Delayed Intensification
Jack Jack has had 3 rounds of Chemo in seven days! On Wednesday July 1st, Jack started his delayed intensification treatment phase. He's been quite tired which is to be expected considering the amount of chemo he has received since then:
Wednesday July 1st: Methotrexate (via spinal tap), Vincristine and Doxorubicin (through his port)
Monday July 6th - PEG Shots (muscle injection in leg)
Wednesday July 8th - Vincristine and Doxorubicin
Jack is still a playful and positive little guy, both before and after treatment.
But he also gets tired really quickly and wants to rest...preferably outside. He's for the most part drinking well and has a good appetite which of course, we are happy about.
We have noticed that he wants to go outside a lot, which we think helps him when he is nauseous. Speaking of nausea, we give him a medication called Zofran, which helps against nausea.
On Tuesday last week, we (or actually Emma!) gave him his last Dexamethasone which he had been taking twice a month for 7 days. This is a steroid pill, so Emma has been preparing it with a pill crusher, adds water, and gives it to him in a syringe. She is remarkably successful giving him this medicine and even pretends she is a doctor! She always gives him a hug after, and Jack Jack loves that hug!
Some interesting highlights to mention since the last blog update: When Jack started his treatment, he met his 12 year old friend, Jesus, who also has ALL.
Both of them are pretty much at the same stage of their treatment plan, and when we were about to leave the Valerie Center, Jesus asked when Jack was coming back. I told Jesus that Jack would be back on Monday & Wednesday this week. Jesus asked if Jack was getting PEG shots. And I said, "Yes." Jesus' response was, "Yay, me too!"
For children to respond that way is pretty amazing. Children are so positive. It was amazing that he was excited to be sharing a common experience, and also helpful to us since Jack can't verbalize his feelings.
4th of July weekend was spent with good friends in South Orange, since we can't really travel anywhere. The afternoon was spent at a festival and then we barbecued with friends! Yum. Sunday we spent at the pool!
We had a good time even though Jack is not allowed to go into a public pool as his immune system is compromised. But he still had fun playing with friends & Playdoh!
The highlight on Wednesday this past week was when Jack got to meet Comet, the therapy dog!
Comet is so amazingly trained. He didn't move when Jack tried to pick him up. Jack made a new best friend, and even shared his Cheerios with Comet!
This week he goes in for chemo on Wednesday again, and after that he gets a week off. Please continue to send Jack good energy as the risk of infection or side effects increases as the chemo dosages do also. Hoping that all of you are having a wonderful week!
Love, Anneli
Jack Jack has had 3 rounds of Chemo in seven days! On Wednesday July 1st, Jack started his delayed intensification treatment phase. He's been quite tired which is to be expected considering the amount of chemo he has received since then:
Wednesday July 1st: Methotrexate (via spinal tap), Vincristine and Doxorubicin (through his port)
Monday July 6th - PEG Shots (muscle injection in leg)
Wednesday July 8th - Vincristine and Doxorubicin
Jack is still a playful and positive little guy, both before and after treatment.
But he also gets tired really quickly and wants to rest...preferably outside. He's for the most part drinking well and has a good appetite which of course, we are happy about.
We have noticed that he wants to go outside a lot, which we think helps him when he is nauseous. Speaking of nausea, we give him a medication called Zofran, which helps against nausea.On Tuesday last week, we (or actually Emma!) gave him his last Dexamethasone which he had been taking twice a month for 7 days. This is a steroid pill, so Emma has been preparing it with a pill crusher, adds water, and gives it to him in a syringe. She is remarkably successful giving him this medicine and even pretends she is a doctor! She always gives him a hug after, and Jack Jack loves that hug!
Some interesting highlights to mention since the last blog update: When Jack started his treatment, he met his 12 year old friend, Jesus, who also has ALL.
Both of them are pretty much at the same stage of their treatment plan, and when we were about to leave the Valerie Center, Jesus asked when Jack was coming back. I told Jesus that Jack would be back on Monday & Wednesday this week. Jesus asked if Jack was getting PEG shots. And I said, "Yes." Jesus' response was, "Yay, me too!"For children to respond that way is pretty amazing. Children are so positive. It was amazing that he was excited to be sharing a common experience, and also helpful to us since Jack can't verbalize his feelings.
4th of July weekend was spent with good friends in South Orange, since we can't really travel anywhere. The afternoon was spent at a festival and then we barbecued with friends! Yum. Sunday we spent at the pool!
We had a good time even though Jack is not allowed to go into a public pool as his immune system is compromised. But he still had fun playing with friends & Playdoh!
The highlight on Wednesday this past week was when Jack got to meet Comet, the therapy dog!
Comet is so amazingly trained. He didn't move when Jack tried to pick him up. Jack made a new best friend, and even shared his Cheerios with Comet!This week he goes in for chemo on Wednesday again, and after that he gets a week off. Please continue to send Jack good energy as the risk of infection or side effects increases as the chemo dosages do also. Hoping that all of you are having a wonderful week!
Love, Anneli
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