An interesting turn of events...

Annaliese had an appt today with Dr. B (although he was out of town and we ended up seeing his partner, Dr. Lisa) and well things have taken quite a turn. We started the neupogen shots two weeks ago. Last week after receiving only two shots her ANC was 5900. That was up quite a bit seeing that for a few week before that it was zero. Well today we had another blood test (after recieving six neupogen shots) and her ANC (according to the machine, we are sending it out to double check) is 29,800. Average high for her age is 6500. So the shots are working well, a little bit TOO WELL!! With numbers that high we are facing more problems so we are not going to be giving her anymore shots until her numbers get within normal ranges again. Once that happens we will probably only have to give her one shot a week. Her WBC (white blood cell) count was at 39,500 and normal high for her is 10,500. Because of these numbers she is probably experiencing extreme bone pain. Right now her bones are FULL of cells. Another thing that came up today was the mention that she may have yet a different form of neutropenia, called autoimmune neutropenia. This one would have low ANC counts because her body had developed antibodies that are fighting off her neutrophils. The good news is that this usually self resolves by the age of five. There is a blood test that they are going to run to see if she has these antibodies. We are hopeful that they are able to get it run this week with the blood that they collected but if not then they will run it next week at our next blood draw. Also, her genetic testing is back however the Dr. is out of town until Monday, so we have to wait. The results were sent to him and are probably on his desk waiting to be reviewed. Dr. Lisa was not able to get them until he gets back. So next Friday we should have those results to share. To sum up exactly what you all are thinking... Dr. Lisa said that right now Annaliese could go into Pediatric Ward at the hospital and touch everyone's face and put her hands in her mouth and not CATCH A THING!! Gross, I know, but very reassuring that at least her immune system is working. So this weekend she will be able to attend nursery for the very first time. We are so excited for her.