Yesterday, the decision about bloodwork was made for us. Dr. Benjamin told Maura that she had to go to MDAnderson regardless of how long it took us to return. As we drove south to the medical center in the morning, we saw that the northbound lanes of I-45 were already filled with the bumper to bumper traffic of evacuees. Oh, well--we would soon be part of that mess. Still, it was a good thing we made the trip in. Maura's platelets had dropped to 12. Since outpatient services at the hospital would be closed on Friday and Saturday due to Hurricane Ike, Dr. B ordered a platelet transfusion just to be safe (10 is the normal threshhold). We prepared for the long ride back to Spring after the transfusion, about 7 pm, and, to our surprise, I-45 was clear. Yippee!
We are prepared for the worst hurricane to hit Houston in at least the 21 years that we have lived here. Water, duct tape, food supplies, flashlights, gas in the car, Maura's medical supplies, a couple of good books. Joel has already gone to work at the hospital. Since Tropical Storm-force winds and rain are expected in our area tonight, about the time he gets off work, it's pretty certain he won't come home tonight. Maura and I would be allowed to stay at the hospital, but her white blood cell count is so low, that the hospital isn't necessarily the safest environment for her. If we get scared, this afternoon, we might go anyway. I'm very thankful that we are prepared, that we have close friends and neighbors to run to, if the need arises.
Of course, Danielle and Lydia's flights were cancelled. They were both in tears, not being able to come home to see Maura. And it's never fun to be far away when those you love are facing a crisis.
Pray for Houston and the surrounding area. Pray for the people with medical conditions that are compromised because of the storm. It's going to be a long weekend and a long recovery season.
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8 comments:
Erin, you and Maura and the rest of your family have my prayers! I will be praying continually this weekend. God bless you guys.
I'm glad to hear that where you live, hurricanes won't affect you (except for the loss of electricity, Joel not being there, Lydia and Danielle not being able to fly in). I'm sad to hear about the continuing platelet challenges. And I'm always thinking about all of you. Hugs!
Praise God for the good report!
When my grandma was going through this unfortunate process of chemo, my grandpa would freeze bottles of Ensure, the healthy vitamin drink, and then she would eat it like ice cream. Anyway, Ensure has all those good vitamins, minerals, and other things good for Maura's body. Just a suggestion for if she needs another platelet pick-me-up in the future. Praying for you guys!
Hoping you guys are okay! Praying for you and eagerly awaiting an update :)
We hope you, Joel and Maura were spared the worst of the hurricane. We got through it without any real problems and we only lost power for one day.
If there's anything we can bring you or any help we can give, let us know (281-320-2004).
Jeff & Dee
Rodrigo and I were worried about you guys during the hurricane. We were watching CNN the whole saturday. We hope you, Joel and Maura are ok!Love. Erika
i would of course ask the dr but i did read that quinine (in some sodas/tonic water) may decrease your platelet number. and that iron rich foods (red meat, spinach) and vitamin B can increase them. dont know if youve come across any of that but just thought i'd let you know.
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