Monitoring

The Doctor stopped by to check on Brenan this morning and said he'll probably be in the hospital another week, give or take a few days, in order to monitor Brenan after the first round of Clofarabine. As we know, Brenan was admitted to the hospital because of his sky-rocketing white blood cell count which was counteracted with antibiotics, medication, and chemotherapy. Now his white blood cell count has dropped extensively. Usually, there is a waiting period after the last treatment of chemotherapy and then patients are given an injection of Neupogen. Brenan will probably receive this injection in a day or two to bring his white blood cell count to a healthy level.

What Neupogen Is Used For:

- Neupogen is used to stimulate the production of granulocytes (a type of white blood cell) in patients undergoing therapy that will cause low white blood cell counts. Neupogen is used to prevent infection and neutropenic (low white blood cells) fevers caused by chemotherapy.
- Neupogen is a support medication. It does not treat cancer.

In the mean time, Brenan is receiving regular blood and platelet transfusions. He called me this morning and told me he feels good, has a good appetite, and requested a manicure / pedicure during my next visit to the hospital. Oh, the joy of being the sister.