D+51: Cannula strikes back

WBC 1.8
ANC 1332

Ryan's weight hit an all-time high today of 19.3 kg. All along, the docs have told us that Ryan's weight, taken in isolation, is not really a big deal. What can be a big deal, however, is weight-related complications like fluid in the heart and lungs (I know that's like the 30th time I've said that). Well, it looks like the weight is starting to introduce some complications. We started up the oxygen again because Ryan's oxygen saturation was dipping below 90 consistently. The nasal cannula is not back, just this tube called a blow-by that sits near Ryan to increase the oxygen content in the air around his mouth and nose. Of course, the blow-by preceded the cannula before, so we're really freaked that we are headed in that direction again. Perhaps I talked crap about the cannula a bit too soon.

To provide some relief on the fluid retention front, Dr. A. prescribed some Lasix for Ryan today. Lasix is basically just a diuretic which causes Ryan's body to purge excess liquid through lots and lots of urine. Of course, there is always a downside to any treatment we consider, and the Lasix is no exception. Diuretics are rough on the kidneys and we are still in the 0.5 range with Ryan's creatinine. Alas, I fear that we don't have much choice at this point. We really need to purge his system of the extra fluid. We went with a one-time dose of the Lasix today and we will monitor his labs to see how toxic it is.

Counts continue to drop. Cheryl and I are really starting to worry (surprise, surprise) about how far this is going to go. Currently, we do not have a positive impression of Gancyclovir. I hope that we can get off of it soon.

BTW, Ryan digs his chair like a ditch. We are going to put him in it every day to provide some laying in the bed all day.