[Donna E]

Originally Posted by Neil Cuadra

Donna,

You have our continued best wishes. It must be so hard to watch your dad go through this.

Impetigo is a contagious skin condition, in your dad's case caused by the staph bacteria. It's more common in children because of the cuts and scrapes they routinely get, but is of course a risk to an adult with a compromised immune system.

Given your dad's low white count, the precautions about flowers and fruit are wise, to avoid potential sources of infection. They probably have him on a low bacteria diet, also called a neutropenic diet, for the same reason.

The white cell growth factor is spelled "Neupogen" and is also known as filgrastim. You can read basic information about it here and more detailed information here.

Neil, I can't tell you how much I appreciate this site and all the support I feel from you and these precious people. Please hug your wife and all of the special people who make this possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. -- Donna E.