Freddie's Fight Against Neuroblastoma

After 6 nights in the hospital, we were finally cleared to come home!

Since Freddie developed a neutropenic fever on Sunday, 7/6, we had to remain inpatient until 1) no infectious source was found OR he completed the treatment course for whatever source was identified, 2) he improved clinically, and 3) his counts [namely neutrophil] improved. While we were waiting for the results of his infectious workup – blood cultures, urine culture, respiratory viral panel – Freddie remained on a broad spectrum antibiotic to ward off the most likely bacterial infections. However, this strong antibiotic also wiped out some of the healthy bacteria in his system as well. He developed oral thrush (an overgrowth of yeast) in his mouth, likely because the natural balance of bacteria in his oral cavity was disrupted. Not having much of an immune system at that time didn’t do him any favors, either. He had pretty intense mouth pain, and the poor guy also popped two upper teeth since our last admission. After a few days of supportive care with IV fluids and Tylenol, Freddie started to turn the corner. No infectious source was identified, he was febrile less often, he needed less Tylenol to stay comfortable, and his counts were slowly coming up.

His ANC (absolute neutrophil count) was 0.12 on Friday morning, and our team required he be > 0.2 to be discharged. In hopes of discharging us before the weekend, our team ordered an additional CBC to be drawn Friday at 4pm, but his ANC was unchanged. We began to worry that maybe we’d be admitted through the weekend. However, Saturday around 2:30AM, Freddie woke up and was the most playful and happy that he’d been all week! He was chatting up a storm, reaching for us, giggling, and flirting with the nurses. After he was up for almost two hours, I had a [hopeful] feeling that a jump in his counts was the reason for his playful mood. A few hours later, his morning labs revealed an ANC of 0.24, which punched our ticket home!

We’re all recovering well, and Evie is thrilled to have Bubba back home. Freddie’s due to start cycle 2 of chemo on Monday, 7/21. Until then, we’re all hoping for an uneventful and relaxing few days.

We love you all,
The Reichards