the molecular studies from MDA's pathology lab and the chimerism study.

Ann's blood work was a bit low today, but that was to be expected after getting the weekend off with no neupogene (WBC 2.6 K/uL and ANC 1.84 K/uL). Because her ANC count dropped to the low side of normal we are going back on neupogene tonight and maybe tomorrow. The transplant team decided today that they are going to try to wean Ann off of intermate pumps of magnesium in favor of 500 mg pills. This is really welcome news because it puts us one step closer to not needing her CVC.

Finally the transplant center got Ann enrolled in the physical therapy program, and she spent part of her clinic visit getting evaluated by the therapists. The consensus of which is that she is in exceptional shape, except for some weakness in the thighs due to muscle loss dating back to her first round of chemo. However, they quickly arranged an exercises program for her that will address that problem. So from now on we will report to clinic in the morning, get hooked up on IV Fluids and then proceed to the gym for exercises.

Ann is sore from the workout but really excited to be moving forward.

Welcome to the MDA Physical Therapy Gym


Ann gets evaluated


Working out on the arm bike