Journal entry by Kristina Pierce —
Here is a brief time line to update those of you who are not up to date on our journey. I have also retired from PCS and am free to be with Risher 24/7. Thank you for are you love and prayers. I will update as changes occur.
It’s easiest for me to copy and paste so my apologies for the length. This is what I sent our kids:
Risher finished up his appointment at MDA before lunch. Thankfully, his platelet count was up to 33 which is the highest it’s been yet. But remember it needs to get to 150. The doctor was encouraged by this. The doctor was thinking he was going to admit dad and begin the drug treatment today. But due to the count being up, he’s going to wait and decide on Monday. The bone marrow biopsy prelims show no leukemia or myeolodysplastic syndrome. Great news and also confirms the previous bm biopsy. He will have his blood checked again on Saturday and also receive a shot of Prokrit to help boost his red blood cell count. So the doctor is hoping that perhaps his body is beginning to recover, but will know more on Monday. Slow progress but all good. Keep praying. 💛
And one more thing...the doctor is reporting this as
May 10 Risher is being admitted today. Pray for the treatment to work perfectly with no side effects. He will be there all week. 🙏🏻
May 14
I'm inside MDA. I've learned how to flush his PICC line. I'm waiting for the pharmacist to explain meds. Last infusion about to happen. Platelet meds started yesterday. Pray that they kick in. Discharged tomorrow. Thanks for your continued prayers! 💛
May 19
Risher just had his blood drawn and his platelets fell by about ten so he's getting another transfusion today. He sees the doctor tomorrow and should receive another shot of Procrit which is supposed to boost the platelets. Continued prayers appreciated. 💛
May 24
Dr update: kidneys are beginning to be affected due to the cyclosporine and they are monitoring closely. It’s also causing him to retain fluid. He is very weary. Please pray. 💛
May 25
Copied and pasted :)
His BP went up last night and it concerned them so they did another CT brain scan. His platelet count was at 6 last night so they did another transfusion. Doctor just left and said nothing that has happened is unexpected. All due to the myriad of medications he is on. They are still expecting to discharge him tomorrow.
May 26
He’s coming home! 🎉🥰🎉
June 1
Update: Risher is down at MDA today. His blood counts are showing him holding steady which is a great thing. He is getting a platelet transfusion but the count had only fallen to a ten which is right at the threshold for a transfusion and he went four days without one which hasn’t happened in a while. 🙌🏻 The nurse who took his blood is actually his nurse with his clinical doctor and they were able to have a good chat about the blood pressure and headaches (which get bad at night). She was very encouraged by his counts today. We are grateful.
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Risher Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Risher's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
