Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Big Day at the SF Ballet

Before I get to the fun stuff from today, a report on Emily's health. Emily has a virus, and so her ANC is really low, at 140. To remind you ANC stands for Absolute Neutrophil Count, and that is a calculation based on different types of white blood cells. Healthy people have anc's in the 2000's, it's what helps us fight off all the virus and infection we come in contact with. (At least that's my non doctor version of what ANC is) So the big worry is if Emily got a fever now we'd have to admit her to the hospital, and given how close we are to Christmas there is a real chance we will be spending Christmas in the hospital. I hope it doesn't happen, and have no control over it, so it just is what it is.

As a result they are withholding Chemotherapy this week, in hopes her ANC returns to an acceptable level. Her Chemo suppreses ANC and it's a fine juggling act to keep it in the range they want. Too high is bad, and too low is risky to her for other reasons. From a cancer point of view I don't think this is a bad sign, but from a possible infection point of view, it's very scary.

The Oncology team is pretty liberal about these things and when we told her we had tickets to the ballet today, they said it was still OK for her to go, as long as she avoided people who were caughing and to wash her hands often.

NOW ONTO THE FUN. Emily had a very, very special opportunity presented to her. The other day when I wrote in the Blog that we had Nutcracker tickets, a co-worker of mine had read the blog post and then sent me an email that he has a contact who is the lighting engineer for the Ballet company, and asked me if Emily would like a back stage tour, and to sit in the lighting booth during the performance. This offer was so unexpected and so special to us. Emily got to go back stage before the show to watch the warm up. She also met other people associated with the show. stage managers etc. And probably the most exciting thing she got to do, was to turn down the house lights, and then turned them completely off for the second Act of the show. Emily actually got to participate in the performance and she's still talking about it. She was able to sit in the lighting booth for the second act. This was definitely a high light to her holiday season. My Mom was with Emily and also said she had "the best time".

This week going forward we are just hoping for no fever and for her anc to raise. Right now I feel like she shouldn't go to school until her anc is above at least 500.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

What an amazing day, that is so cool! I think I agree with your thoughts on going to school. There are many kids, and a teacher, with runny noses and sneezes.

If Emily isn't in school, maybe she could still come for the party on Friday (11-12), or at least to pick up some things that she'll want for over the holiday. Thanks! Mrs. Maino

Anonymous said...

Emily, what a glorious day you had. How exciting for you! Did you get to watch the whole performance from the lighting booth? I will be thinking the most positive of thoughts for you and praying that your ANC levels rise....I just know that no matter what this is going to be a very very special holiday for you and your family. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.
Love, Mrs. Breit

Jessica Nichols said...

What an exciting time at the ballet! If you guys ever go to a Broadway show, let me know as my favorite uncle does lighting there for his entire career. (He is literally under "Favorite Uncle" on my cell phone.) :)

I will be hoping and hoping Christmas is spent at home. To that end, I vote for no school. :) Bad influence!

Anonymous said...

Dear Emily -
What an exciting and fun experience to be backstage at the Nutcracker! What a wonderful Christmas gift.
Hope you are feeling well today.
Love, Grannie & Grampa