Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)

As Cheryl and I document the transplant procedure, you will probably here a lot about Ryan's Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC). The ANC basically serves as a measuring stick for Ryan's immune system. The purpose of the transplant preparatory regimen (chemo, etc.) is to essentially destroy Ryan's existing immune system. The transplanted stem cells then 'grow' a new fully functional system in the days after transplant. So, we are looking for the ANC to go down all the way up to the transplant day (technically, it will probably go down for a couple days after as well). We then wait anxiously as it rises when his new immune system takes root.

For extra credit, don't forget to check out the ANC home game!